Great Coastal Railway Journeys

2022•2 series
Available on U&Yesterday
U&Yesterday

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.

Douglas to Port Erin: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 1Douglas to Port Erin

Michael Portillo returns to travel by train to more places around the British Isles, beginning by heading to the Isle of Man - a paradise for rail lovers.

Liverpool to Blackpool: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 2Liverpool to Blackpool

Michael Portillo journeys to Liverpool's historic waterfront, where he visits the International Slavery Museum, before heading north towards Blackpool.

Morecambe to Grange-over-Sands: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 3Morecambe to Grange-over-Sands

Michael Portillo continues his journey across the vast and beautiful Morecambe Bay, where he joins one of the town's last shrimpers.

Ulverston to Ravenglass: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 4Ulverston to Ravenglass

Michael Portillo travels though Cumbria, setting sail in a small craft on Lake Windermere.

St Bees to Maryport: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 5St Bees to Maryport

Michael Portillo embarks on the last leg of his railway journey around the north-west coast of England, visiting the childhood home of William Wordsworth.

Middlesbrough to Boulby: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 6Middlesbrough to Boulby

Michael Portillo hunts for dark matter in the deepest mine in Britain in Boulby, North Yorkshire, then visits Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge.

Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 7Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay

Michael Portillo travels from Whitby, where he explores the port's shipbuilding and seafaring heritage, to Robin Hood's Bay, a former smuggling haven.

Scarborough to Bridlington: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 8Scarborough to Bridlington

Michael Portillo is in the North Yorkshire seaside resort of Scarborough to explore one of the greatest royal fortresses in England.

Hornsea to Spurn Point: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 9Hornsea to Spurn Point

Michael Portillo travels from the seaside resort of Hornsea, to Spurn Point, where he learns about a life-saving 19th-century invention.

Grimsby to Humberston Fitties: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 10Grimsby to Humberston Fitties

Michael Portillo reaches Lincolnshire, where his coastal railway journey ends. In Grimsby Town, he investigates a new stage in the town's history.

Ballarena to Giant's Causeway: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 11Ballarena to Giant's Causeway

Michael Portillo heads to Northern Ireland's Causeway coast beginning a new journey along the north and east coasts through Ulster and Leinster.

Ballymena to Carrickfergus: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 12Ballymena to Carrickfergus

Michael Portillo visits a museum in Belfast Lough telling the story of Ireland's railway heritage and learns of the important role of Carrickfergus.

Bangor to Belfast: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 13Bangor to Belfast

Michael Portillo makes his way from Bangor to Belfast, along the way enjoying live music on a boat and visiting the parliament building at Stormont.

Carlingford to Dublin: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 14Carlingford to Dublin

Michael Portillo makes his way from the vast beaches of the Carlingford Peninsula to the capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin.

Dun Laoghaire to Rosslare: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 15Dun Laoghaire to Rosslare

Michael Portillo travels from the capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin, on the DART suburban railway to the harbour town of Dun Laoghaire.

South Coast: Part 1: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 16South Coast: Part 1

Michael Portillo travels across Dorset, beginning in Portland Harbour, the location for the 2012 Olympic sailing events.

South Coast: Part 2: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 17South Coast: Part 2

Michael Portillo visits Dorset's Jurassic Coast. He heads through Swanage, Poole and Sandbanks, before ending his journey on Brownsea Island.

South Coast: Part 3: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 18South Coast: Part 3

Michael Portillo heads from Southampton to the Isle of Wight, where he rides the island's railway, made up of recycled London Underground trains.

South Coast: Part 4: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 19South Coast: Part 4

Michael Portillo explores Lee on the Solent in Hampshire, the maritime city of Portsmouth, and Chichester's vast, natural harbour.

Fishbourne to Seaford: Episode Image
EpisodeĀ 20Fishbourne to Seaford

The final leg of Michael Portillo's South Coast adventure begins in Fishbourne. He also visits Brighton, and the South Downs.

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