The SVR via London is good value, as it is unrestricted from Southampton to London. Additionally, SVR tickets with Railcards are valid on ANY Virgin train.
So you pay £8 less and can travel at any time.
SVRs valid via London from stations in the Network area to stations outside the Network area are unrestricted between the station in the Network area and London, and vice-versa.
Examples include: Colchester to Manchester is unrestricted between Colchester and Liverpool St; York to Milton Keynes is unrestricted between Euston and Milton Keynes Central, and so on....
So I think, in your case, it is a better deal going via London and avoiding those awful rattling mid-range Voyager DMUs.
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Which reminds...excuse igmorance but are there sleeping car facilities from Euston to Carlisle? The train gets in after 0500 from London, and in theory I could have brekkie and then get a lift 35 miles to Appleby. The first train to Appleby from Carlisle seems to be several hours after the sleeper arrives. I have to be up at 4.40 three days a week, and zoom off 40 miles and back in the car so am used to early mornings.
Yes, but the berth upgrade price is the same regardless of distance.
It was approx £35 to share a berth, and £52 to have a berth to yourself last time I used it.
You may still get a twin berth to yourself at the lower price - indeed, book from WFJ to CAR and you have a
very good chance!! (You can still board at EUS and just tell the attendant you changed your travel plans - your ticket is valid so there is no problem doing that)