Seasons & Episodes
Liverpool to Eccles
Ep1: Liverpool to Eccles. Michael begins his journey on the world's first passenger railway line, learns to speak Scous
Manchester to Bury
Michael is in Manchester to find out more about George Bradshaw himself. He also gets fitted for a trilby in Denton and
Todmorden to York
Michael travels back in time on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, finds out about the latest Roman discoveries
Pontefract to Bridlington
Michael searches for the last liquorice grower in Pontefract, discovers how the railways turned Hull into one of the lar
Filey to Scarborough
Michael goes bird-watching on the wild cliffs of Flamborough Head, learns to decipher traditional knitting patterns in F
Preston to Morecambe
Michael explores the origins of the temperance movement in Preston, samples the attractions of Blackpool, a resort made
Settle to Garsdale
Michael returns to the historic Settle-Carlisle line to find out what has happened to it since he helped save it in the
Windermere to Kendal
Michael takes a steamboat tour of Lake Windermere, visits Wordsworth's home village of Grasmere and makes sausages with
Carlisle to Glasgow
Michael meets the wild clansmen of Carlisle, the Border Reivers, witnesses a wedding in Gretna Green and visits a secret
Edinburgh to Kirkcaldy
Michael makes apple juice in the Clyde valley orchards, pays a thrilling visit to the top of the Forth Rail Bridge and r
Swindon to Bristol
Michael finds out about free holiday trains for the GWR workers in Swindon, samples the Spa in Bath, and tries his hand
Yatton to Weston Super Mare
Michael samples local Cheddar strawberries, explores Cheddar Gorge and the famous caves, and visits one of the oldest pi
Torquay to Totnes
Michael finds out about Torquay's micro climate, goes salmon fishing on the Dart estuary and spends some of Totnes' new
Bugle to Mevagissey
Michael visits the largest clay mine in the world near St Austell, goes pilchard fishing in Mevagissey and finds out how
Truro to Penzance
Michael searches for the lost church of St Piran, explores the last working tin mine in Cornwall and harvests oysters on
Buxton to Matlock
Michael visits an architectural wonder, the Duke of Devonshire's stables in Buxton, helps to repair the ancient peat lan
Cromford to Burton-on-Trent
Michael visits the oldest working factory in the world at Cromford, explores the country's first public park in Derby an
Walsall to Bournville
Michael meets the queen's saddler in Walsall, learns how to cook an authentic Indian curry in Birmingham and visits Bour
Coventry to Watford
Michael relives the Coventry Blitz, meets the last pure breed Aylesbury duck farmer in Buckinghamshire and finds out how
St Pancras to Westminster
Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with a copy of George Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guidebook. In a series of four e
Brighton to Crystal Palace
Brighton to Cromer - Ep 1. Brighton to Crystal Palace. Michael finds out about Brighton's Victorian aquarium, the large
Waterloo to Canary Wharf
Brighton to Cromer - Ep 2. Waterloo to Canary Wharf. Michael finds out about the Stiff's express, a funeral service run
Enfield to Cambridge
Brighton to Cromer - Ep 3. Enfield to Cambridge. Michael visits the Government Arms Factory at Enfield, the largest mac
Ely to King's Lynn
Brighton to Cromer - Ep 4. Ely to King's Lynn. Michael goes fishing with the last eel trapper on the Fens at Ely and vi
Dereham to Cromer
Brighton to Cromer - Ep 5. Dereham to Cromer. Michael gets the rare chance to drive a heritage diesel train, finds out
Ledbury to Shrewsbury
Ledbury to Holyhead - Ep 6. Ledbury to Shrewsbury. Michael tastes the Victorian drink perry, a kind of pear cider, gets
Telford to Wrexham
Ledbury to Holyhead - Ep 7. Telford to Wrexham. Michael visits the world's first Iron bridge at Coalbrookdale, explores
Chester to Conwy
Ledbury to Holyhead - Ep 8. Chester to Conwy. Michael takes a tour of Chester's Roman remains and discovers a secret Wo
Llanwst to Porthmadog
Ledbury to Holyhead - Ep 9. Llanwst to Porthmadog. Michael explores the Conwy valley, stopping at Britain's first artis
Llanberis to Holyhead
Ledbury to Holyhead - Ep 10. Llanberis to Holyhead. Michael takes the train to the top of Wales's highest peak, Mount S
Newcastle to Chester-le-Street
Newcastle to Melton Mowbray - Ep 11. Newcastle to Chester-Le-Street. Michael visits the first locomotive factory in the
Durham to Grosmont
Newcastle to Melton Mowbray - Ep 12. Durham to Grosmont. Michael visits the historic Durham Cathedral, sees one of the
York to Saltaire
Newcastle to Melton Mowbray - Ep 13. York to Saltaire. Michael takes a Turkish bath in the famous spa town of Harrogate
Batley to Sheffield
Newcastle to Melton Mowbray - Ep 14. Batley to Sheffield. Michael finds out about shoddy, a successful 19th-century rec
Langley Mill to Melton Mowbray
Newcastle to Melton Mowbray - Ep 15. Langley Mill to Melton Mowbray. Michael learns the secrets of stilton cheese, find
London Bridge to Chatham
London Bridge to Hastings - Ep 16. London Bridge to Chatham. Michael visits the Royal Observatory at Greenwich to see h
Aylesford to Tunbridge Wells
London Bridge to Hastings - Ep 17. Aylesford to Tonbridge Wells. Michael explores the life of Victorian hop pickers, fi
Canterbury to Margate
London Bridge to Hastings - Ep 18. Canterbury to Margate. Michael finds out how Canterbury Cathedral was saved during t
