Great British Railway Journeys

Liverpool to Eccles

Ex-MP Michael Portillo embarks on a series of magnificent train journeys. Michael travels on the world's first passenger railway line and learns to speak Scouse.

Manchester to Bury

Michael Portillo traces the footsteps of cartographer George Bradshaw. Michael learns more about his Victorian guide and the link between trains and a fish supper.

Todmorden to York

Ex-politician Michael Portillo takes to the tracks. Michael goes back in time on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway and learns more about the Romans in York.

Pontefract to Bridlington

How did our railways mould modern-day Britain? Michael Portillo hears how Hull became a large white fish port and goes fishing for sea bass in Bridlington.

Filey to Scarborough

Michael Portillo takes to the tracks in this engaging travelogue. Michael goes birding on the wild cliffs of Flamborough Head and learns about knitting in Filey.

Preston to Morecambe

An epic tour of our great nation by rail. Michael Portillo's second journey begins in Preston, where he explores the origins of the temperance movement.

Settle to Garsdale

Michael Portillo travels across Britain to see how railways changed us. Michael returns to the historic Settle-Carlisle line after helping to save it in the 1980s.

Windermere to Kendal

Travels by train. Michael Portillo continues his journey to Scotland, riding a steamboat on Lake Windermere and visiting Wordsworth's home village of Grasmere.

Carlisle to Glasgow

Michael Portillo hits the rails. Here the ex-MP meets wild clansmen in Carlisle, witnesses a wedding in Gretna Green and visits a secret WWI munitions factory.

Edinburgh to Kirkcaldy

Michael Portillo continues his epic journey from Preston to Scotland, visiting the Clyde valley orchards, the Forth Rail Bridge and the town of Kirkcaldy.

Swindon to Bristol

Train travels with the ex-Tory. Michael Portillo journeys from Swindon to Penzance, sampling spa treatments in Bath and trying glassblowing in Bristol on the way.

Yatton to Weston-super-Mare

Travels by train. Ex-MP Michael Portillo samples local Cheddar strawberries, explores Cheddar Gorge and visits an extremely old pier in Weston-super-Mare.

Torquay to Totnes

Michael Portillo travels along Brunel's Great Western Railway. Here he goes salmon fishing on the Dart estuary and spends some of Totnes's new local currency.

Bugle to Mevagissey

Epic rail journeys inspired by cartographer George Bradshaw. Michael Portillo visits the largest clay mine in the world near St Austell and goes pilchard fishing.

Truro to Penzance

Travels by train. Michael Portillo searches for the lost church of St Piran, explores a working tin mine in Cornwall and harvests oysters on the Helford River.

Buxton to Matlock

Ex-MP Michael Portillo begins his epic trip from Buxton to London, visiting the Duke of Devonshire's stables and hopping on the historic steam railway to Rowsley.

Cromford to Burton-on-Trent

Travels by train. Ex-MP Michael Portillo visits the oldest working factory in the world at Cromford and explores the country's first public park in Derby.

Walsall to Bournville

Michael Portillo hits the tracks to see how the railways have shaped Britain. Michael meets the Queen's saddler and learns how to cook an authentic curry.

Coventry to Watford

Travels by train. Michael Portillo relives the Coventry Blitz, meets an Aylesbury duck farmer and finds out how trains helped to evacuate children during WWII.

St Pancras to Westminster

Michael Portillo's epic voyage reaches the buffers as he explores St Pancras, rides the world's first Tube line to Smithfield market and marvels at Big Ben.

Brighton to Crystal Palace

Michael Portillo embarks on another epic quest by track, accompanied by George Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guidebook. Michael visits Brighton's aquarium.

Waterloo to Canary Wharf

Michael Portillo is a happy man on a train. The ex-Tory MP learns about the changing fortunes of London's docks and a rail service that transported coffins.

Enfield to Cambridge

Travels by train with Michael Portillo, who here visits the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield and discovers how the railways transformed Newmarket's races.

Ely to King's Lynn

Michael Portillo hits the tracks to see how the railways have shaped Britain. Michael meets the last eel trapper on the Fens at Ely and visits the Denver Sluice.

