Great British Railway Journeys

*Great British Railway Journeys*
Great British Railway Journeys
Genre	Travel documentary
Presented by	Michael Portillo
Composer	Jon Wygens
Country of origin	United Kingdom
Original language	English
No.of series	15
No.of episodes	245
Production
Executive producers	Charlie Bunce (Series 1–2); John Comerford (Series 3–6);
Producers	Fiona Caldwell (Series 1–2); Jay Taylor (Series 3); Michelle Heeley (Series 4); Alison Kreps (Series 5–6);
Running time	30 minutes per episode (approx.)
Production companies	Talkback Thames(Series 1–2); Boundless (Series 3–11); Naked (Series 12–15);
Original release
Network	BBC Two; BBC HD(2010–2013); BBC Two HD (2014–);
Release	4 January 2010–; present
Related
	Great Railway Journeys; Great Continental Railway Journeys; Railways of the Great War with Michael Portillo(2014); Great American Railroad Journeys; Great Indian Railway Journeys; Great Alaskan Railroad Journeys; Great Canadian Railway Journeys; Great Australian Railway Journeys; Great Asian Railway Journeys; Great Coastal Railway Journeys;

Great British Railway Journeysis a 2010–presentBBCdocumentary series presented byMichael Portillo,a formerConservative MPandCabinet Ministerwho was instrumental in saving theSettle to Carlisle linefrom closure in 1989.^[1]^[2]The documentary was first broadcast in 2010 onBBC Twoand has returned annually for a current total of 15 series.

The series features Portillo travelling around the railway networks of Great Britain, Ireland, and theIsle of Man,referring toBradshaw's Guideand comparing how the various destinations have changed since; initially, he used an 1840s copy, but in later series, he used other editions.^[3]^[4]^[5]Portillo has said that sometimes he regrets the name of the programme as it is "really about history", and that whilst he likes trains, he "wouldn't say [he was] passionate about them".^[6]

Portillo has presented 8 other series with a similar format:Great Continental Railway Journeys(7 series; 2012–2020),Great American Railroad Journeys(4 series; 2016–2020),Great Indian Railway Journeys(2018),Great Alaskan Railroad JourneysandGreat Canadian Railway Journeys(broadcast consecutively in January 2019),Great Australian Railway Journeys(2019),Great Asian Railway Journeys(2020), andGreat Coastal Railway Journeys(3 series; 2022–2024).

Synopsis

Victorianguidebooks written byGeorge Bradshawunder the titleBradshaw's Guidewere the first comprehensive timetable and travel guides to therailway system in Great Britain,which at the time, although it had grown to be extensive, still consisted of several fragmented and competing railway companies and lines, each publishing their own timetables.

Classified by the BBC in both the travel and history genres, the series features Portillo using the guide to plan his journeys, in the process visiting points of interest picked out in the guide and comparing its content with the modern world, both the physical and cultural ones.

Format

Each series features Portillo travelling on a different route each week, with each daily episode being one short leg of the journey. The weekly journey is chosen to fit with a theme, either geographic, such as coast to coast, or historic. Filmed entirely on location, the series features a mix of Portillo speaking directly to camera and interviewing members of the public, local historians and celebrities and fellow travellers.

Broadcast

All episodes were originally broadcast on consecutive weekdays onBBC Two,in the 6:30 pm time slot. Some series were simulcast onBBC HDbefore the channel's demise. Repeats have been broadcast onBBC Fouras well as the original channel of BBC Two. Edited versions of the episodes, reduced to about 23 minutes (excluding commercials), have been shown on the television channelYesterday.

Series	Episodes	Originally aired
Series	Episodes	First aired	Last aired
1	20	4 January 2010(2010-01-04)	29 January 2010(2010-01-29)
2	25	3 January 2011(2011-01-03)	4 February 2011(2011-02-04)
3	25	2 January 2012(2012-01-02)	3 February 2012(2012-02-03)
4	25	7 January 2013(2013-01-07)	8 February 2013(2013-02-08)
5	20	6 January 2014(2014-01-06)	31 January 2014(2014-01-31)
6	20	5 January 2015(2015-01-05)	30 January 2015(2015-01-30)
7	20	4 January 2016(2016-01-04)	29 January 2016(2016-01-29)
8	15	2 January 2017(2017-01-02)	20 January 2017(2017-01-20)
9	15	1 January 2018(2018-01-01)	19 January 2018(2018-01-19)
10	15	4 February 2019(2019-02-04)	22 February 2019(2019-02-22)
11	15	6 January 2020(2020-01-06)	24 January 2020(2020-01-24)
12	15	26 April 2021(2021-04-26)	14 May 2021(2021-05-14)
13	10	17 May 2021(2021-05-17)	4 June 2021(2021-06-04)
14	15	19 June 2023(2023-06-19)	21 July 2023(2023-07-21)
15	15^[7]	18 March 2024(2024-03-18)	5 April 2024(2024-04-05)

Episodes

Series 1 (2010)

Liverpool to Scarborough

The first journey takes Portillo from coast to coast, from Liverpool to Scarborough, beginning on the world's first passenger railway line.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
1	"LiverpooltoEccles"	4 January 2010(2010-01-04)
On the first leg, Portillo learns to speakScousein Liverpool. He visits the scene of theRainhill trialsand finds out aboutthe first railway fatality.Then, in Eccles, he explores the origins of theEccles cake.
2	"ManchestertoBury"	5 January 2010(2010-01-05)
Portillo visits Manchester to find out more about George Bradshaw himself. He also gets fitted for atrilbyinDentonand learns how the railways helped to createfish and chips.
3	"TodmordentoYork"	6 January 2010(2010-01-06)
Portillo travels on theEmbsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway,finds out about the latestRoman discoveries in Yorkofthe York Archaeological Trustand takes to the air in theNetwork Railhelicopter.
4	"PontefracttoBridlington"	7 January 2010(2010-01-07)
Portillo searches for the lastliquoricegrower in Pontefract, discovers how the railways turnedHullinto one of the largest white fish ports in the world and goes fishing forsea bassin Bridlington.
5	"FileytoScarborough"	8 January 2010(2010-01-08)
Portillo goesbirdwatchingon the wild cliffs ofFlamborough Head,learns to decipher traditional knitting patterns in Filey and meets one of the oldest residents of the Victorian seaside resort of Scarborough – a 4,000-year-old skeleton calledGristhorpe Man.

Preston to Kirkcaldy

Portillo's second journey, from Preston to Scotland, is on one of the first railways to cross the border.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
6	"PrestontoMorecambe"	11 January 2010(2010-01-11)
Portillo explores the origins of thetemperance movementin Preston, samples the attractions ofBlackpoolsuch as theBlackpool Towerwhere town crier and tower guide Barry McQueen sang the oldmusic hallsong "The Bradshaw Guide" to the accompaniment of theWurlitzerorgan played byPhil Kelsallin the Tower Ballroom. Blackpool was a resort made by the railways. Portillo takes a walk acrossMorecambe BaywithCedric Robinsontheofficial keeper of the sands.
7	"SettletoGarsdale"	12 January 2010(2010-01-12)
Portillo returns to the historicSettle-Carlisle lineto find out what has happened to it since he helped save it in the 1980s. Along the way, he explores theRibblehead Viaduct,finds out about thenavvieswho helped to build it and catches a steam train along the line.
8	"WindermeretoKendal"	13 January 2010(2010-01-13)
At Windermere, Portillo delves into the history of the railway station and takes a steamboat tour ofthe lake,then visitsWilliam Wordsworth's home village ofGrasmereand makes sausages with a localHerdwicksheep farmer.
9	"CarlisletoGlasgow"	14 January 2010(2010-01-14)
Portillo meets the wild clansmen of Carlisle, theBorder Reivers,witnesses a wedding inGretna Greenand visits a secretWorld War Imunitions factory. He also meets comedianJaney GodleyinCalton, GlasgowandGlasgow Greento discuss the contrasting poverty and grandeur of those respective places.
10	"EdinburghtoKirkcaldy"	15 January 2010(2010-01-15)
Portillo makes apple juice in theClyde Valleyorchards, pays a thrilling visit to the top of theForth Rail Bridgeand relives his childhood memories in his grandparents' home town of Kirkcaldy.