Sandwich to Folkestone
London Bridge to Hastings - Ep 19. Sandwich to Folkestone. Michael explores a secret port that ran the first train ferr
Hythe to Hastings
London Bridge to Hastings - Ep 20. Hythe to Hastings. Michael discovers a hardy breed of sheep on the atmospheric Romne
Ayr to Paisley
This journey goes up the west coast of Scotland from Ayr to Skye Ep21. Ayr to Paisley. Michael visits the hometown of
Dumbarton to Tyndrum
This journey goes up the west coast of Scotland from Ayr to Skye Ep22. Dumbarton to Tyndrum. Michael explores the hist
Oban to Corrour
This journey goes up the west coast of Scotland from Ayr to Skye Ep23. Oban to Corrour. Michael discovers how trains s
Roybridge to Glenfinnan
This journey goes up the west coast of Scotland from Ayr to Skye Ep24. Roybridge to Glenfinnan. Michael investigates o
Lochailort to Skye
This journey goes up the west coast of Scotland from Ayr to Skye Ep25. Lochailort to Skye. Michael discovers how the r
Great Yarmouth to Beccles
Michael Portillo discovers the grave robbing history of Great Yarmouth and tries his hand at working a Victorian swing b
Darsham to Felixstowe
Michael Portillo follows the Victorians' fascination with Britain's own Atlantis to Dunwich and discovers the history of
Sudbury to Southend
Michael Portillo comes face to face with a medieval politician, takes a rail tour of Victorian freak show hot spots, and
Epping to Hackney
Michael Portillo sees how gunpowder made in Waltham Cross fuelled an empire, and heads to Hackney to uncover the gruesom
Fenchurch to Embankment
Michael Portillo takes a ride on a secret miniature railway hidden beneath London's streets, and rings the bells of the
Windsor to Didcot
Michael Portillo visits a station fit for royalty in Windsor and views an engineering triumph built by Brunel to span th
Reading to Alton
Michael Portillo tastes a Victorian superfood in Alton and tries his hand at driving a steam train on the challenging Wa
Winchester to Isle of Wight
Michael Portillo experiences the magnificent Victorian organ at Winchester Cathedral and visits a 19th-century rail work
Brockenhurst to Poole
On the trail of a Victorian snake catcher, Michael visits the New Forest seeking out venomous adders, uncovers a secret
Wareham to Portland
Michael uncovers the amazing oil fields hidden underneath England's quiet seaside resorts, discovers the crucial role We
Oxford to Pershore
Michael is lead to a special view of the city of Oxford by his 19th century guidebook, samples a Victorian navvies' brew
Hartlebury to Great Malvern
Michael Portillo visits the Worcestershire village of Hartlebury, which was once home to a bishop who captured Queen Vic
Lydney to Newport
Michael discovers Britain's hidden micro-mines within the Forest of Dean, sees why the Victorians fell for the romantic
Cardiff to Brecon
Michael discovers the Victorian coal heritage that turned Cardiff into the city it is today, explores the 19th-century r
Port Talbot to Milford Haven
Michael explores the Victorian railway legacy behind the steel works of Port Talbot, follows the trail of 19th-century w
Berwick-Upon-Tweed to Morpeth
Michael discovers the unique cross-border history of Berwick-Upon-Tweed, hears the unique story of the Pitman Painters o
Bardon Mill to Wigton
Michael gets his hands dirty following the example of Victorian archaeologists at Hadrian's Wall, discovers how the inve
Cockermouth to Eskdale
Michael drinks a Victorian brew drawn from the pure waters of Cockermouth, steps inside the hidden world of nuclear repr
Kirkby-in-Furness to Lancaster
Michael finds out the secrets behind Kirkby's famous blue slate, submerges himself into a secret world of nuclear submar
Heysham to Snaefell
Michael sets sail from Heysham to the Isle of Man, where he discovers the horse trams of Douglas, the 19th century secre
Bray to Dublin
Today Michael observes the amazing engineering feat involved in building the railway along Dublin's treacherous East coa
Enfield to Drogheda
Today Michael explores the extensive railway network within the Bog of Allen, discovers the Victorian secrets behind the
Dundalk to Portadown
Today Michael explores the Victorians' fascination with antiquity, by visiting the amazing Cromlech stones of Dundalk. H
Belfast to Whitehead
Today Michael explores the fascinating history of Belfast's Victorian docks, discovers the Irish spade making traditions
Ballymoney to Londonderry
Today Michael takes a white knuckle walk over the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, follows in the footsteps of the Victorians
High Wycombe to Stratford-upon-Avon
Michael Portillo embarks on another journey around the nation with a copy of George Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guidebo
Birmingham to Stafford
Michael Portillo learns how the railways helped to make Birmingham the pen-making capital of the world, hears the chilli
Stoke-on-Trent to Winsford
Michael Portillo travels from Stoke-on-Trent to Winsford, Cheshire, finding out about one of the greatest locomotive fac
Dudley to Bridgnorth
Michael Portillo travels from Dudley in the West Midlands to Bridgnorth, Shropshire. He learns how Victorian blacksmithi
Welshpool to Aberystwyth
Michael Portillo travels from Welshpool, Powys, to Aberystwyth in Ceredigion. He experiences Victorian entertainment in
Portsmouth to Gomshall
Michael Portillo embarks on the next stage of his journey in which he travels from the naval hub of Portsmouth to Grimsb