Dereham to Cromer

Informative travels by train. Michael Portillo is in his element as he gets to drive a heritage diesel train. The ex-politician also samples some Cromer crab.

Ledbury to Shrewsbury

Michael Portillo sets out on another trek, following the route of the Irish mail from Ledbury. Michael samples Victorian perry and encounters a Hereford bull.

Telford to Wrexham

Fascinating history travelogue. Michael Portillo sees the world's first iron bridge at Coalbrookdale, explores Chirk Castle and has a go at making Cheshire cheese.

Chester to Conwy

Train travels with the ex-Tory. Michael Portillo explores Chester's Roman remains and discovers a secret World War II chemical weapons plant at Rhydymwyn in Wales.

Llanwrst to Porthmadog

Nostalgic series in which Michael Portillo retraces George Bradshaw's travels by train. Michael combs the Conwy valley and rides a steam train to Porthmadog.

Llanberis to Holyhead

Michael Portillo explores Britain by rail. Michael takes the train to the top of Mount Snowdon and discovers how the railways changed the tiny port of Holyhead.

Newcastle to Chester-le-Street

Travels by train with the ex-Tory. Host Michael Portillo visits the world's first locomotive factory and searches for the lost pit village of Marsden.

Durham to Grosmont

Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with George Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guidebook. A visit to the historic Durham Cathedral and a Dracula tour of Whitby.

York to Saltaire

How did rail travel shape Britain? Michael Portillo takes a Turkish bath in Harrogate, explores the Victorian model village of Saltaire and encounters some alpacas.

Batley to Sheffield

More tales from a train. Michael Portillo hears about a Victorian recycling industry in Batley and meets a relative of the inspirational George Bradshaw himself.

Langley Mill to Melton Mowbray

Michael Portillo learns how trains shaped the controversial sport of fox hunting in another journey inspired by Victorian cartographer George Bradshaw.

London Bridge to Chatham

An epic tour of Britain by rail. Michael Portillo visits the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, walks the Thames Tunnel and explores Chatham Historic Dockyard.

Aylesford to Tunbridge Wells

Michael Portillo takes to the tracks in this first-class travelogue. Learn all about Maidstone's paper industry and how cricket became a national sport.

Canterbury to Margate

An epic tour of Great Britain by rail. Michael Portillo finds out how Canterbury Cathedral was saved from ruin during WWII and goes whelk fishing in Whitstable.

Sandwich to Folkestone

Discover Britain by rail with Michael Portillo, who visits Walmer Castle and explores a secret port used to transport supplies to France during World War I.

Hythe to Hastings

Michael Portillo travels the length and breadth of Britain by train. Hastings and Romney Marsh are on today's itinerary and Michael samples Kent's sparkling wine.

Dumbarton to Tyndrum

Spectacular rail voyages inspired by Victorian pioneer George Bradshaw. Michael Portillo visits Loch Lomond and the Dumbarton shipyard that built the Cutty Sark.

Ayr to Paisley

Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with George Bradshaw's seminal Victorian Railway Guidebook. A visit to the hometown of Robbie Burns and a lesson in haggis-making.

Oban to Corrour

Rail buff Michael Portillo hears how trains helped spread the word about Oban whisky and visits Corrour, one of the Victorian elite's favourite shooting estates.

Roybridge to Glenfinnan

Travels by train. Michael Portillo investigates the mysterious parallel roads of Glenroy and takes a steam train across the spectacular viaduct at Glenfinnan.

Lochailort to Skye

Travelling by train up the breathtaking west coast of Scotland to Skye, Michael Portillo discovers how the railways helped train commandos at Lochailort for WWII.

Windsor to Didcot

Michael Portillo's latest railway excursion is fit for royalty, as he follows Queen Victoria's regular journey south from Windsor - collecting the mail on the way.

Reading to Alton

Train travels. Michael Portillo samples a Victorian superfood in Alton, explores the wonderfully preserved Whitchurch Silk Mill and takes control of a steam train.

Winchester to Isle of Wight

Roving by rail. Michael Portillo discovers what did amuse Queen Victoria, as he travels by train to her favourite holiday destination - the Isle of Wight.