Swindon to Penzance

The third journey takes Portillo along the Great Western Railway from Swindon to Penzance, nicknamed 'the holiday line'.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
11	"SwindontoBristol"	18 January 2010(2010-01-18)
Portillo finds out about free holiday trains for the Great Western Railway workers at theSwindon Works,samples theRoman BathsinBathand tries his hand atglass blowingin Bristol.
12	"YattontoWeston-super-Mare"	19 January 2010(2010-01-19)
Portillo samples localCheddarand strawberries, exploresCheddar Gorgeand the famouscaves,and visitsBirnbeck Pier,one of the oldest piers in the country, at Weston-super-Mare.
13	"TorquaytoTotnes"	20 January 2010(2010-01-20)
Portillo finds out about Torquay's micro-climate, takes a ride ona steam-hauled traintoDartmouth,goes salmon fishing on the Dart estuary and spends some of Totnes's local currency, theTotnes pound.
14	"BugletoMevagissey"	21 January 2010(2010-01-21)
Portillo wakes up inSt Germans railway stationand then visitsEnglish China ClaysnearSt Austell.Travelling on to Mevagissey, he goes pilchard fishing, discovering that the pilchard was renamed as the Cornish sardine in the 1950s, and visits theLost Gardens of Heliganon theHeligan estate.
15	"TrurotoPenzance"	22 January 2010(2010-01-22)
Portillo searches for the lost church ofSaint Piran,explores the last working tin mine in Cornwall atSouth Crofty,enjoys the sun and sands atSt Ives,harvests oysters on theHelford River,and reaches the end of the line atPenzance.

Buxton to London

On this journey, Portillo travels from Buxton along one of the first railway routes south to the capital, London.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
16	"BuxtontoMatlock"	25 January 2010(2010-01-25)
Portillo visits theBuxton Opera Houseand the Duke of Devonshire's stables in Buxton, helps to repair the ancientpeatlandscape of thePeak District,goes toMatlock Bath,and travels on a steam train on the heritagePeak RailtoRowsley,where he visits the local stone quarry.
17	"CromfordtoBurton upon Trent"	26 January 2010(2010-01-26)
Portillo visitsthe oldest working factory in the worldat Cromford, explores the country'sfirst public park in Derbyand finds out whyBurton's beeris said to be the best.
18	"WalsalltoBournville"	27 January 2010(2010-01-27)
Portillo meets the Queen's saddler in Walsall, visits theBalti Triangle,learns how to cook an authentic Indian curry at the Itihaas restaurant in Birmingham, and visits Bournville – the home ofCadburyand rumoured to be the best place to live in Britain.
19	"CoventrytoWatford"	28 January 2010(2010-01-28)
Portillo finds out about theCoventry Blitz,meets the last farmer with pure-breedAylesbury ducksin Buckinghamshire, and finds out how the trains helped toevacuate millions of children during World War II.
20	"St PancrastoWestminster"	29 January 2010(2010-01-29)
Portillo explores the formerMidland Grand Hotelduring the final stages of its redevelopment. He ridesLondon Underground's first line – theMetropolitan line– toSmithfield Market Hall,and climbs the Clock Tower of theHouses of Parliamentto hear theBig Benbell chime.

Series 2 (2011)

Brighton to Cromer

The first journey takes Portillo coast-to-coast from Brighton to Cromer

No.	Episode	First broadcast
1	"BrightontoCrystal Palace"	3 January 2011(2011-01-03)
Portillo visitsBrighton's Victorian aquarium– the largest in the world at the time – and explores the underground quarries ofGodstone,before discovering the wonders of Crystal Palace in suburban south London.
2	"WaterlootoCanary Wharf"	4 January 2011(2011-01-04)
Portillo finds out about theStiffs' Express,a funeral service running coffins from Waterloo toBrookwood Cemetery.He also discovers howLondon's West Endbecame a great 19th-century shopping destination, and explores the changing fortunes of London's docks.
3	"EnfieldtoCambridge"	5 January 2011(2011-01-05)
Portillo visits thegovernment arms factory at Enfield(the largest machine shop in Europe in Bradshaw's day), discovers how the trains transformedNewmarket's racesand finds out why Cambridge could be considered as the birthplace of modern football.
4	"ElytoKing's Lynn"	6 January 2011(2011-01-06)
Portillo goes fishing with the last eel trapper onthe Fensat Ely and visits one of the great triumphs of 19th-century engineering, theDenver Sluice.He ends this leg in King's Lynn, where he uncovers an ambitious plan to reclaimthe Washin Bradshaw's day.
5	"DerehamtoCromer"	7 January 2011(2011-01-07)
Portillo gets a rare chance to drive a heritage diesel train, finds out why Norfolkblack turkeysappeared on the Christmas menu in Bradshaw's day, and samples some classic Cromer crab.

Ledbury to Holyhead

On this journey, Portillo follows the route of the Irish mail from Ledbury to Holyhead.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
6	"LedburytoShrewsbury"	10 January 2011(2011-01-10)
Portillo samples the Victorian drinkperry(a kind of pear cider), gets up close and personal with a pedigreeHereford bull,and visits the grandfather of all skyscrapers – theworld's first iron-framed buildingin Shrewsbury.
7	"TelfordtoWrexham"	11 January 2011(2011-01-11)
Portillo visitsthe world's first iron bridgeatCoalbrookdale,explores the historicChirk Castleand has a go at making traditionalCheshire cheese.
8	"ChestertoConwy"	12 January 2011(2011-01-12)
Portillo takes a tour ofChester's Roman remainsand discovers a secret World War II chemical weapons plant atRhydymwyn.After spending the night inLlandudno,he goes mussel fishing on the beautiful Conwy estuary.
9	"LlanrwsttoPorthmadog"	13 January 2011(2011-01-13)
Portillo explores the Conwy valley, stopping at Britain's first artists' colony atBetws-y-Coed,visiting the Victorian slate capital ofBlaenau Ffestiniogand taking a steam train down to the harbour atPorthmadog.
10	"LlanberistoHolyhead"	14 January 2011(2011-01-14)
Portillo takesthe trainto the top of Wales's highest peak,Mount Snowdon,witnesses the revival ofAnglesey's sea salt industry, and discovers how the railways transformed the tiny port of Holyhead.

