Great British Railway Journeys

2010•4 series

Available on U&Yesterday

Cartographer George Bradshaw produced the first comprehensive timetable and travel guide of Great Britain's railway system in 1840. Armed with his Bradshaw's Guide, presenter Michael Portillo travels around the country by train exploring the ways that society and industry have changed since the guide was first published during the Victorian era. In each destination Michael visits local landmarks, meets residents, enjoys local food, and tries his hand at local crafts and manufacture, and considers the legacy of the industrial revolution as he makes he way across the country.

Episode 1Cromer to Cambridge

Michael Portillo embarks on train journeys through Edwardian Britain, exploring the grand estates of Norfolk and a bivouac on Brownsea Island on the way. S9 Ep1

Episode 2Letchworth Garden City to Herne Hill

Michael Portillo explores Edwardian utopia in Letchworth, where he meets a fourth generation citizen who introduces him to the town's community spirit. S9 Ep2

Episode 3Croydon to Shoreham-by-Sea

Michael Portillo travels from Croydon to Shoreham-by-Sea, hearing the story of a once-celebrated composer and visiting the oldest licensed airport in the UK. S9 Ep3

Episode 4Chichester to Cowes

Michael Portillo visits places of interest in West Sussex and Hampshire, including Southsea's King's Theatre. S9 Ep4

Episode 5Swanwick to Brownsea Island

In Dorset, Michael Portillo visits Brownsea Island, where Robert Baden Powell began the scout movement in the early 20th century. S9 Ep5

Episode 6Whitland to Swansea

Michael Portillo embarks on the first leg of a journey from the coalfields of South Wales to the southernmost tip of Cornwall. S9 Ep6

Episode 9Taunton to Newton Abbot

Michael Portillo travels between Taunton and Newton Abbot, joining in with a fertility dance in Stogumber, and visiting a celebrated garden at Hestercombe. S9 Ep9

Episode 10Plymouth to The Lizard

Travelling from Plymouth to the Lizard, Michael Portillo investigates the first radio signal to be sent across the Atlantic. S9 Ep10

Episode 11Hull to Malton

Michael Portillo embarks on the first leg of a journey from East Yorkshire to Caernarfon, beginning by travelling from Hull to Malton. S9 Ep11

Episode 12York to Frizinghall

Michael Portillo conducts important research in an historic York tea room, discovers Leeds' textile heritage, and investigates Bradford's musical heritage. S9 Ep12