Great Yarmouth to Beccles

Michael Portillo takes to the tracks yet again. The ex-MP discovers the grave-robbing past of Great Yarmouth and works a Victorian swing bridge in Reedham.

Darsham to Felixstowe

Michael Portillo's train-hopping travels take him to the Port of Felixstowe. The Bradshaw buff traces the lost city of Dunwich - Britain's very own Atlantis.

Sudbury to Southend

The 'sad man on a train' - as he is known to Andrew Neil - tours Victorian freak show sites by rail and rides one of the very first electric railways in Southend.

Epping to Hackney

Travelogue meets Victorian history in this fascinating series with Michael Portillo. Here the This Week regular heads to Hackney, hearing about an on-board murder.

Fenchurch to Embankment

London's calling for Michael Portillo, as he enjoys a ride on a secret miniature railway beneath the capital's streets and rings the church bells in Bow.

Brockenhurst to Poole

A Victorian voyage by train. Michael Portillo seeks out venomous adders in the New Forest, uncovers a secret library in Wimborne and visits the Poole potteries.

Wareham to Portland

Chug along with Michael Portillo, who unearths the amazing oil fields beneath England's seaside resorts and discovers the crucial role Weymouth played on D-Day.

Oxford to Pershore

Travels with a 19th-century guidebook. Michael Portillo gets a special view of Oxford, tastes a steam-powered brew and discovers a colourful crop in the Cotswolds.

Hartlebury to Great Malvern

Relive the delights of Victorian Britain by rail. Michael Portillo learns about the secrets of Worcester sauce and the health benefits of Malvern water.

Lydney to Newport

Michael Portillo travels the length and breadth of Britain by train, discovering micro-mines, romantic ruins and an iconic bridge as he chugs through south Wales.

Cardiff to Brecon

Discover Cardiff's coal heritage and take a steam ride through the stunning Brecon Beacons. And when is an island not an island? Our roving host finds out in Barry.

Port Talbot to Milford Haven

Armed with George Bradshaw's seminal Victorian Railway Guidebook, Michael Portillo explores the 19th-century railway legacy en route to Pembrokeshire.

Berwick-upon-Tweed to Morpeth

Another day, another destination - Michael Portillo journeys through majestic Northumberland, hearing the amazing story of Ashington's Pitmen Painters.

Bardon Mill to Wigton

This Victorian voyage takes Michael Portillo to Hadrian's Wall, where he mucks in and enjoys some hands-on history. We also hear how ticket machines came to be.

Cockermouth to Eskdale

Michael Portillo glugs a lovely Victorian brew, goes nuclear at Sellafield and visits a Japanese-inspired garden as he winds through charming Cumbria by rail.

Kirkby-in-Furness to Lancaster

Travels by train. Michael Portillo alights to learn about Kirkby's famous blue slate and hear how execution was a spectator sport in Victorian times.

Heysham to Sneafell

Enjoy Britain's delights by rail - and boat, this time. Setting sail for the Isle of Man, Michael Portillo encounters horse trams and a dizzying mountain railway.

Bray to Dublin

Epic rail journeys inspired by George Bradshaw. Michael Portillo crosses the Irish Sea and learns about the railway along Dublin's treacherous east coast.

Enfield to Drogheda

Michael Portillo's Irish odyssey chugs on as he discovers the vast railway network within the Bog of Allen and the secrets of the amazing Boyne Viaduct.

Dundalk to Portadown

Michael Portillo shows no sign of running out of steam as he visits the historic Cromlech stones of Dundalk and the Armagh Observatory - all by rail.

Belfast to Whitehead

The travel series that's just the ticket. Host Michael Portillo probes the riveting history of Belfast's Victorian docks and enjoys a coastal walk in Whitehead.

Ballymoney to Londonderry

Victorian-inspired train rides. Michael Portillo holds on for dear life over the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, before visiting the majestic Giant's Causeway.

High Wycombe to Stratford-upon-Avon

Michael Portillo embarks on journey to learn more about the nation's railways, beginning by travelling from High Wycombe to Stratford-upon-Avon.