Newcastle to Melton Mowbray

This journey follows some of the earliest railways in the country from Newcastle to Melton Mowbray.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
11	"NewcastletoChester-le-Street"	17 January 2011(2011-01-17)
Portillo explores the first locomotive factory in the world, opened byGeorge Stephenson.He also searches for the lost pit village ofMarsdeninSouth Shieldsand is entertained by a comic troupe of rapper sword dancers in Chester-le-Street.
12	"DurhamtoGrosmont"	18 January 2011(2011-01-18)
Portillo visits the historicDurham Cathedral,seesone of the first locomotives in Darlingtonand takes a Dracula tour in Whitby, before ending his journey on aNorth Yorkshire Moors Railwaysteam train across theNorth York Moors.
13	"YorktoSaltaire"	19 January 2011(2011-01-19)
Portillo takes aVictorian Turkish bathin the famous spa town ofHarrogate,explores the exemplary Victorian village of Saltaire, and rubs noses with some friendlyalpacas,whose fleeces made fortunes in Bradshaw's day.
14	"BatleytoSheffield"	20 January 2011(2011-01-20)
Portillo finds out aboutshoddyin theHeavy Woollen District,a successful 19th-century recycling industry in the textile town of Batley, discovers how the railways boosted Yorkshire's forcedrhubarbtrade, and meets the great-great-granddaughter of George Bradshaw himself.
15	"Langley MilltoMelton Mowbray"	21 January 2011(2011-01-21)
Portillo learns the secrets ofstilton cheese,finds out how trains transformed the traditional British sport offox huntingand attempts to make an authenticMelton Mowbray pork pie.

London Bridge to Hastings

This journey starts at London Bridge and goes through Kent and along its scenic coast to Hastings.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
16	"London BridgetoChatham"	24 January 2011(2011-01-24)
Portillo visits theRoyal Observatory, Greenwichto see how the railways standardised time, takes a walk through theThames Tunnel,the world's first underwater tunnel, betweenWappingandRotherhitheand explores the historicdockyards at Chatham.
17	"AylesfordtoTunbridge Wells"	25 January 2011(2011-01-25)
Portillo explores the life of Victorianhoppickers, finds out aboutMaidstone's paper industry exemplified byJames Whatmanand discovers how the railways turned cricket into a national sport atLinden Park Cricket Clubbased atHigher Common Groundin Tunbridge Wells.
18	"CanterburytoMargate"	26 January 2011(2011-01-26)
Portillo finds out howCanterbury Cathedralwas saved during theBaedeker raidsof World War II, goes whelk fishing inWhitstableand explores the origins of aseaside swimin Margate.
19	"SandwichtoFolkestone"	27 January 2011(2011-01-27)
Portillo exploresa secret portthat ran the first train ferries to France carrying vital supplies during World War I, visitsWalmer Castle,the home of theDuke of Wellington,and enters theChannel Tunnel.
20	"HythetoHastings"	28 January 2011(2011-01-28)
Portillo discovers a hardybreed of sheepon the atmosphericRomney Marsh.The majority ofNew Zealand's sheepare Romney Sheep. Then, he exploresKent's sparkling wine industry.Bradshaw's mentions grapes and wine, but there were none in Kent during his time. Only in the 1950s did a successful British wine industry emerge. Finally, he finds out why the Victorians went mad for ferns in Hastings.

Ayr to Skye

On this journey, Portillo journeys up the west coast of Scotland from Ayr to Skye.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
21	"AyrtoPaisley"	31 January 2011(2011-01-31)
Portillo visits Ayr, the hometown ofRobert Burns,finds out how to makehaggis,and recites Burns'Address to a Haggis.He then discovers how the railways transformed the game of golf at thePrestwick Golf Cluband uncovers the story of the great Victorian tartan hoax in theVestiarium ScoticumatPaisley.
22	"DumbartontoTyndrum"	1 February 2011(2011-02-01)
Portillo explores the historic Dumbarton shipyards that built theCutty Sark,learns that the phrase 'Cutty Sark' is from theTam o' Shanterpoem, visits Queen Victoria's favouriteLoch Lomond,and goes hunting for gold at Tyndrum.
23	"ObantoCorrour"	2 February 2011(2011-02-02)
Portillo discovers how trains spread the word about Oban whisky, hears about the heroic struggle to build a railway across the desolateRannoch Moorand visits Corrour, one of the favourite shooting estates of the Victorian political elite.
24	"RoybridgetoGlenfinnan"	3 February 2011(2011-02-03)
Portillo investigates one of the great geological mysteries of the 19th century – the parallel roads of Glenroy, finds out how the Victorians put a weather observatory on the top ofBen Nevis,and takes a steam train across one of the most spectacularviaductsin Britain at Glenfinnan.
25	"LochailorttoSkye"	4 February 2011(2011-02-04)
Portillo discovers how the railways helped train the first generation of commandos at Lochailort in World War II, finds out why langoustines have replaced herrings as the top catch in the fishing port of Mallaig and sails across the sea to Skye to explore the history of the highland crofters.

Series 3 (2012)

The third series featured four journeys in Great Britain, and a fifth journey which consisted of three legs in theRepublic of Irelandand two inNorthern Ireland:for this latter journey, the programme was re-titled asGreat British Railway Journeys Goes To Ireland.

Great Yarmouth to Embankment

In these episodes, Portillo travels along the route of the Great Eastern Line, which goes from the east coast of England to the centre of the country's financial capital, London.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
1	"Great YarmouthtoBeccles"	2 January 2012(2012-01-02)
Portillo discovers the grave robbing history of Great Yarmouth, tries his hand at working a Victorian swing bridge inReedhamand takes to the air to discover how a Victorian railway guidebook helped aviators in World War II.
2	"DarshamtoFelixstowe"	3 January 2012(2012-01-03)
Portillo learns about the Victorian fascination with Britain's own Atlantis to the lost city ofDunwich,meets some gentle giants who were crucial to the smooth running of the railways and discovers how thePort of Felixstowegrew into the biggest container port in the country.
3	"SudburytoSouthend"	4 January 2012(2012-01-04)
Portillo comes face-to-face with a medieval politician, takes a rail tour of Victorian freak show hotspots, and visits Southend to ride one of the world's first electric railways.
4	"EppingtoHackney"	5 January 2012(2012-01-05)
Portillo visitsEssexto discover why dairy herds travelled there by rail from all over the country in the 19th century. He also visitsWaltham Crossto see how the gunpowder made there fuelled the building of an empire and heads to Hackney to uncover the gruesome details of the first murder on a train.
5	"FenchurchtoEmbankment"	6 January 2012(2012-01-06)
Portillo takes a ride on a secret miniature railway hidden beneath London's streets, rings the bells ofBow Church,and tries his hand at station announcing at Fenchurch Street station.

Windsor to Portland

Following in the footsteps ofQueen Victoria,Portillo uses the railways she often rode fromWindsor Castleto her country getaway on theIsle of Wight.His journey then continues west to Portland.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
6	"WindsortoDidcot"	9 January 2012(2012-01-09)
Portillo visits a station fit for royalty in Windsor, views theMaidenhead Railway Bridgean engineering triumph built byIsambard Kingdom Brunelto span theRiver ThamesatMaidenhead,and tries his hand at collecting the mail 'Victorian style' on a steam-powered travelling post office.
7	"ReadingtoAlton"	10 January 2012(2012-01-10)
Portillo tastes a Victorian superfood in Alton, explores the fascinating Whitchurch silk mill, untouched for over 150 years, and tries his hand at driving a steam train on the challengingWatercress Line.
8	"WinchestertoIsle of Wight"	11 January 2012(2012-01-11)
Portillo experiences the magnificent Victorian organ atWinchester Cathedral,goes behind the scenes at a 19th-century rail works still running in Eastleigh today and travels to Queen Victoria's favourite holiday destination, the Isle of Wight.
9	"BrockenhursttoPoole"	12 January 2012(2012-01-12)
On the trail of a Victorian snake catcher, Portillo visits theNew Forestseeking out venomous adders, uncovers a secret library inWimbornecontaining some very rare books and visits thePoolepotteries founded in the 19th century, which are still working today.
10	"WarehamtoPortland"	13 January 2012(2012-01-13)
Portillo uncovers the amazing oil fields hidden underneath England's quiet seaside resorts, discovers the crucial roleWeymouthplayed in theD-day landings,and heads to the cradle of Victorian Britain's most prestigious building rock, Portland.