Woking to Clapham Junction
Michael Portillo travels from Woking in Surrey to Clapham Junction in south London. Along the way he gets close to some
London Victoria to Abbey Wood
Michael learns how volunteer Victorian firefighters liked a tipple, discovers that 19th-century sewage pumps were a marv
London King's Cross to Peterborough
Michael Portillo discovers how derelict Victorian London is being rejuvenated. Furthermore he works in a shift at a Camb
Spalding to Grimsby
Michael learns about how Lincolnshire farmers utilised rails to improve their harvests, visiting the impressive cathedra
Stirling to Invergowrie
Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with his copy of Bradshaw's Victorian railway guidebook, he travels the length and
Dundee to Aberdeen
Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with his copy of Bradshaw's Victorian railway guidebook, he travels the length and
Dufftown to Aviemore
Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with his copy of Bradshaw's Victorian railway guidebook, he travels the length and
Inverness to Plockton
Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with his copy of Bradshaw's Victorian railway guidebook. He travels the length and
Invergordon to John O'Groats
Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with his copy of Bradshaw's Victorian railway guidebook, he travels the length and
London Paddington to Warminster
Michael gets to grips with the old grey matter at a Victorian asylum, gives an historic horse a facelift and makes malt
Salisbury to Castle Cary
Michael visits a world famous tourist hotspot that's been captivating visitors since the Victorian era, takes to the air
Taunton to Minehead
Michael explores a church that moves in mysterious ways, finds out just what it takes to run a 19th century signal box a
Lynton and Lynmouth to Exeter
Michael gets up close to a piece of natural history, visits a garden used as a viewing platform for public hangings and
Exmouth to Newton Abbot
Michael takes to sea with the heroes of the RNLI, visits a stormy coastal railway and has a close personal encounter wit
Killarney to Cobh
Michael Portillo takes to the tracks once again using his Bradshaw's 'Handbook for Tourists in Great Britain and Ireland
Charleville to Waterford
Michael Portillo takes to the tracks once again using his Bradshaw's 'Handbook for Tourists in Great Britain and Ireland
Kilkenny to Athy
Michael Portillo takes to the tracks once again using his Bradshaw's 'Handbook for Tourists in Great Britain and Ireland
Newbridge to Roscrea
Michael Portillo takes to the tracks once again using his Bradshaw's 'Handbook for Tourists in Great Britain and Ireland
Athlone to Galway
Michael Portillo takes to the tracks once again using his Bradshaw's 'Handbook for Tourists in Great Britain and Ireland
Manchester to Birkenhead
Michael Portillo embarks on a new journey from Manchester, birthplace of George Bradshaw, the publisher of his trusted g
Southport to Leyland
Michael Portillo continues his journey through the North West of England. He begins in the elegant Lancashire resort of
Preston to Rochdale
Michael Portillo continues his journey through the North West of England. He celebrates Victorian trade with the Preston
Haworth to Huddersfield
Michael Portillo begins this leg of his journey from Manchester to Chesterfield at the home of the three Bronte sisters
Honley to Chesterfield
On the last leg of his journey from a notorious slum in Manchester to the grandeur of a ducal seat in Derbyshire, Michae
London Euston to Cheddington
On the last leg of his journey from a notorious slum in Manchester to the grandeur of a ducal seat in Derbyshire, Michae
Bletchley to Newport Pagnell
Michael Portillo continues his journey north on Robert Stephenson's first inter-city railway line from the capital. Alon
Northampton to Nuneaton
Steered by his Bradshaw's Michael Portillo heads north on his journey from London to Leeds, stopping in Northampton, the
Leicester to Loughborough
Guided by his Victorian Bradshaw's Michael Portillo continues his journey north along Robert Stephenson's London to Birm
Nottingham to Leeds
On the final leg of his journey along the first inter-city line to be built from the capital, Michael Portillo rediscove
Southampton to Basingstoke
Assisted by his Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo embarks on a new journey from Southampton to Wolverhampton. On this
Winchfield to Crowthorne
Michael Portillo's journey continues in a military vein, as he views the Duke of Wellington's funeral carriage and visit
Wokingham to Bradford-on-Avon
On the third leg of his journey, Michael Portillo learns how demand from rail commuters fuelled the development of the m
Chippenham to Gloucester
Michael Portillo continues his journey from Southampton to Wolverhampton beginning today in Chippenham, where at Lacock
Cheltenham to Wolverhampton
On the final leg of his journey from Southampton to Wolverhampton, Michael's first destination is the elegant spa town o
Norwich to Brandon
Guided by his 19th century Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo embarks on a new journey from Norwich to Chichester. On th
Ipswich to Chelmsford
Guided by his 19th century Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo embarks on a new journey from Norwich to Chichester. On th
Ilford to Rochester
