Great British Railway Journeys

2010•7 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 1Warrington to Preston

Michael Portillo sets off on a trip through Britain's industrial heartlands in the footsteps of George V, beginning by travelling from Warrington to Preston.

Episode 2Blackburn to Manchester

Michael Portillo catches a glimpse of Edwardian life on celluloid and marvels at how factory workers and schoolchildren alike were drawn to seek fame on film.

Episode 3Manchester to Elsecar

Michael Portillo visits Heaton Park in Manchester, where one of the first open air concerts was held in 1909, before travelling on to the town of Oldham.

Episode 4Maltby to Hinckley

Michael Portillo travels from Maltby to Hinckley, trying to understand the appeal of Marmite, before a look around the Triumph motorcycle factory.

Episode 5Birmingham to the Potteries

Armed with his Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo reaches Birmingham and learns how a radical reformer would make his mark on the 'city of a thousand trades'.

Episode 6Newry to Portadown

Michael Portillo sets off on the first leg of a journey across Northern Ireland to Argyll and Bute, beginning by travelling from Newry to Portadown.

Episode 7Belfast to Portrush

On a journey from Belfast to Portrush, Michael Portillo investigates the work of author and Narnia creator CS Lewis, and visits the Royal Portrush Golf Club.

Episode 8Larne to Dumfries

Michael Portillo journeys from Northern Ireland across the water to Scotland. Leaving from the seaport of Larne, he reaches Stranraer and the Mull of Galloway.

Episode 9Glasgow to Cumbrae

Michael Portillo journeys from Glasgow to Cumbrae, learning about a forgotten Scottish expedition to the Antarctic.

Episode 10Hillhead to Connel Ferry

Michael Portillo visits the University of Glasgow's Officer Training Corps, then heads to Helensburgh, finding a group of artists known as the Glasgow Boys.

Episode 11Warwick to Radley

Michael Portillo sets off on the first leg of a journey from the Midlands to Rye in East Sussex, beginning by travelling from Warwick to Radley in Oxfordshire.

Episode 12Reading to Taplow

Michael Portillo picks up his journey from Warwick to Rye. In Reading, he traces the origins of education for workers. In Cliveden he explores an Italianate mansion.

Episode 13Ealing Broadway to South Kensington

Michael Portillo reaches the capital on his rail journey. In Ealing, he is transformed for the silver screen by expert hair and make-up.

Episode 14Piccadilly Circus to Gravesend

Michael Portillo journeys from Piccadilly Circus to Gravesend, visiting an exotic West End store that was popular among Victorian women.

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