Oxford to Milford Haven

On this journey, Portillo travels west, from Oxford in the heart of England, through theMalvern Hillsand into Wales, taking in the unique Victorian heritage of the South Wales coastline.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
11	"OxfordtoPershore"	16 January 2012(2012-01-16)
On the first leg, Portillo is led to a special view of the city of Oxford by his 19th-century guidebook, samples a Victoriannavvies' brew made by steam power and discovers a unique and colourful crop in the heart of theCotswolds.
12	"HartleburytoGreat Malvern"	17 January 2012(2012-01-17)
Portillo visits the home of Queen Victoria's favourite bishop in Hartlebury, sniffs out the secrets of a famous 19th-century sauce in Worcester and follows in the footsteps of Victorian health fanatics to the Malvern Hills.
13	"LydneytoNewport"	18 January 2012(2012-01-18)
Portillo discovers Britain's hidden micro-mines within theForest of Dean,sees why the Victorians fell for the romantic ruins ofTintern Abbeyand uncovers the railway engineering behind the industrial icon that isNewport Transporter Bridge.
14	"CardifftoBrecon"	19 January 2012(2012-01-19)
Portillo discovers the Victorian coal heritage that turned Cardiff into the city it is today, explores the 19th-century reason whyBarry Islandisn't an island, and takes a steam ride through the beautifulBrecon Beacons National Park.
15	"Port TalbottoMilford Haven"	20 January 2012(2012-01-20)
Portillo explores the Victorian railway legacy behind the steel works of Port Talbot, follows the trail of 19th-century waterfall hunters inNeathand uncovers the fascinating whaling past of Milford Haven.

Berwick-Upon-Tweed to Snaefell

On this journey, Portillo takes in some of northern England's most dramatic scenery, from Berwick-upon-Tweed across thePenninesto theLake Districtbefore completing the journey on theIsle of Man.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
16	"Berwick-upon-TweedtoMorpeth"	23 January 2012(2012-01-23)
Portillo discovers the unique cross-border history of Berwick-upon-Tweed, hears the unique story of the Pitman Painters of Ashington and sees first-hand the perils of working on the rails in Victorian times.
17	"Bardon MilltoWigton"	24 January 2012(2012-01-24)
Portillo gets his hands dirty following the example of Victorian archaeologists atHadrian's Wall,discovers how the invention of the ticket machine made a big difference to 19th-century rail users, and sees how the Victorian railways first fuelled invention in Wigton.
18	"CockermouthtoEskdale"	25 January 2012(2012-01-25)
Portillo drinks a Victorian brew drawn from the pure waters of Cockermouth, steps inside the hidden world of nuclear reprocessing atSellafield,and travels into the wonders of a Japanese-inspired 19th-century garden.
19	"Kirkby-in-FurnesstoLancaster"	26 January 2012(2012-01-26)
Portillo learns about the secrets behind Kirkby's famous blue slate, submerges himself into a secret world of nuclear submarines inBarrow-in-Furness,and sees why the executions atLancaster Castledrew the Victorians in their droves.
20	"HeyshamtoSnaefell"	27 January 2012(2012-01-27)
Portillo sets sail from Heysham to the Isle of Man, where he discovers the horse trams ofDouglas,the 19th-century secrets of the giantLaxey Wheel,and the Victorian history of the delightfulSnaefell Mountain Railway.

Goes to Ireland: Bray to Derry

On this^[a]journey, Portillo crosses theIrish Seato discover the rich railway history of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, following the unfurling 19th-century expansion of the tracks from Dublin to Derry.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
21	"BraytoDublin"	30 January 2012(2012-01-30)
Portillo observes the amazing engineering feat involved in building the railway along Dublin's treacherous East coast, explores 19th-century crime and punishment in a Victorian jail, and finds out how the lions ofDublin Zoochanged the fortunes of the railways.
22	"EnfieldtoDrogheda"	31 January 2012(2012-01-31)
Portillo explores the extensive railway network within theBog of Allen,discovers the Victorian secrets behind the amazingBoyne Viaduct,and travels underground into the vast Irish zinc mines.
23	"DundalktoPortadown"	1 February 2012(2012-02-01)
Portillo learns of the Victorian fascination with antiquity by visiting the amazingCromlechstones of Dundalk. He reaches for the stars at theArmagh Observatoryand travels in style along the steam railway ofDownpatrick.
24	"BelfasttoWhitehead"	2 February 2012(2012-02-02)
Portillo explores the fascinating history of Belfast's Victorian docks, discovers the Irish spade-making traditions untouched for over 150 years, and takes a walk on the wild side with Whitehead's Victorian coastal paths.
25	"BallymoneytoLondonderry"	3 February 2012(2012-02-03)
Portillo takes a white-knuckle walk on theCarrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge,follows in the footsteps of the Victorians to experience the delights of theGiant's Causeway,and explores the rich history of Derry.

Series 4 (2013)

The fourth series followed the same format as the third, with four journeys in Great Britain and the last in Ireland, the latter using the same title card as in series 3.^[8]

High Wycombe to Aberystwyth

Portillo follows the tracks that fuelled theIndustrial Revolution,from the Chilterns to west Wales.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
1	"High WycombetoStratford-upon-Avon"	7 January 2013(2013-01-07)
Portillo meets the remarkable craftsmen behind the Victorian furniture trade, discovers how George Bradshaw helped save Britain's canal heritage, and sees Shakespeare through the eyes of a 19th-century railway tourist.
2	"BirminghamtoStafford"	8 January 2013(2013-01-08)
Portillo travels to the manufacturing centres of the Midlands. He learns how the railways helped to make Birmingham the pen-making capital of the world, hears the chilling tale of one of 19th-century Britain's most notorious murderers and samples the delicacies concocted in a Victorian kitchen atShugborough Hall.
3	"Stoke-on-TrenttoWinsford"	9 January 2013(2013-01-09)
Portillo explores one of the greatest locomotive factories in railway history, discovers the dark side of the industrial revolution and learns how, in Victorian times, the potteries brought their products to the masses.
4	"DudleytoBridgnorth"	10 January 2013(2013-01-10)
Portillo learns how Victorianblacksmithingwas not for the faint-hearted, rides one of Britain's most modern trains and traverses theVictoria Bridge.
5	"WelshpooltoAberystwyth"	11 January 2013(2013-01-11)
Portillo travels to the Victorian seaside resort of Aberystwyth. He experiences Victorian entertainment, hears how the railways took Welsh textiles into even the most exclusive households and unleashes the power of a 19th-century engineering triumph.

Portsmouth to Grimsby

The second journey sees Portillo go from port to port: from Portsmouth on the south coast to Grimsby on the east coast.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
6	"PortsmouthtoGomshall"	14 January 2013(2013-01-14)
Portillo feeds the crew of Britain's newest warship, discovers how the Victorians planned to repel a possible French invasion, and learns that there is well-established industry where one might least expect to find it.
7	"WokingtoClapham Junction"	15 January 2013(2013-01-15)
Portillo gets close to some precious Victorian botany atKew Gardens,tries his hand at croquet, and discovers a very surprising 19th-century place of worship.
8	"London VictoriatoAbbey Wood"	16 January 2013(2013-01-16)
Portillo learns how volunteer Victorian fire fighters liked a tipple, discovers how even 19th-century sewage pumps were a celebration of design, and puts in a shift at theoldest fish market in Britain.
9	"London King's CrosstoPeterborough"	17 January 2013(2013-01-17)
Portillo discovers how derelict Victorian London is being rejuvenated, puts in a shift at a Cambridgeshire brick factory, and meets the immigrant community built from its bricks.
10	"SpaldingtoGrimsby"	18 January 2013(2013-01-18)
Portillo sees how Lincolnshire farmers used rails to improve their harvests, visitsLincoln Cathedral,and looks to the future of rail freight.