Birmingham to Stafford

Michael Portillo learns how Birmingham became the world's pen-making capital and hears the chilling tale of a notorious 19th-century murderer.

Stoke-on-Trent to Winsford

Michael Portillo travels from Stoke-on-Trent to Winsford, Cheshire, finding out about the dark side of the Industrial Revolution along the way.

Dudley to Bridgnorth

Michael Portillo travels from Dudley to Bridgnorth, learning about Victorian blacksmithing and riding on one of Britain's most modern trains.

Welshpool to Aberystwyth

Michael Portillo travels from Welshpool, Powys, to Aberystwyth in Ceredigion, hearing how the railways took Welsh textiles into exclusive households.

Portsmouth to Gomshall

Michael Portillo embarks on the first leg of a journey from Portsmouth to Grimsby, helping to feed the crew of Britain's newest battleship along the way.

Woking to Clapham Junction

Michael Portillo travels from Woking to Clapham Junction, trying his hand at croquet and discovering a surprising 19th-century place of worship.

London Victoria to Abbey Wood

Michael Portillo learns about the drinking habits of volunteer Victorian firefighters and learns 19th-century sewage pumps were a marvel of design.

London King's Cross to Peterborough

Michael Portillo discovers how a derelict part of London is being rejuvenated and puts in a shift at a Cambridgeshire brick factory.

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Spalding to Grimsby

Michael Portillo learns how Lincolnshire farmers utilised railways to improve harvest, visits the Lincoln cathedral and looks to the future of rail freight.

Stirling to Invergowrie

Michael Portillo embarks on the first leg of a journey from Stirling to John O'Groats, learning about a Scottish hero and visiting a Highland Games.

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Dundee to Aberdeen

Michael Portillo travels from Dundee to Aberdeen, learning how Queen Victoria used to hide from her subjects and discovers why some factory workers went deaf.

Dufftown to Aviemore

Michael Portillo journeys from Dufftown to Aviemore, learning how Victorian whisky trains were raided and travelling along one of Scotland's most impressive viaducts.

Inverness to Plockton

Michael Portillo travels from Inverness to Plockton, visiting Scotland's smallest railway station and learns what a spa break in the Victorian era comprised.

Invergordon to John O'Groats

Michael Portillo heads to John O'Groats from Invergordon, learning how one man's vision helped bring train travel to the Highlands.

London Paddington to Warminster

Michael Portillo embarks on a journey from London to Newton Abbot in Devon, learning about a Victorian asylum and making malt the 19th-century way.

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Salisbury to Castle Cary

Michael Portillo travels from Salisbury in Wiltshire to Castle Cary, Somerset, visiting a tourist spot that's been captivating visitors since the Victorian era.

Taunton to Minehead

Michael Portillo travels from Taunton to Minehead, operating a 19th-century signal box and summoning all his strength to move a 110-ton steam locomotive.

Lynton & Lynmouth to Exeter

Michael Portillo travels from Lynton to Exeter, visiting a garden used as a viewing platform for public hangings and examining a timepiece like no other.

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Exmouth to Newton Abbot

Michael Portillo starts off in Exmouth on his journey to Newton Abbot, going out to sea with an RNLI lifeboat crew and visiting a stormy coastal railway.

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Killarney to Cobh

Michael Portillo embarks on the first leg of a journey through the Republic of Ireland from Co Kerry to the city of Galway, travelling from Killarney to Cobh.

Charleville to Waterford

Michael Portillo travels from Charleville to Waterford, learning about the ancient art of making butter and trying to learn the basics of Ireland's oldest game.

Kilkenny to Athy

Michael Portillo travels from Kilkenny to Athy, uncovering 19th-century Ireland's surprising industrial heritage.

Newbridge to Roscrea

Michael Portillo travels from Newbridge to Roscrea, visiting the Irish National Stud in Tully and investigating an astronomical feat of Victorian engineering.

Athlone to Galway

Michael Portillo travels from Athlone to Galway on the final leg of his journey, and meets up with a traditional Irish singing group along the way.

Leicester to Loughborough

Michael Portillo travels from Leicester to Loughborough, learning about the hunt for Richard III's remains and working his passage on the Great Central Railway.