Steered by his Bradshaw's, Michael Portillo heads along the Essex bank of the Thames before crossing the river into the
Faversham to Dorking
Michael Portillo continues his journey from Norwich to Chichester beginning in Faversham in Kent, at one of the country'
Brighton to Chichester
On the final leg of his journey between the cathedral cities of Norwich and Chichester, Michael Portillo discovers the h
Ayr to Stewarton
Michael Portillo embarks on a new journey through southern Scotland from west to east. From Ayr, he admires the granite
Greenock to Larkhall
Armed with his Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo continues his journey through southern Scotland. He celebrates Victori
Motherwell to Linlithgow
Armed with his Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo continues his journey through southern Scotland. He celebrates Victori
Stirling to Pitlochry
Steered by his Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo begins this leg of his journey in Stirling, where he visits the scene
St Andrew's to Edinburgh
On the last leg of his journey across Scotland from west to east, Michael Portillo pays homage to the birthplace of golf
Amersham to Regent's Park
Michael Portillo embarks on a series of journeys through London. He travels on the capital's first underground railway,
Deptford to West Silverton
Michael Portillo is invited aboard the construction locomotive for Crossrail to travel under the Thames and to meet Mary
Stratford to London Victoria
Guided by his Bradshaw's, Michael Portillo takes the high-speed line to Stratford to explore the legacy of the Olympic P
Covent Garden to Soho
Guided by his Victorian Bradshaw's Guide, Michael Portillo explores London's theatreland and discovers how 19th-century
High Street Kensington to London Bridge
On the last of his journeys in the capital, Michael Portillo explores Albertopolis and reaches dizzying heights inside a
Derby to Grantham
Michael Portillo embarks on a new journey following his Bradshaw's handbook from the heart of the industrial east Midlan
Boston to Hensall
Armed with his Bradshaw's, Michael Portillo continues his journey from Derby to Lindisfarne. Beginning in Boston in the
Hessle to York
Steered by his Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo continues his journey from the heart of the east Midlands to Northumbe
Middlesbrough to Hexham
Following his Bradshaw's Handbook, Michael Portillo begins this leg of his journey from Derby to Lindisfarne in the Vict
Newcastle to Lindisfarne
Michael Portillo journeys from Newcastle up the north east coast to Lindisfarne. He finds out about the world's earliest
Pembroke Dock to Swansea
Michael Portillo embarks on a new journey from west Wales to East Anglia. Beginning at Pembroke Dock, Michael visits the
Swansea to Hereford
Michael Portillo continues his journey from Pembroke Dock to Cambridge. On this leg, he begins in the ruinous gardens at
Abergavenny to Hanborough
Michael Portillo makes his way from west Wales across Britain to Cambridge. On this leg, he begins underground at Big Pi
Oxford to Luton
Michael continues his journey from Pembroke Dock to Cambridge. Beginning in the heart of academia in Oxford, Michael vis
Oakham to Cambridge
On the final leg of his journey from west Wales to East Anglia, Michael Portillo begins in Oakham, where he learns of a
Carlisle to Penrith
Carlisle to Penrith Joining the cracker packers of Carlisle on the factory floor, Michael really takes the biscuit as h
Windermere to Carnforth
Windermere to Carnforth Michael continues his journey through the Lake District where he discovers a magical world of t
Preston to Swinton
Preston to Swinton Michael reads the riot act in Preston, where he discovers four mill workers were shot dead by soldie
St Helens to Knutsford
St Helens to Knutsford Steered by his Bradshaw's guide, Michael begins this leg of his journey in Merseyside, where he
Ashley to Alton
Ashley to Alton On the last leg of his journey through north west England, Michael makes a clean sweep in Ashley, where
Dover to Lewes
Dover to Lewes Michael embarks on a railway journey along the south coast of Britain. Beginning in the port of Dover, h
Newhaven to Worthing
Newhaven to Worthing Following his Bradshaw's handbook, Michael examines the nation's hidden defences against potential
Littlehampton to Beaulieu
Littlehampton to Beaulieu Michael arrives in Littlehampton, where he discovers how Victorian engineers dug deep to defe
Lymington Town to Exmouth
Lymington Town to Exmouth Armed with his Bradshaw's Handbook, Michael arrives in the sailing haven of Lymington where h
Plymouth to Porthcurno
Plymouth to Porthcurno In Plymouth, Michael finds out about the Royal Navy's fighting spirit and mixes his own blend of
Birmingham to Worcester
Birmingham to Worcester Every train ride begins with a whistle and Michael's new railway journey is no exception, blast
Redditch to Gloucester
Redditch to Gloucester Michael heads for the sharp end of the Victorian industrial revolution at a needle manufactory i
Stroud to Bath
Stroud to Bath Michael takes pot luck on the snooker table as he investigates the Victorian origins of the game and fin
Bristol to Glastonbury
Bristol to Glastonbury Armed with his Bradshaw's guidebook, Michael enters the foul-smelling world of a Victorian tanne
Bridgewater to Dartmouth
Bridgwater to Dartmoor Following his Bradshaw's Guidebook, Michael stands trial at the Bloody Assizes in Taunton and fe