Stirling to John o' Groats

On this journey, Portillo enjoys the stunning scenery of rural and coastal Scotland, travelling from Stirling, through the industrial east coast and dramatic Highland landscapes, to the beauty of the western lochs, finally ending his journey in John o' Groats.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
11	"StirlingtoInvergowrie"	21 January 2013(2013-01-21)
Portillo learns about a Scottish hero, visits aHighland Gamesand discovers how an impressive piece of Victorian engineering ended in tragedy.
12	"DundeetoAberdeen"	22 January 2013(2013-01-22)
Portillo learns how Queen Victoria used to hide from her subjects, discovers how factory workers went deaf and goes out with a bang in Aberdeenshire.
13	"DufftowntoAviemore"	23 January 2013(2013-01-23)
Portillo learns how Victorian whisky trains were raided by robbers, travels along one of Scotland's most impressive viaducts and discovers that life is not always sweet on a shortbread production line.
14	"InvernesstoPlockton"	24 January 2013(2013-01-24)
Portillo rides one of Scotland's most picturesque railways, visits Scotland's smallest station and learns what went into a Victorian-style spa break.
15	"InvergordontoJohn o' Groats"	25 January 2013(2013-01-25)
Portillo learns how one man's vision helped bring train travel to the Highlands, discovers how farming has changed since Bradshaw's day and hears the remarkable tale of Scotland's Victorian gold rush.

London Paddington to Newton Abbot

The fourth part of the series sees Portillo follow in the footsteps of the master engineer of theGreat Western Railway,Isambard Kingdom Brunel,beginning at the line's London gateway,Paddington station,and ending in Newton Abbot, Devon – the scene of one of Brunel's heroic failures.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
16	"London PaddingtontoWarminster"	28 January 2013(2013-01-28)
Portillo gets to grips with the old grey matter at a Victorianasylum,gives a historic horse a facelift and makes malt the 19th-century way.
17	"SalisburytoCastle Cary"	29 January 2013(2013-01-29)
Portillo visits a world-famous tourist hotspot that's been captivating visitors since the Victorian era, takes to the air inYeoviland tries his hand at cloth-making the 19th-century way.
18	"TauntontoMinehead"	30 January 2013(2013-01-30)
Portillo explores a church that moves in mysterious ways, finds out just what it takes to run a 19th-centurysignal boxand summons all his strength to move a one-hundred-and-ten-tonne steam locomotive.
19	"Lynton and LynmouthtoExeter"	31 January 2013(2013-01-31)
Portillo gets up close to a piece of natural history, visits a garden that was used as a viewing platform for public hangings and experiences a timepiece like no other.
20	"ExmouthtoNewton Abbot"	1 February 2013(2013-02-01)
Portillo takes to the sea with the heroes of theRoyal National Lifeboat Institution,visits a stormy coastal railway, and has a close personal encounter with his boyhood hero.

Goes to Ireland: Killarney to Galway^[a]

All this week, Portillo visits the Republic of Ireland, travelling from the rugged beauty of County Kerry, across the rural Irish Midlands, to end in the city of Galway on the Atlantic coast.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
21	"KillarneytoCobh"	4 February 2013(2013-02-04)
Portillo samples 19th-century foodie delicacies, explores a stunning landscape shot to fame by rails and royals, and risks life and limb for the gift of the gab.
22	"CharlevilletoWaterford"	5 February 2013(2013-02-05)
Portillo learns the ancient art of butter making, attempts to learn the basics of Ireland's oldest game, and rides the Duke of Devonshire's Victorian Irish railway.
23	"KilkennytoAthy"	6 February 2013(2013-02-06)
Portillo tries his hand at cutting marble Victorian style, uncovers 19th-century Ireland's surprising industrial heritage and learns how the railways helped bring motorsport to the masses.
24	"NewbridgetoRoscrea"	7 February 2013(2013-02-07)
Portillo visits theIrish National Stud,discovers how harsh life was for the Irish poor and uncovers an astronomical feat of Victorian engineering.
25	"AthlonetoGalway"	8 February 2013(2013-02-08)
On the final leg of his Irish journey, Portillo discovers historic jewellery with royal connections in Galway, meets a people's king and finds his voice with a traditional Irish singing group.

Series 5 (2014)

Manchester to Chesterfield

No.	Episode	First broadcast
1	"ManchestertoBirkenhead"	6 January 2014(2014-01-06)
Portillo begins in Manchester, where he finds out how the world's first industrialised city produced a revolutionary political movement, and learns about the railway workers who founded one of the most successful football clubs of all time. Along the way, he does the washing inPort Sunlight—a model village on the Wirral—and hears stories about the aptly named George Francis Train's time in Birkenhead, Merseyside.
2	"SouthporttoLeyland"	7 January 2014(2014-01-07)
Portillo enjoys the fun of the fair beside the sea in Southport, explores the origins of business inWiganand of the Industrial Revolution inBolton,and then visits Leyland where he gets the chance to drive a 100-year-old vehicle.
3	"PrestontoRochdale"	8 January 2014(2014-01-08)
Portillo celebrates Victorian trade with the Preston Guild, and then heads to Rochdale to learn about a pioneering movement to improve the lives of working families. He also follows in the tracks of many 19th-century industrial employees who made day trips toHebden Bridgeto walk in theCalder Valley.
4	"HaworthtoHuddersfield"	9 January 2014(2014-01-09)
Portillo crosses into West Yorkshire, visiting theWorth Valleyand the home of the three Brontë sisters, who were early investors in the railway industry. He then heads toOakworthto find out how its station and tracks were used in one of the most popular films ever made, and inBradfordhe discovers the ways in which 19th-century workers saved to buy a home. He finishes inHalifax,where he learns how the railways contributed to the town's success.
5	"HonleytoChesterfield"	10 January 2014(2014-01-10)
Portillo tunes into the music of the mills and collieries of Victorian England by joining a brass band in Honley, before stopping off inHolmfirthto learn about a tragedy that led to a tourist boom in the town. He then crosses into Derbyshire to pay homage to railway engineer George Stephenson at his resting place in Chesterfield, before concluding his journey atChatsworth House,one of the first stately homes to welcome visitors by rail.

London Euston to Leeds

No.	Episode	First broadcast
6	"London EustontoCheddington"	13 January 2014(2014-01-13)
Portillo finds out what happened to the once proudEuston Archand heads toCamdento see how goods were transported by rail, road and canal. He reflects on theHarrow and Wealdstone rail crashof 1952 and visits a country estate inTring,Hertfordshire, before alighting atCheddingtonin Buckinghamshire, which is close to the scene of 1963'sGreat Train Robbery.
7	"BletchleytoNewport Pagnell"	14 January 2014(2014-01-14)
Portillo travels through Buckinghamshire, meeting one of the Second World War's most secret agents atStation XinBletchley.InOlney,he learns about a poet whose words are still sung today, and explores the first purpose-built railway town atWolverton.His last stop isNewport Pagnell,where he tackles the ancient craft of vellum making.
8	"NorthamptontoNuneaton"	15 January 2014(2014-01-15)
Portillo begins inNorthampton,where Victorian methods have been used to make shoes for more than 130 years. He then heads toWarwickshire,learning about the legacy ofThomas ArnoldatRugby Schooland finding out howCoventry's craftsmen learned to adapt to survive, before ending this leg of his trip inNuneaton.
9	"LeicestertoLoughborough"	16 January 2014(2014-01-16)
Portillo sets off inLeicester,where he finds out about the hunt forRichard III's remains. He works his passage on theGreat Central RailwayfromRothleytoLoughborough,where he learns about a family that has been casting bells in the town since 1839.
10	"NottinghamtoLeeds"	17 January 2014(2014-01-17)
Portillo rediscovers a once-famous poet inNottinghamand travels on arailway line resurrected by popular demandafter falling victim to theBeeching cuts.He finds out howDoncasterrail workers shaped British political history, before reaching his final destination of Leeds, where he auditions at Britain'soldest continuously working music hall.

