Great British Railway Journeys
Michael Portillo makes various railway journeys across the UK, using a 150-year-old Bradshaw's Guide (a collection of railway timetables and a guidebook). He looks at the history, culture and industry of the towns that he passes through, and the way that things have changed since Bradshaw wrote his Guide.
- 2010-2025
- 16 seasons
- Documentary
Michael Portillo makes various railway journeys across the UK, using a 150-year-old Bradshaw's Guide (a collection of railway timetables and a guidebook). He looks at the history, culture and industry of the towns that he passes through, and the way that things have changed since Bradshaw wrote his Guide.
Season 13 Episode Guide
10 Episodes 2021
Episode 1
Biggin Hill to Ashdown Forest
29 mins
Michael experiences a victory roll in a World War II Spitfire high above Biggin Hill aerodrome. He takes the train to East Grinstead in search of a famous bear and deeper in Ashdown Forest discovers a revolutionary farm.
Episode 2
Hassocks to Benenden
29 mins
Michael travels to Ditchling to learn about a community of Roman Catholic artists, to Bexhill-on-Sea to hear of the importance of ARP Wardens, visits the home of Rudyard Kipling and learns how an Englishman saved Japanese cherry trees.
Episode 3
Rye to Dungeness
29 mins
In the port of Rye, Michael hears how a generation of lifeboatmen lost their lives in a 1928 rescue attempt and also learns about coastal defences. He travels across Romney Marsh to Dungeness and examines some curious concrete structures.
Episode 4
Deal to Margate
29 mins
Episode 5
Herne Bay to Leeds Castle, Kent
29 mins
Episode 6
Chislehurst to Kennington
29 mins
Episode 7
Hackney Wick to Oxford Circus
29 mins
Episode 8
Hampstead to Islington
29 mins
Episode 9
Dagenham to Battersea
29 mins
Episode 10
Park Royal to Westminster
29 mins