Ashford to Sevenoaks
Ashford to Sevenoaks Michael begins a new journey through the home counties in Ashford, Kent, lending a hand at a state
East Grinstead to Guildford
East Grinstead to Guildford At East Grinstead, Michael dons a boiler suit and takes to the footplate of a loco on the B
Woking to Walton-on-Thames
Woking to Walton-on-Thames Michael's journey through the home counties continues at Woking, Surrey, where Michael uncov
Hampton Court to Teddington
Hampton Court to Teddington A royal residence beckons for Michael as he is treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the w
Egham to Henley-on-Thames
Egham to Henley-on-Thames Michael begins the final leg of this journey through the home counties at Egham, where a perf
The Flying Scotsman
he Flying Scotsman A once-in-a-lifetime journey aboard the most famous train in history, the Flying Scotsman, begins fo
Welwyn Garden City to Peterborough
Welwyn Garden City to Peterborough After the excitement of his ride on the Flying Scotsman, Michael begins a new journe
Newark-on-Trent to Stockton-on-Tees
Newark on Trent to Stockton-on-Tees Following his trip from London to York on board the Flying Scotsman, Michael uses h
Darlington to Dunbar
Darlington to Dunbar In Newton Aycliffe, he tests a state-of-the-art passenger train on tracks which follow the route t
Longniddry to Edinburgh
Longniddry to Edinburgh Michael helps himself to a ukulele lesson in Haddington, birthplace of Victorian self-improveme
Blackpool to Manchester Victoria
Blackpool to Manchester Victoria On a new journey across Bradshaw's Britain with his Victorian guidebook. He makes pote
Manchester Piccadilly to Silkstone Common
Manchester Piccadilly to Silkstone Common Michael Portillo's journey from the Irish Sea to the North Sea continues by t
Chapeltown to Doncaster
Chapeltown to Doncaster From Chapeltown, Michael heads to Wharncliffe Crags, where he plucks up courage to follow in th
Gainsborough to Ely
Gainsborough to Ely Steered by his Bradshaw's railway handbook to Gainsborough, Michael Portillo wraps his head around
Stowmarket to Harwich
Stowmarket to Harwich Michael Portillo is on the final leg of his journey following the route of the North Country Cont
Wexford to Wicklow
Wexford to Wicklow Armed with his Bradshaw's Handbook, Michael Portillo begins a journey across Ireland. In the port of
Greystones to Dublin
Greystones to Dublin At Trinity College, Dublin, Michael Portillo discovers one of Ireland's greatest treasures and lea
Navan to Mullingar
Navan to Mullingar Michael gets up to speed with modern archaeology in County Meath and uncovers a controversial Victor
Dromod to Sligo
Dromod to Sligo With his Victorian Bradshaw's guidebook in hand, Michael Portillo crosses the Emerald Isle uncovering I
Ballina to Westport
Ballina to Westport On the last leg of Michael Portillo's long journey from Wexford to Westport, a fashionable Victoria
Cromer to Cambridge
Cromer to Cambridge His first journey follows in the footsteps of the new monarch for the new century, King Edward VII,
Letchworth Garden City to Herne Hill
Letchworth Garden City to Herne Hill Michael joins a garden party where a fourth-generation citizen of Letchworth intro
Croydon to Shoreham-by-Sea
Croydon to Shoreham-by-Sea Steered by his Edwardian Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo arrives in west Croydon, where h
Chichester to Cowes
Chichester to Cowes His early 20th-century Bradshaw's guide in hand, Michael Portillo is in Chichester, West Sussex, wh
Swanwick to Brownsea Island
Swanwick to Brownsea Island Steered by his Edwardian Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo promises to do his best on the
Whitland to Swansea
Dressed in the colours of the Welsh flag and with his 'new' Edwardian Bradshaw's guide in hand, Michael Portillo embarks
Pontyclun to Ebbw Vale Town
Pontyclun to Ebbw Vale Town Armed with his Edwardian Bradshaw's guide, Michael strikes gold at the Royal Mint in Llantr
Newport to Clevedon/Yatton/Bristol Channel
Newport to Clevedon Yatton Bristol Channel Steered by his early 20th-century Bradshaw's guide, Michael discovers the bi
Taunton to Newton Abbot
Taunton to Newton Abbot With purple, green and yellow ribbons flying, and sporting ankle bells, Michael Portillo is led
Plymouth to The Lizard
Taunton to Newton Abbot With purple, green and yellow ribbons flying, and sporting ankle bells, Michael Portillo is led
Hull to Malton
Michael Portillo embarks on a journey through Britain steered by his Edwardian railway handbook. He begins in the East Y
York to Frizinghall
York to Frizinghall Armed with his Edwardian Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo conducts important research in an histo
Sheffield to Nantwich
With his Edwardian railway guidebook tucked under his arm, Michael Portillo is in the steel city of Sheffield, where he
Liverpool to Dolgarrog
Michael Portillo's Edwardian railway guide takes him to the city of Liverpool, where King Edward VII had recently laid t
Criccieth to Caernarfon
With his Edwardian Bradshaw's railway guide tucked under his arm, Michael Portillo begins the last leg of his journey fr
Warrington to Preston
Warrington to Preston Armed with his Bradshaw’s Guide, Michael Portillo embarks on a new journey through Britain’s
Blackburn to Manchester
Blackburn to Manchester Michael Portillo continues his journey through Britain’s industrial northwest, visiting Black