Nottingham to Leeds

Michael Portillo completes his journey to Leeds, finding out how rail workers shaped British political history and auditioning at Britain's oldest working music hall.

Wokingham to Bradford on Avon

Michael Portillo travels from Wokingham to Bradford on Avon, learning how demand from rail commuters fuelled the development of the modern printing press.

Chippenham to Gloucester

Michael Portillo travels from Chippenham to Gloucester, visiting Bristol Zoo and seeing an extraordinary piece of Victorian engineering at Severn Tunnel Junction.

Ipswich to Chelmsford

Michael Portillo travels from Ipswich to Chelmsford, dredging for oysters off Mersea Island and visiting the world's first purpose-built radio equipment factory.

Northampton to Nuneaton

Michael Portillo travels from Northampton to Nuneaton, learning about Victorian methods of shoemaking and the legacy of Dr Thomas Arnold at Rugby School.

Winchfield to Crowthorne

Michael Portillo travels through Hampshire and Berkshire, visiting the stately home bequeathed by the nation to Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, in 1817.

Cheltenham to Wolverhampton

Michael Portillo ends his journey to Wolverhampton, hearing about a visit by Queen Victoria that ended her exile from public life after Prince Albert's death.

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Honley to Chesterfield

Michael Portillo crosses into Derbyshire to pay homage to engineer George Stephenson at his resting place in Chesterfield.

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London Euston to Cheddington

Michael Portillo embarks on a journey to Leeds, beginning at London's Euston station and ending at the scene of 1963's Great Train Robbery in Buckinghamshire.

Southampton to Basingstoke

Michael Portillo embarks on a journey from Southampton to Wolverhampton, beginning by learning how to set a table aboard the luxury liner Queen Elizabeth.

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Norwich to Brandon

Michael embarks on the first leg of a journey from Norwich to Chichester, examining the Victorian public's gory fascination with crime and punishment along the way.

llford to Rochester

Michael Portillo travels through Essex and Kent, loading a container at Tilbury docks and exploring the town that was an inspiration for many of Dickens' works.

Southport to Leyland

Michael Portillo continues his journey around north-west England in the elegant resort town of Southport, and drives a 100-year-old vehicle in Leyland.

Bletchley to Newport Pagnell

Michael Portillo travels through Buckinghamshire, meeting a WWII secret agent at Bletchley and learning about the craft of vellum-making in Newport Pagnell.

Faversham to Dorking

Michael travels from Faversham to Dorking, visiting one of the oldest breweries in Britain and exploring a sunken fortress in Dover known as the Western Heights

Brighton to Chichester

Michael Portillo is in Brighton as he starts the final leg of his journey from Norwich to Chichester, learning about the history of the Royal Pavilion

Haworth to Huddersfield

Michael Portillo crosses into West Yorkshire, visiting the Worth Valley and the home of the three Bronte sisters, as well as Oakworth, Bradford and Halifax.

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Preston to Rochdale

Michael Portillo journeys around north-west England, celebrating Victorian trade with the Preston Guild and learns about a movement to improve lives in Rochdale.

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Manchester to Birkenhead

Michael Portillo travels from Manchester to Birkenhead, learning about the railway workers who founded one of the most successful football clubs of all time.

Stirling to Pitlochry

Michael Portillo travels from Stirling to Pitlochry, visiting the scene of the Battle of Bannockburn and having a drink in Scotland's smallest distillery.

Ayr to Stewarton

Michael Portillo embarks on the first leg of a journey through southern Scotland from west to east, beginning in the town of Ayr.

Motherwell to Linlithgow

Michael Portillo travels from Motherwell to Linlithgow, visiting the Forth Rail Bridge and learning the origins of one of Scotland's best-selling soft drinks.

St Andrews to Edinburgh

Michael Portillo travels from St Andrews to Edinburgh on the final leg of his journey across southern Scotland, paying homage to the birthplace of golf.

Greenock to Larkhall

Michael Portillo travels from Greenock to Larkhall, visiting the Glasgow School of Art and learning how to make sourdough in a bakery in Strathaven.

