Great Coastal Railway Journeys

2022•1 series•Entertainment / Factual
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BBC Two

Seasoned railway traveller, presenter and ex-politician Michael Portillo sets out on another journey to explore the landscape and history of the British Isles by train. Focusing on the beautiful scenery and individual communities found along Britain's coastline, he discovers each area's hidden history while meeting local inhabitants who share their pride and passion for their homes.

Axminster to Budleigh Salterton: Episode Image
Episode 1Axminster to Budleigh Salterton

Michael Portillo embarks on another journey exploring the shores of Britain.

Exeter to Plymouth: Episode Image
Episode 2Exeter to Plymouth

Michael Portillo reaches Devon’s county town, Exeter, dominated by its Gothic cathedral.

Tintagel to St Austell: Episode Image
Episode 3Tintagel to St Austell

Michael leaves Devon for Cornwall and the rugged Atlantic coast of its northern shore.

St Mawes to Porthcurno: Episode Image
Episode 4St Mawes to Porthcurno

Michael reaches the pretty Cornish fishing village of St Mawes.

Isles of Scilly: Episode Image
Episode 5Isles of Scilly

Michael Portillo finishes his journey in the Scillonian archipelago.

Cardigan Bay to Abergynolwyn: Episode Image
Episode 6Cardigan Bay to Abergynolwyn

Michael Portillo embarks on a railway journey around the western coast of Wales.

Harlech to Abedaron: Episode Image
Episode 7Harlech to Abedaron

Michael tracks the coastline north from Harlech to skirt the Llyn Peninsula.

Porthmadog to Anglesey: Episode Image
Episode 8Porthmadog to Anglesey

Michael steams through the glorious scenery of the Snowdonia National Park.

The Isle of Anglesey: Episode Image
Episode 9The Isle of Anglesey

Michael is on the Isle of Anglesey, encountering a Welsh gastronomic delight.

Conwy to Colwyn Bay: Episode Image
Episode 10Conwy to Colwyn Bay

Michael Portillo takes the train to the medieval walled town of Conwy.

Eastbourne to Rye: Episode Image
Episode 11Eastbourne to Rye

Michael sets off to explore the English Channel and the Thames and Medway estuaries.

Folkestone to Le Touquet: Episode Image
Episode 12Folkestone to Le Touquet

Michael Portillo travels through the longest undersea tunnel in the world.

Dover to Margate: Episode Image
Episode 13Dover to Margate

Michael is in Dover, where he recalls the biggest evacuation in military history.

Birchington-on-Sea to Whitstable: Episode Image
Episode 14Birchington-on-Sea to Whitstable

Michael ’s railway exploration of the Channel coastline has reached the Isle of Thanet.

Faversham to Chatham: Episode Image
Episode 15Faversham to Chatham

Michael gets out onto the water in the last sailing barge to work on the Thames.

Canvey Island to Wrabness: Episode Image
Episode 16Canvey Island to Wrabness

Michael Portillo embarks on a new railway journey around the coast of the east of England.

Woodbridge to Southwold: Episode Image
Episode 17Woodbridge to Southwold

Michael is plunged in at the deep end on a rafting challenge with the sea scouts.

Lowestoft to Great Yarmouth: Episode Image
Episode 18Lowestoft to Great Yarmouth

Michael’s journey takes him to the treacherous waters off the Norfolk coast.

West Runton to Burnham Market: Episode Image
Episode 19West Runton to Burnham Market

Michael examines a replica of the smallest bone in Britain's largest mammoth.

Wells-next-the-Sea to the Wash: Episode Image
Episode 20Wells-next-the-Sea to the Wash

20/20. Michael Portillo's rail exploration of the eastern reaches of England draws to a close. [S,AD] [HD]

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