Manchester to Elsecar
Manchester to Elsecar Armed with Bradshaw’s Guide, Michael Portillo continues his journey through Britain's industria
Maltby to Hinckley
Maltby to Hinckley Armed with his Bradshaw’s Guide, Michael Portillo continues his tour of Britain’s industrial hea
Birmingham to the Potteries
Birmingham to the Potteries Armed with his Bradshaw’s guide, Michael Portillo visits Birmingham, then travels on to C
Newry to Portadown
Newry to Portadown Beginning in Newry, Michael Portillo finds a specially chartered train that would deliver demonstrat
Belfast to Portrush
Belfast to Portrush Michael Portillo continues his rail journey through Northern Ireland. In Belfast’s grand Edwardia
Larne to Dumfries
Larne to Dumfries Leaving from the seaport of Larne, Michael Portillo reaches Stranraer and the Mull of Galloway, where
Glasgow to Cumbrae
Glasgow to Cumbrae Michael Portillo explores the industrial heartland of Glasgow and its mighty River Clyde before taki
Glasgow to Connel Ferry
Michael Portillo falls into line with the University of Glasgow’s Officer Training Corps. Founded in the early 20th ce
Warwick to Radley
Warwick to Radley In Warwick’s medieval castle, Michael Portillo uncovers the scene of an extravagant and scandalous
Reading to Cookham
Reading to Cookham Messing about in boats is the name of the game in Henley on Thames, where Michael Portillo slips int
Ealing Broadway to South Kensington
Ealing Broadway to South Kensington In the Queen of the Suburbs, Ealing, Michael Portillo finds comedy at the home of B
Piccadilly Circus to Gravesend
Piccadilly Circus to Gravesend At Covent Garden’s Royal Ballet School, Michael Portillo hears how in 1909 a Russian b
East Malling to Rye
East Malling to Rye In Folkestone, Michael Portillo hears how the town coped with an influx of more than 100,000 refuge
Newcastle to County Durham
Beginning just outside Newcastle in Jarrow, Michael uncovers the desperation which led 200 men to march 300 miles to Wes
Kielder Forest to Edinburgh
Steered by his 1936 Bradshaw's Guide, Michael Portillo is in Northumbria en route to the Highlands.
Falkirk to Dundee
Michael Portillo's railway journey through 1930s Britain from Newcastle to Loch Ness reaches Falkirk in Scotland.
Dundee to Aberdeen
Stopping at Dundee, Michael Portillo heads for Glamis Castle, where Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the Queen Mother, grew up
Elgin to Loch Ness
Michael Portillo's journey ends at Loch Ness, where he joins the Deep Scan research team as they scour the deep for sign
St Ives to St Day
Michael Portillo explores the West Country between the wars and discovers a Cornish fisherman, who, although he began pa
Truro to St Mawgan
In the countryside surrounding Truro, Michael finds the historic estate of Trewithen, whose gardens were stocked from Ch
Bodmin to Totnes
Clutching his 1930s Bradshaw’s Guide, Michael Portillo reaches Bodmin en route to Totnes as he explores the West Count
Paignton to Tiverton
The Dartmouth Steam Railway takes Michael Portillo to the beautiful home of Agatha Christie, in the company of her great
Taunton to Salisbury Plain
Michael Portillo crosses the county line from Devon into Somerset. He sees first-hand how willow farmers sought to overc
Canterbury to Alexandra Palace
Beginning in Canterbury in Kent, Michael treads the boards as he uncovers the political message behind a play, published
Limehouse to Rochford
On this leg, Michael alights at Limehouse in east London for Cable Street, which became the focus of Britain's fight aga
Witham to Felixstowe
Michael Portillo's railway journey reaches Witham in Essex. Here he visits the factory of the world's oldest supplier of
Saxmundham to Norwich
Michael Portillo heads for Snape Maltings, a concert and arts venue, and learns how the music and life of one of Britain
Attleborough to Skegness
Michael Portillo is in Attleborough, at the headquarters of an international horse welfare organization which was establ
Oxford to Abingdon
Michael Portillo strikes out on another series of railway journeys, starting with a tour of the Home Counties and beyond
Stoke Mandeville to Beaconsfield
Michael Portillo continues his travels through England's Home Counties at Stoke Mandeville in Buckinghamshire, where he
West Ruislip to Windsor
Michael Portillo heads for leafy Hatch End, where he investigates an illustrator whose work was so popular in the 1920s
Guildford to Aldershot
Michael Portillo resumes his tour of the Home Counties in the picturesque and historic county town of Guildford. Englis
Farnborough to Winchester
Michael is heading for Farnborough, Hampshire, famous today for its airshow and home to what was then the Royal Aircraft
Saxmundham to Dedham
Armed with his 1930s Bradshaw's, Michael Portillo explores interwar East Anglia. Starting at Sutton Hoo, he visits the e
Colchester to Chadwell Heath
Michael Portillo continues his Bradshaw's-inspired journey through East Anglia, where he discovers the Essex origins of
Potters Bar to Cardington
Michael's Bradshaw travels resume in leafy Hertfordshire, where he attempts a canoe slalom course, visits the estate of
Sawbridgeworth to Cambridge
Steered by his Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo heads for the Hertfordshire village of Perry Green to learn about Henr
Newmarket to Walsingham
Michael Portillo is in Suffolk on the last leg of his 1930s Bradshaw's inspired tour of East Anglia, visiting the raceco