Amersham to Regent's Park

Michael Portillo embarks on the first leg of a series of journeys through London and its environs, discovering the foundations of modern-day suburbia.

Deptford to West Silvertown

Michael Portillo travels on London's first railway and admires the brick viaduct on which it was built, before visiting the tea clipper Cutty Sark in Greenwich.

Stratford to London Victoria

Michael Portillo explores the legacy of the Olympic Park in Stratford, and learns about the big makeover currently under way at Victoria underground station.

London's West End

Michael Portillo heads to the West End as he explores 19th-century engineering used in theatres and learns how diseases were rife in Victorian London on a visit to Soho.

High Street Kensington to London Bridge

Michael Portillo embarks on his final journey in London, learning about the darker side of Vauxhall's flower market in the Victorian era.

Hessle to York

Michael Portillo travels from Hessle in East Yorkshire to York, along the way learning about the technology that made the Humber Bridge possible.

Swansea to Hereford

Michael Portillo begins in the ruinous gardens at Aberglasney House near Llandeilo and finishes this leg of his journey at a traditional cider house in Hereford.

Abergavenny to Hanborough

Michael Portillo visits Big Pit coal mine in Blaenavon and learns about 19th-century developments in angling.

Boston to Hensall

Michael Portillo travels from the south Lincolnshire town of Boston to Hensall, North Yorkshire, discovering the origins of a favourite Victorian apple along the way.

Middlesbrough to Hexham

Michael Portillo travels from Middlesbrough to Hexham, learning about eighth-century monk the Venerable Bede at St Paul's monastery in Jarrow, Tyne and Wear.

Derby to Grantham

Michael Portillo begins a journey from Derby to Lindisfarne, learning about a high-street chemist's origins and visiting a former grocer's shop in Grantham.

Oxford to Luton

Michael Portillo visits Oxford University's Bodleian library to see Victorian treasures including Mary Shelley's Frankenstein manuscript.

Newcastle to Lindisfarne

Michael Portillo travels from Newcastle to Lindisfarne, exploring the lime kilns, and learns how Christianity spread across northern England in the 7th century.

Oakham to Cambridge

Michael Portillo travels from Oakham to Cambridge, finding out why Stamford is a popular location for period dramas and examining Charles Darwin's student days.

Pembroke Dock to Swansea

Michael Portillo begins the first leg of a journey from south-west Wales to Cambridge, visiting an inn in Carmarthen where Horatio Nelson once met Emma Hamilton.

St Helens to Knutsford

Michael Portillo travels from St Helens to Knutsford, learning about glass-making and how Victorian building techniques have evolved.

Dover to Lewes

Michael Portillo embarks on a railway journey along England's south coast, beginning in Dover and ending at the Glyndebourne opera festival on the South Downs.

Ashford to Sevenoaks

Michael Portillo sets out from Ashford on a trip to Henley-on-Thames, lending a hand at a train maintenance plant that is home to High Speed 1 rolling stock.

East Grinstead to Guildford

Michael Portillo travels from East Grinstead to Guildford, including a visit to Leith Hill Place to explore the compositions of Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Woking to Walton-on-Thames

Michael Portillo travels from Woking to Walton-on-Thames, uncovering the story of Britain's first purpose-built crematorium.

Egham to Henley-on-Thames

Michael Portillo's final leg begins in Egham, Surrey, where he visits a steam fair before making his way to Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire for a spot of rowing.

Carlisle to Penrith

Michael Portillo learns more about the country's railways, setting off from Carlisle on the first leg of a journey through north-west England.

Windermere to Carnforth

Michael Portillo continues through the Lake District, learning about the legacy of author Beatrix Potter, and finishes with a brief encounter at Carnforth.

Littlehampton to Beaulieu

Michael Portillo journeys from Littlehampton to the New Forest, finishing at Beaulieu, where he seizes the opportunity to drive the first motor car.

Lymington Town to Exmouth

Michael Portillo travels by train from Lymington to Exmouth, discovers how the introduction of the railway inspired Thomas Hardy.

