Great British Railway Journeys

2010•9 series

Watch on Sky Go See Sky TV deals

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 1Paddock Wood to Frant

Michael Portillo takes to the rails to explore the Weald in south east England.

Episode 2Hildenborough to Robertsbridge

Michael Portillo’s rail exploration of the Weald continues from Tonbridge.

Episode 3Dorking to Lingfield

Michael Portillo’s railway tour of the Weald reaches the spectacular Surrey countryside.

Episode 4Gatwick Airport to Royal Tunbridge Wells

Michael Portillo’s exploration of the Weald continues aboard the Gatwick Express train.

Episode 5Chichester to Amberley

Michael Portillo’s railway tour of the Weald nears its conclusion.

Episode 6Windermere to Sellafield

Michael Portillo begins a railway tour of Cumbria and Dumfriesshire.

Episode 7St Bees to Grange-over-Sands

Michael Portillo travels along the scenic Cumbrian Coast Line.

Episode 8Maryport to Penrith

Michael's railway journey continues as he follows in the footsteps of the Lakeland poets.

Episode 9Aspatria to Carlisle

Michael’s railway journey takes him to the rolling countryside around Aspatria.

Episode 10Dumfries to Auchinleck

Michael concludes his journey from Cumbria to Dumfriesshire by crossing the Solway Firth.

Episode 11Shrewsbury to Telford

Michael Portillo re-enacts the Battle of Shrewsbury and explores the town's cathedral.

Episode 12Ironbridge to Coseley

Michael is in Ironbridge Gorge on the River Severn, a hotbed of 18th-century innovation.

Episode 13Dudley to West Bromwich

Michael Portillo boards a barge on the Dudley Canal and discovers an ancient seabed.

Episode 14Birmingham New Street to Wednesbury

Arriving in Birmingham, Michael heads to Curzon Street for a tour of the HS2 terminus.

Episode 15Solihull to Birmingham International

On the last leg of his Midlands tour, Michael travels to Solihull, home of the Land Rover.

Episode 16Loughton to Audley End

Michael Portillo embarks on a journey across Essex.

Episode 17Romford to the Blackwater Estuary

Michael explores a rail operating centre and visits the home of Radio Caroline.

Episode 18Chelmsford to Tollesbury

Michael’s exploration of Essex reaches Chelmsford.

Episode 19Witham to Saffron Walden

Michael visits Terling Place, one of Essex's great country houses.

Episode 20Colchester to Chappel and Wakes Colne

As Michael's trip finishes, he visits Colchester, a claimant for Britain's oldest town.

How to watch Great British Railway Journeys

New to SkySee Sky TV dealsAlready have Sky TV?Watch on Sky Go