Crewe to Shotton
Oh, Mr Porter, what could he do? Michael Portillo is in Crewe, a town steeped in railway history and immortalised in Vic
Rhyl to Anglesey
Michael Portillo's 1930s Bradshaw's-inspired railway tour of North Wales takes him to a coast lined by magnificent castl
Bangor to Betws y Coed
Michael Portillo continues his 1936 Bradshaw's-inspired railway tour of North Wales in the coastal city of Bangor before
Blaenau Ffestiniog to Barmouth
In the Welsh mountains of Snowdonia, Michael Portillo reaches an abandoned mine, where in 1940 the wartime government so
Aberystwyth to Newtown
Armed with his 1930s Bradshaw's Guide, Michael Portillo travels from Aberystwyth into the Cambrian Mountains at Devil's
Biggin Hill to Ashdown Forest
Michael Portillo experiences a terrifying ‘victory roll’ in a World War II Spitfire, high above the most famous aero
Hassocks to Benenden
Starting in Hassocks, Michael makes his way to the beautiful Sussex village of Ditchling, where, between the wars, a Rom
Rye to Dungeness
Michael Portillo follows his 1930s Bradshaw’s guide to the unspoilt East Sussex port of Rye, where he learns about the
Deal to Margate
From the Kent Cinque Port of Deal, Michael heads to the splendid Walmer Castle, home during the 1920s to a Lord Warden o
Herne Bay to Leeds Castle, Kent
Armed with his interwar copy of Bradshaw’s Guide to the Railways, Michael reaches the Kent seaside resort of Herne Bay
Chislehurst to Kennington
Michael continues his journeys in greater London. Beginning on its southeastern fringe in the leafy and historic village
Hackney Wick to Oxford Circus
Michael continues his travels through the capital in the heart of London’s East End. Michael explores Hackney Wick, to
Hampstead to Islington
Michael’s Bradshaw’s-inspired rail tour of London continues in Hampstead, where shortly before the outbreak of the S
Dagenham to Battersea
Armed with his 1930s Bradshaw’s guide, Michael is in London, where he tracks the River Thames from east to west. Micha
Park Royal to Westminster
Michael Portillo discovers the origins of Harry Beck's map of the London Underground, learns about a shocking surrealist
Preston to Rawtenstall
Michael Portillo strikes out to explore the Britain of his youth, starting at Preston’s Fulwood Barracks and heading a
Urmston to New Islington
Michael’s journey through north west England from Preston to Hebden Bridge reaches Greater Manchester, where Michael c
Oldham to Wakefield
Greater Manchester’s Metrolink tram delivers Michael to the former cotton town of Oldham. He heads across to Wakefield
Wakefield to Leeds
From Wakefield, West Yorkshire, Michael visits the National Coal Mining Museum for England at Caphouse Colliery. He paus
Bradford to Hebden Bridge
Michael Portillo continues his postwar exploration of north west England in Bradford, Shipley and Hebden Bridge. In Cent
Tilbury to Barbican
Michael Portillo travels through the Britain of his youth from London’s Docklands and East End to the ‘city within a
Waterloo to Regent's Park
Michael Portillo continues his railway exploration of the post-war Britain of his youth on a journey from London to Camb
Paddington to Ongar
Michael Portillo ventures deep underground onto London’s newest railway: the Elizabeth Line. He travels across London
Felixstowe to Norwich
Michael Portillo continues his rail exploration of the east of England, starting on the seafront of Felixstowe and finis
Brandon to Cambridge
Michael Portillo completes his railway journey through the east of England during the post-war period, heading from RAF
Derby to Hinckley
Michael Portillo explores the postwar Britain of his youth on a railway journey from the Midlands to the West Country, b
Coventry to Leamington Spa
In Coventry, Michael recalls the destruction by the Luftwaffe of the city’s Gothic cathedral in November 1940, before
Long Itchington to Moseley
Michael Portillo’s railway journey reaches the heart of the Warwickshire countryside, where work is underway the bigge
Wolverhampton to Cheltenham
At the African and Caribbean Heritage Centre in Wolverhampton, Michael finds out about the impact of Enoch Powell's 1968
Tewkesbury to Filton
Michael visits the fairy-tale castle of Eastnor at the foot of the Malvern Hills, before heading to the Severn Estuary a
Denham to Swindon
Beginning at London Marylebone, the last great Victorian railway terminus to be built in the capital, Michael Portillo e
Chippenham to Yeovil
Michael Portillo joins Navy Wings pilots for a spectacular close formation flight in the skies over Royal Naval Air Stat
Swanage to Portchester
Michael Portillo reaches England’s south coast to continue his exploration of postwar Britain, beginning on the steam-
Havant to Guildford
Michael Portillo reaches Havant, where the Scalextric factory was located, and Haslemere, the surprise birthplace of a m
Wokingham to Heathrow
Michael goes on a tour around Heathrow Airport, taking an eerie walk around the mothballed Terminal 1 building and endin
Loch Lomond to Kelvinbridge
Michael Portillo boards the West Highland Line to begin a railway journey across Scotland’s central belt, from the Arr
Glasgow to Cumbernauld
At the home of Scottish football, Glasgow’s Hampden Park stadium, Michael admires the oldest football trophy in the wo
Shawlands to Livingston
Michael Portillo continues his postwar Scottish railway adventure, this time from Glasgow to the capital, Edinburgh.