Hampton Court to Teddington

Michael Portillo travels from Hampton Court to Teddington, viewing the world's longest grapevine and hearing about the birth of the Victorian era.

Newhaven to Worthing

Michael Portillo travels from Newhaven to Worthing, examining the nation's hidden defences and finding a novel way to pick tomatoes.

Plymouth to Porthcurno

Crossing into Cornwall, Michael Portillo learns about the last bridge to be built by renowned engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Redditch to Gloucester

Michael Portillo travels from Redditch to Gloucester, beginning with a look back to Victorian times at a needle manufactory.

Birmingham to Worcester

Michael Portillo begins the first leg of a journey from Birmingham to Dartmoor, working in a Royal Mail sorting office and learning about the origins of the BMA.

Bristol to Glastonbury

Michael Portillo travels from Bristol to Glastonbury, entering a Victorian tannery and hearing how a 19th-century entrepreneur turned bird droppings into money.

Preston to Swinton

Michael Portillo journeys from Preston to Swinton, discovering the poetry of Edwin Waugh and twisting his tongue around the Lancashire dialect.

Stroud to Bath

Michael Portillo travels from Stroud to Bath, investigating the Victorian origins of snooker, then taking tea with the ladies at his end destination.

Ashley to Alton Towers

Michael Portillo travels from Cheshire to Staffordshire, stopping off in Macclesfield, where he finds the end of the Silk Route and tries screen printing.

Bridgwater to Dartmoor

Michael Portillo stands trial at the Bloody Assizes in Somerset, and later gets to grips with a miracle of Victorian engineering on the Somerset Levels.

Plymouth to The Lizard

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

Taunton 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.

Newport to Clevedon

Michael Portillo arrives in Newport, where he learns about the heroism of a young boy who was awarded the Albert Medal.

York to Frizinghall

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

Croydon 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.

Letchworth 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.

Pontyclun to Ebbw Vale Town

Michael Portillo travels from Pontyclun to Ebbw Vale in Wales, visiting the Royal Mint in Llantrisant and Cardiff Arms Park.

Chichester to Cowes

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

Swanwick to Brownsea Island

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

Whitland to Swansea

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

Hull to Malton

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

Cromer 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.

Sheffield to Nantwich

Michael Portillo travels to the steel city of Sheffield where he discovers an early 20th century steam engine, before heading to Nantwich.

Liverpool to Dolgarrog

Michael Portillo travels between Liverpool and Wales, finding a miniature tank engine made by Frank Hornby and visiting the ruins of Gwrych Castle.

Criccieth to Caernarfon

In Snowdonia, Michael Portillo braves the fastest zip line in the world - 1,500 feet across a quarry - as he begins the last leg of his journey to Caernarfon.

Welwyn Garden City to Peterborough

Michael Portillo explores a Swiss garden in Bedfordshire, drives a 'locomobile', and discovers the Victorian origins of the fertiliser industry.

Dromod to Sligo

Michael Portillo continues his Irish journey from Dromod to Sligo. Along the way he discovers how the landscape inspired WB Yeats and learns to make a potato pancake.

Manchester Piccadilly to Silkstone Common

Michael Portillo's journey to the North Sea continues and he investigates the Victorian scientist who invented modern atomic theory.

Newark-On-Trent to Stockton

Michael Portillo journeys from Newark-on-Trent to Stockton-on-Tees, and a scandalous novel written in Thirsk leads him to a wildlife centre.

The Flying Scotsman

Michael Portillo sets out on the first leg of a trip from London to Edinburgh aboard the Flying Scotsman, beginning at King's Cross as he heads for York.

Greystones to Dublin

At Trinity College, Dublin, Michael Portillo discovers one of Ireland's greatest treasures, and also explores the house and gardens of Powerscourt in County Wicklow.

Blackpool to Manchester Victoria

Michael Portillo travels from Blackpool to Manchester unveiling a monument to railwaymen of the London and North Western Railway who died in the Great War.

Gainsborough to Ely

Michael Portillo travels from Gainsborough to Ely, along the way learning about a Victorian machine that changed shopping for ever and the poet Alfred Tennyson.

