IF YOU ever thought about going on a day trip to London but thought it was too far, think again.

Although we live next to the UK’s second city, Birmingham, who can resist the allure of the capital city with its brighter lights, better shows, bigger buildings, busier streets, and so on.

The thought of driving to London is a horrible one. The 130-mile trip down the M40 from Birmingham would take around two-and-a-half hours. Even in a nice air-conditioned and cruise controlled Audi, that trip with roadworks and delays traffic and road rage is one a frequent commuter would not want to do.

But, sitting for an hour-and-a-half being served drinks and food while being able to work or watch a movie on your laptop or phone, or just recline back in a nice, padded seat until someone comes on over the intercom to say “we will shortly be arriving at London Euston” is a much better way to travel, in my opinion.

My colleague and I decided to sample a few of the train services which provide direct routes to London from Birmingham.

First up: Virgin Trains.

Stepping into the First Class carriage on the Pendolino is nothing like the local services we’ve experienced before. We’re greeted by the server as we find our seats and settle in and other guests smile at us as we pass; nothing like people pushing pass you, hitting you over the head with their luggage and not apologising, and getting on to a carriage to find someone in your reserved seat.

Once the train moves off from Birmingham New Street Station platform, our tickets are checked. We felt very welcomed as we were asked about our day and our stay in London. We were then served breakfast, despite it being quite a late morning train, and drinks as we found our way around the free wi-fi.

Unfortunately, we were unable to make any webpage load and had to stick to our 3G when we had signal, which is normally enhanced by Virgin on their trains, but again we were unlucky as Three is a carrier which is not and both of us are on Three.

But, we weren’t too fussed as once I had eaten my fruit salad, and drunk my orange juice and tea, and once my colleague had eaten his bacon sandwich and drunk two cups of coffee, we weren’t far from arriving at our final stop – London Euston.

One hour and 24 minutes does go quickly at an average speed of 125 mph with very few stops in between.

And when we did arrive, we stepped on to the platform, not knackered from having to fight for a seat for an hour or having to stand for the majority of the way, not seizing up from having to sit on uncomfortable seats, but relaxed and ready for the day and night ahead, and half looking forward to the journey back the following day.

With journeys from just £7.50 in standard class and £25 in first class, I would very happily travel with Virgin Trains again.

To book tickets, visit virgintrains.com.