Southampton to Wolverhampton

No.	Episode	First broadcast
11	"SouthamptontoBasingstoke"	20 January 2014(2014-01-20)
Portillo is taught to set tables aboard the luxury linerQueen Elizabeth,finds the remains of a military hospital built in the village ofNetleyby order of Queen Victoria, and learns about a battle in Basingstoke between townspeople and theSalvation Army.
12	"WinchfieldtoCrowthorne"	21 January 2014(2014-01-21)
Portillo travels through Hampshire and Berkshire, stopping-off atStratfield Saye House,the stately home bequeathed by the nation to Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, in 1817. He then heads toAldershot Garrison,where he is put through his paces under military instruction. At St Michael's Abbey in Farnborough, he visits the tomb of French emperorNapoleon IIIand his family, and ends in Crowthorne, Berkshire, the home ofBroadmoor Hospital.
13	"WokinghamtoBradford on Avon"	22 January 2014(2014-01-22)
Portillo begins in Wokingham where he finds out how demand from a growing number of rail commuters fuelled the development of the modern printing press. He then learns about a Tudor businessman who manufactured cloth in enormous volumes inNewbury,and ends this leg of his trip in Bradford on Avon where a local manufacturer describes how his Victorian forebears were the first in Britain to be licensed to vulcanise rubber.
14	"ChippenhamtoGloucester"	23 January 2014(2014-01-23)
Portillo continues his journey in Chippenham, where atLacock Abbeyhe discovers how the world's first photographic negative was made and learns how to make a print. He travels on toBristolto visit the VictorianClifton Zoo,where he learns that tigers and polar bears also arrived there by train. Next stop isSevern Tunnel Junctionin Wales, where he explores an extraordinary piece of Victorian engineering with its own pump house pumping out millions of gallons a day to keep theSevern Tunneldry. Finally, in Gloucester, he finds out why the station became infamous for lost luggage, and meets a stonemason who invites him to have a go atGloucester Cathedral.
15	"CheltenhamtoWolverhampton"	24 January 2014(2014-01-24)
Portillo starts in the elegant spa town of Cheltenham, where he discovers a very early locomotive carriage which ran on the road and is allowed to get behind the wheel. Next stop is the medieval town ofTewkesbury,scene of a grisly battle during theWars of the Roses,where he joins a group of re-enactors for a taste of the action. InDroitwich,he learns of the origins of the local salt industry, and then ends his journey in Wolverhampton, scene of Queen Victoria's first public appearance after the death ofPrince Albert.

Norwich to Chichester

No.	Episode	First broadcast
16	"NorwichtoBrandon"	27 January 2014(2014-01-27)
AtNorwich Castle,Portillo uncovers the Victorian public's gory fascination with crime and punishment and finds out how campaigners such asElizabeth Fryworked to improve conditions for prisoners. Heading west toThetford,he explores how the Victorian appetite for rabbits and their fur led to special train services to London, and ends in the Suffolk town of Brandon, where he tries his hand at flint-knapping.
17	"IpswichtoChelmsford"	28 January 2014(2014-01-28)
Portillo travels from Ipswich to Chelmsford, starting at an agricultural implements works with its own railway sidings. Continuing his journey south-west into Essex, he helps to dredge for oysters offMersea Islandbefore taking the train toWitham,where he discovers a model farming establishment atTiptree.He ends this leg at Chelmsford, home to the world's first purpose-built radio equipment factory, established byGuglielmo Marconi.
18	"IlfordtoRochester"	29 January 2014(2014-01-29)
Portillo heads along the Essex bank of theRiver Thamesbefore crossing the river into Kent. He begins inBarkingside,where Victorian philanthropist Thomas Barnardo made it his mission to transform the lives of destitute children, tries his hand at loading a container onto a pocket wagon atTilbury Docks,and ends his trip in Rochester, where he encounters a host of familiar characters and explores a town that was an inspiration for many ofCharles Dickens' works.
19	"FavershamtoDorking"	30 January 2014(2014-01-30)
Portillo starts in Faversham, where he visits theShepherd Neame Brewery,one of the oldest in Britain. He then heads toDoverto explore a sunken fortress known as theWestern Heights,before crossing into Surrey where he blow-dries a hen in Dorking.
20	"BrightontoChichester"	31 January 2014(2014-01-31)
Portillo discovers the history behind theBrighton Pavilionand learns that Queen Victoria was not an admirer of thePrince Regent'sflamboyant taste. He learns that while the railways brought day-trippers to frolic in fashionable Brighton, Victorian engineers built a magnificent underground network of sewers more than 40 miles long, which is still functioning today. AtBramber,he discovers that at the time of his guide tourists flocked to the town in huge numbers to see a Victorian museum oftaxidermy.Portillo's next stop isArundel Castle,and he's pleased to find that the Duke of Norfolk was a great supporter of the railways. His rail journey ends in Chichester, from where he heads up into the South Downs for a taste of life in the fast lane at theGoodwood Circuit.

Series 6 (2015)

Ayr to Edinburgh

No.	Episode	First broadcast
1	"AyrtoStewarton"	5 January 2015(2015-01-05)
From Ayr, Portillo admires the granite island ofAilsa Craigbefore getting to grips with the ancient sport of curling, with help from a Scottish world champion. The Ancient Society of Kilwinning Archers invites him to take part in the oldest archery competition in the world. AtBarassie,he rides the footplate of a freight train hauling coal on Scotland's oldest railway line. He caps off this leg of his journey in Stewarton.
2	"GreenocktoLarkhall"	6 January 2015(2015-01-06)
Portillo begins in the industrial town of Greenock from where he sets sail on thePS Waverley,the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world. In Glasgow, he investigates 'Mackintosh style' in an iconic city tea room, before seeing the devastating effects of the 2014 fire at theGlasgow School of Art.InBlantyre,he discovers the humble beginnings of Britain's most famous missionary and explorer, and learns to bake sour dough in Scotland's oldest bakery in Strathaven.
3	"MotherwelltoLinlithgow"	7 January 2015(2015-01-07)
Portillo celebrates Victorian iron and steel in Motherwell and admires one of its crowning achievements – theForth Bridge.He journeys through picturesque countryside to admire the raw power of nature at the magnificent and romanticClyde Falls,which inspiredWilliam WordsworthandSamuel Taylor Coleridge,and where Victorian ladies swooned. InCumbernauld,he learns of the birth of one of Scotland's best-selling soft drinks. InLinlithgow,he marvels at the ingenuity of the engineers who built theUnion Canaland experiences a 21st-century technological refinement atFalkirk.
4	"StirlingtoPitlochry"	8 January 2015(2015-01-08)
Portillo begins this leg in Stirling, where he visits the scene of a bloody battle atBannockburn.Following in the footsteps of Victorian holidaymakers, he travels north toCrieffto experience the popularCrieff Hydro.In the ancient capital of Scotland,Perth,he learns what it takes to make a sporran before catching theHighland Main LinetoPitlochryand one ofQueen Victoria's favourite haunts. He finishes the day with a wee dram in Scotland's smallest distillery.
5	"St AndrewstoEdinburgh"	9 January 2015(2015-01-09)
On the last leg, Portillo pays homage to the birthplace of golf atSt Andrews.He visits a factory where they make traditional hickory-shafted clubs and ventures out on to the green. InDunfermline,he discovers the poor beginnings of one of the world's wealthiest men, a remarkable philanthropist who worked on the railroads before making his fortune in steel. Crossing theFirth of Forthvia theForth Bridge,he arrives in Edinburgh in the middle of the world's largest arts festival, theEdinburgh Fringe Festival,where he treads the boards in an unconventional adaptation of a play byOscar Wilde.