Edinburgh to Queensferry
At the former Midlothian mining village of Newtongrange, Michael meets the son of a miner whose name loomed large in the
Dundee to Loch of the Lowes
Michael’s rail journey through post-war Scotland takes him over the River Tay to Dundee on the trail of Joseph McKenzi
Liverpool to Uttoxeter
Michael Portillo twists and shouts through postwar Liverpool, visiting the strikingly contemporary Liverpool Metropolita
Derby to Nottingham
Michael Portillo reaches the jet age in the Derby suburb of Peartree, where he tours the engineering colossus Rolls-Royc
Lincoln to York
Michael Portillo’s postwar journey from Merseyside to Teesside resumes at Brayford Pool in Lincoln, where England’s
York to Skipton
Michael Portillo’s journey finds him in York, a paradise for rail enthusiasts. He discovers the gardens at Harlow Carr
Northallerton to Chester-Le-Street
Michael Portillo confronts a detachment of Gurkhas, produces a fine heritage cheese and discovers a monster cracker, whi
Paddock Wood to Frant
Michael Portillo takes to the rails to explore one of Britain’s oldest surviving landscapes, the woods and pasture of
Hildenborough to Robertsbridge
Michael Portillo’s rail exploration of the historic wooded region of south east England, known as the Weald, continues
Dorking to Lingfield
Michael Portillo’s railway tour of the Weald reaches the spectacular Surrey countryside, where he finds a surprising c
Gatwick Airport to Royal Tunbridge Wells
Michael Portillo’s rail exploration of the spectacular countryside of the Weald in Surrey, Sussex and Kent continues -
Chichester to Amberley
Michael Portillo’s railway tour of the green and pleasant landscape between the North and South Downs, known as the We
Windermere to Sellafield
Michael Portillo begins a railway tour of the spectacular border counties of Cumbria and Dumfriesshire, starting in the
St Bees to Grange-over-Sands
Michael Portillo’s railway tour continues as he travels along the scenic Cumbrian Coast Line. He visits an iron ore mi
Maryport to Penrith
Michael Portillo’s railway journey through Cumbria and Dumfriesshire heads to the hills as he follows in the footsteps
Aspatria to Carlisle
Michael Portillo’s railway journey through Cumbria and Dumfriesshire takes him to the rolling countryside around Aspat
Dumfries to Auchinleck
Michael concludes his journey from Cumbria to Dumfriesshire by crossing the Solway Firth into Scotland, where he visits
Shrewsbury to Telford
Michael Portillo re-enacts the Battle of Shrewsbury and explores the town's beautiful gothic cathedral, while also ridin
Ironbridge to Coseley
Michael Portillo is in Ironbridge Gorge on the River Severn, a hotbed of 18th-century innovation which features the worl
Dudley to West Bromwich
Michael Portillo boards a barge on the Dudley Canal, discovers an ancient seabed and explores racial tension in 1960s Sm
Birmingham New Street to Wednesbury
Arriving in Birmingham, Michael Portillo heads to Curzon Street for a tour of the HS2 terminus still under construction.
Solihull to Birmingham International
On the final leg of his Midlands tour, Michael Portillo travels to Solihull, the home of iconic British brand Land Rover
Loughton to Audley End
Michael Portillo embarks on a journey across Essex. He heads to the ancient woodland of Epping Forest and learns of Audl
Romford to the Blackwater Estuary
Michael’s exploration of Essex continues in Romford, where he visits a state-of-the-art rail operating centre. On the
Chelmsford to Tollesbury
Michael’s exploration of Essex reaches Chelmsford, where the city's bishop relates her story of escape from Iran after
Witham to Saffron Walden
Arriving in the Essex market town of Witham, Michael heads into the countryside to visit one of the county’s great cou
Colchester to Chappel and Wakes Colne
Michael's exploration of Essex is drawing to a close. He visits Colchester, which was first mentioned in AD77 and proudl
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