Navan to Mullingar

Michael Portillo continues his journey across Ireland, travelling from Navan to Mullingar, where he uncovers a controversial Victorian dig at the sacred Hill of Tara.

Chapeltown to Doncaster

Michael starts his journey in Chapeltown, Sheffield, following what was once known as the North Country Continental service, and finishing in Doncaster.

Longniddry to Edinburgh

In Musselburgh, Michael Portillo gets a taste of life as a fishwife, before exploring Edinburgh where a popular 19th-century mode of transport is making a comeback.

Wexford to Wicklow

Michael Portillo begins a journey across Ireland, starting in the port of Wexford, where he takes to the seas in a 100-year-old lifeboat.

Ballina to Westport

On the last leg of Michael Portillo's long journey from Wexford to Westport, a fashionable Victorian seaweed bath is followed by a steamy scene in Ballina.

Stowmarket to Harwich

Michael Portillo embarks on the final leg of his journey following the route of the North Country Continental service, heading to Harwich, Essex.

Darlington to Dunbar

Michael Portillo journeys from Darlington to Dunbar, following the route taken by George Stephenson's steam engine on its 1825 journey.

Glasgow to Cumbrae

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

Warrington 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.

East Malling to Rye

Michael Portillo travels from Warwick to Rye in East Sussex. En route he discovers how the Edwardians' attitude towards cultivation bears fruit even now.

Larne 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.

Ealing 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.

Hillhead 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.

Maltby to Hinckley

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

Piccadilly Circus to Gravesend

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

Reading 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.

Blackburn 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.

Warwick 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.

Belfast 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.

Birmingham 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'.

Manchester 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.

Newry 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.

Falkirk to Dundee

Michael Portillo reaches the Westerglen Transmitting Station in Falkirk, before visiting Gleneagles and Berry Town on route to the city of Dundee.

Bodmin to Totnes

Michael Portillo reaches Bodmin en route to Totnes, as he explores the West Country from St Ives to Salisbury Plain, learning more about Daphne du Maurier on the way.

Paignton to Tiverton

Michael Portillo arrives in Paignton, where the Dartmouth Steam Railway takes him to the home of Agatha Christie, in the company of her great-grandson.

Canterbury to Alexandra Palace

Michael Portillo explores the east of England in the inter-war period, his journey beginning in Canterbury and ending at Alexandra Palace in London.

Limehouse to Rochford

Michael Portillo explores the east of England en route to Lincolnshire. He learns how the Crossrail project is helping to conserve birds.

Witham to Felixstowe

Michael Portillo's railway journey from Canterbury to Skegness reaches Witham in Essex. He visits the factory of the world's oldest supplier of metal-framed windows.

Newcastle to County Durham

Beginning in Jarrow, Michael uncovers the desperation which led 200 men to march 300miles to Westminster in order to petition the Government for work.

Kielder Forest to Edinburgh

Michael Portillo is in Northumbria, discovering what lay behind a national initiative to plant one of the largest manmade woodlands in Europe.

Elgin to Loch Ness

Michael Portillo visits Lossiemouth and Inverness. His journey ends at Loch Ness, where he joins a Deep Scan research team searching for the elusive monster.

Saxmundham to Norwich

Michael Portillo's journey takes him to the Snape Maltings music and arts venue, the Norfolk seaside resort of Great Yarmouth and the city of Norwich.

Attleborough to Skegness

Michael Portillo begins the last leg of his rail journey through 1930s Britain in Norfolk at the headquarters of an international horse welfare organisation.

Truro to St Mawgan

Michael Portillo visits Cornwall's county town, Truro, heading to the historic estate of Trewithen, whose gardens were stocked from China by plant hunters.

Dundee to Aberdeen

Michael Portillo travels from Dundee to Aberdeen, stopping off at Glamis Castle, where the Queen Mother grew up, and making an excursion into the Eastern Highlands.

St Ives to St Day

Michael Portillo explores the West Country between the wars, setting off from the Cornish seaside resort of St Ives and ending in the former mining village of St Day.

Taunton to Salisbury Plain

In Bath, Michael visits the ex-home of a refugee emperor, whose country was invaded by the Italian dictator Mussolini.