Amersham to London Bridge

No.	Episode	First broadcast
6	"AmershamtoRegent's Park"	12 January 2015(2015-01-12)
Portillo travels on the capital's first underground railway, theMetropolitan line,from Amersham, where first he discovers the foundations for modern day suburbia. InPinner,he finds out about a Victorian domestic goddess and whips up a pint of her fanciest ice cream. InHighgate,he investigates the terraced catacombs of one of London's vast 19th-century cemeteries. AtMadame Tussaudshe comes face to face withIsambard Kingdom Brunelbefore experiencing hot wax at first hand. He ends with a trip to theLondon ZooatRegent's Park.
7	"DeptfordtoWest Silvertown^[b]"	13 January 2015(2015-01-13)
Portillo is invited aboard the construction locomotive forCrossrailto travel under theRiver Thamesand to meet the impressive Mary, vital to the project. He then travels on the capital's first railway, and admires the remarkable brick viaduct on which it was built. He takes a tour underneath its arches with a Victorian map showing the poverty of those who once lived there. TheDocklands Light Railwaytakes him toGreenwich,home to theCutty Sarkand inWoolwich,he discovers the firepower of theBritish Empire,before coming to a sticky end at West Silvertown.
8	"StratfordtoLondon Victoria"	14 January 2015(2015-01-14)
Portillo takes theHigh Speed 1line toStratfordto explore the legacy of theOlympic Park.He hears how an Indian lawyer, who learnt his trade in Victorian London, went on to change the world, and then explores an area of the city which has been home to wave upon wave of immigrants,Spitalfields.He ends this journey at Victoria tube station, where he finds out about the massive makeover currently under way.
9	"Covent GardentoSoho(West End of London) "	15 January 2015(2015-01-15)
Portillo explores London's theatreland and discovers how 19th-century engineering made for spectacular theatricals. AtCharing Cross,he learns about the ambitious building programme which sawTrafalgar Squarereplace streets of slums, and comes almost face to face with George Bradshaw. At one of the busiest stops on the tube,Piccadilly Circus,he indulges in some retail therapy at a perfumery patronised by kings, queens and prime ministers. TheBakerloo to Oxford Circus linetakes him toSohoand a grimmer side of Victorian London, where disease was rife.
10	"High Street KensingtontoLondon Bridge"	16 January 2015(2015-01-16)
Portillo exploresAlbertopolisand reaches dizzying heights inside a Victorian landmark. He meets some ofBattersea's most famous residents and gives one of them a bath! AtVauxhall,he learns about the darker side of London's flower market in Bradshaw's day. He ends this journey atLondon Bridge,where two stations are becoming one, and a new concourse is being built.

Derby to Lindisfarne

No.	Episode	First broadcast
11	"DerbytoGrantham"	19 January 2015(2015-01-19)
Portillo gives an old engine a fresh start in the railway hub of Derby. InNottingham,he discovers the Victorian origins of a well-known high-street chemist He then travels toNewstead Abbey,where he learns about its former owner, the youngLord Byron.A baking lesson in Grantham yields a batch of the oldest commercially traded biscuits in the country, and no visit to Grantham would be complete for him without calling at a historic grocer's shop.
12	"BostontoHensall"	20 January 2015(2015-01-20)
Beginning in Boston in the flatlands ofLincolnshire,Portillo explores the connection between the city and itsAmerican namesake.AtSouthwell,he discovers the origins of theBramley appleand learns how to make apple pie. InMenston,he visits an imposing institution built to provide asylum for those suffering from mental illness and learns how volunteers care for its once derelict chapel and graveyard. AtWakefield,he manages to board one of Britain's least frequent services and finds out what led to the birth of theparliamentary train.Along the way, he meets a former locomotive engineer who offers him the chance to drive a steam engine.
13	"HessletoYork"	21 January 2015(2015-01-21)
Portillo begins in Hessle, on the north bank of theRiver Humber,in the shadow of theHumber Bridge,where he learns about the technology that made it possible. InKingston upon Hull,he meets his friend and sparring partner, local MPAlan Johnson,who tells him about another famous son of his city,William Wilberforce.InScarborough,Portillo's Bradshaw directs him to the castle, where the founder of theQuaker movementwas once imprisoned. His last stop of the day is York, where he learns what made the ancient capital a centre for the sweet-making industry.
14	"MiddlesbroughtoHexham"	22 January 2015(2015-01-22)
Portillo starts in Middlesbrough, visiting one of the last iron foundries in the town and helping cast a carrot valve for a steam engine. His next stop isDarlington,where he meets the editor of theNorthern Echoand finds out about the colourful history of WT Stead, one of his predecessors. He then heads to St Paul's monastery inJarrowto learn about 8th century monk the Venerable Bede, known as 'the father of English history', before finishing in Hexham, where he visits a historic ginger beer emporium.
15	"NewcastletoLindisfarne"	23 January 2015(2015-01-23)
Portillo sets off from Newcastle, finding out about the world's earliest swing bridge and its inventorWilliam Armstrong.He then travels by boat from the port ofSeahousesto examine the story of lighthouse keeper's daughterGrace Darling,who, along with her father, rescued nine people from tumultuous seas in 1838. OnLindisfarne,Portillo explores the lime kilns and finds out how Christianity spread from here across northern England in the 7th century.

Pembroke Dock to Cambridge

No.	Episode	First broadcast
16	"Pembroke DocktoSwansea"	26 January 2015(2015-01-26)
Portillo begins in Pembroke Dock, where Queen Victoria's royal yachts were built. In the little market town ofNarberth,he investigates what caused rebels to dress up as women, and later spends the night at an inn inCarmarthenwhereHoratio Nelsononce metEmma Hamilton.Then he pitches in with the volunteers who look after theGwili Railwayand ends this leg in Swansea, where he learns how to pose for a photograph in Victorian style.
17	"SwanseatoHereford"	27 January 2015(2015-01-27)
Portillo begins in the ruinous gardens atAberglasney HousenearLlandeilo,and then rides in the driver's cab on the scenicHeart of Wales railway line.Crossing the border into England, he takes to the dance floor at the Lion Hotel Ballroom inLeominster,where a grand ball was held to celebrate the opening of the Ludlow to Hereford railway, and finishes at a traditional cider house in Hereford.
18	"AbergavennytoHanborough"	28 January 2015(2015-01-28)
Portillo goes underground at Big Pit coal mine inBlaenavon,where he discovers how miners powered theIndustrial Revolution.On theRiver Usk,he learns about 19th-century developments in angling, and then heads toAscott-under-Wychwood,once the scene of a farm labourers' dispute that ended in rioting. He concludes atBlenheim Palace,the birthplace ofWinston Churchill.
19	"OxfordtoLuton"	29 January 2015(2015-01-29)
In the heart of academia in Oxford, Portillo visits theBodleian Libraryand sees some Victorian treasures, including Mary Shelley'sFrankensteinmanuscript and a pocket-sized edition of Bradshaw's Companion. He then investigates two new railway projects atBicester,finds out about Victorian philanthropy inBedford,and finishes in Luton, where he learns about the arts of the hat-maker.
20	"OakhamtoCambridge"	30 January 2015(2015-01-30)
In Oakham inRutland,Portillo learns about a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages and decides to take part. Heading east toStamford,he discovers why the town is a popular location for period dramas, while a ghoulish scene greets him inPeterboroughwhen he visits a Victorian operating theatre where railwaymen were treated. His last stop is Christ's College atCambridge University,where he finds out about the student days ofCharles Darwin.

Series 7 (2016)

Carlisle to Alton

No.	Episode	First broadcast
1	"CarlisletoPenrith"	4 January 2016(2016-01-04)
Portillo joins an assembly line in a Carlisle biscuit factory and discovers the popularity of thecustard creamin Victorian times. He descends intoHonister Slate Mine(now the only operational slate mine in England) and sees the miniature railway previously used to carry the slate to the surface. Portillo follows the route Victorian miners took to work, focusing on the tightrope bridge 300 feet (91 m) above theBorrowdaleValley which is now Britain's onlyVia Ferrata.^[9]^[10]
2	"WindermeretoCarnforth"	5 January 2016(2016-01-05)
In theLake District,Portillo explores the magical world ofBeatrix Potteras author and illustrator of her well-loved stories and learns that she feared the encroachment of the railways. He visits theBrantwoodhome of the Victorian art critic and social thinkerJohn Ruskin.Finally, atCarnforthhe plays out a "Brief Encounter".^[9]^[10]
3	"PrestontoSwinton"	6 January 2016(2016-01-06)
InPreston,where four mill workers had been shot dead by soldiers duringa protest in 1842,Portillo reads theRiot Act.InDarwen,he follows 19th-century developments in interior design from wallpaper to paint. He explores the Victorian industrial landscape ofSalforddepicted inL. S. Lowry's paintings – most recognisably with matchstick figures. He finishes onKersal Moor,experiencing the tongue twistingLancashire dialectand the poetry ofEdwin Waugh.^[9]^[10]
4	"St HelenstoKnutsford"	7 January 2016(2016-01-07)
InMerseyside,Portillo discovers how glass-making has developed, from the inventiveness of the Victorians who constructedCrystal Palaceto the modern industry, seen inSt Helensand elsewhere, which has inspired a modern revolution in architecture.^[9]^[10]
5	"AshleytoAlton"	8 January 2016(2016-01-08)
Portillo discovers how the new middle-class homes of VictorianAshleyhad many chimneys which needed to be kept clean and were swept by young children, as depicted inCharles Kingsley'sThe Water-Babies.InMacclesfield,he finds the end of theSilk Routeand triesscreen printing.A steam-powered engine on theChurnet Valley Railwaytakes him toFroghallforAlton Towerswhere he learns about the 19th-century origins of this modern theme park.^[9]^[10]

Dover to Porthcurno

No.	Episode	First broadcast
6	"DovertoLewes"	11 January 2016(2016-01-11)
Beginning in theport of Dover,Portillo takes a plunge into theEnglish Channel,inspired by the example ofthe first person to swim the Channel.A miniature steam train, one third the size of a conventional locomotive, conveys him fromRomney MarshtoDungeness.InEastbourne,he learns how the 7thDuke of Devonshiremanaged to market the town's attractions to the refined upper-crust of Victorian London. Finally, Portillo attends theGlyndebourneopera festival on theSouth Downs.^[9]^[10]
7	"NewhaventoWorthing"	12 January 2016(2016-01-12)
In Newhaven, Portillo discovers a hidden Victorian fort, built to deter a French invasion. He then detours inland to see theOuse Valley Viaductand theClayton Tunnelon the London-to-Brighton line. High on the South Downs, he learns how trains used to carry day-trippers up the climb to theDevil's Dyke,where flyingkiteswas a popular past-time. AtWorthing,he finds a railway which now helps to harvesttomatoesgrown in a vast expanse ofgreenhouses.^[9]^[10]
8	"LittlehamptontoBeaulieu"	13 January 2016(2016-01-13)
Portillo arrives in Littlehampton, where he discovers how Victorian engineers dug deep to defend the town's residents from cholera and learns how their drills still access clean water around the world. AtGosport,he experiences first-hand the lethal firepower unleashed on the French and learns how theVictorianswere engaged in a furious arms race against them. At the family home ofFlorence Nightingalein theNew Forest,he finds out what motivated the Lady of the Lamp, before seizing the chance to drive the first motor car atBeaulieu.^[9]^[10]
9	"LymingtonTown toExmouth"	14 January 2016(2016-01-14)
Portillo arrives in the sailing haven of Lymington where he makes a lifesaving discovery. ExploringDorchester's literary landscape, he finds out how the coming of the railways inspired the work of the region's greatest writer –Thomas Hardy.Weaving his way toAxminster,he tries his hand at carpet-making. His last stop isExmouth,home toFrancis Danby,a forgotten Victorian landscape artist.^[9]^[10]
10	"PlymouthtoPorthcurno"	15 January 2016(2016-01-15)
In Plymouth, Portillo finds out about theRoyal Navy's fighting spirit and mixes his own blend of ruin. Crossing intoCornwall,he learns about thelast bridgeto be built by one of his heroes, the engineerIsambard Kingdom Brunel.ByTre Pol and Pen,he comes to know Cornishmen and how to prepare the perfectpasty.His journey ends in a small village which in Victorian times became a hub of global communications.^[9]^[10]

Birmingham to Dartmoor

No.	Episode	First broadcast
11	"BirminghamtoWorcester"	18 January 2016(2016-01-18)
Every train ride begins with a whistle and Portillo's journey this time starts in Birmingham'sJewellery Quarterto the sound of the Acme whistle, manufactured there since 1884. A visit to the city's town hall reveals a magnificent organ and the location for a celebrated music festival. Travelling south toKidderminster,he visits theRoyal Mailsorting office and finds out about the great postal innovatorSir Rowland Hill.Arriving inWorcester,he discovers the origins of theBritish Medical Association.^[9]^[10]
12	"RedditchtoGloucester"	19 January 2016(2016-01-19)
Portillo travels from Redditch to Gloucester, beginning with a look back toVictoriantimes at a needle manufactory. He also learns how to makeGloucester cheese,and joins the Gloucester Choral Society in a rendition of Jerusalem.^[9]^[10]
13	"StroudtoBath"	20 January 2016(2016-01-20)
Portillo investigates the Victorian origins ofsnooker,before ploughing a crooked furrow at theRoyal Agricultural CollegeinCirencester.In Bath, he takes tea with the ladies, and also discovers a scandalous novel written by an eccentric recluse, who was once the wealthiest man in England.^[9]^[10]
14	"BristoltoGlastonbury"	21 January 2016(2016-01-21)
Portillo enters the foul-smelling world of a Victoriantanneryand hears how a 19th-century entrepreneur made his fortune thanks to mountains ofbird droppingsand then used his wealth to build churches and one of the most luxurious country houses in Britain. Portillo then heads for the mysticalGlastonbury Abbey,where Victorian tourists flocked to hear tales ofKing Arthurand theHoly Grail.^[9]^[10]
15	"BridgwatertoDartmoor"	22 January 2016(2016-01-22)
InTaunton,Somerset, Portillo stands trial at the Bloody Assizes and feels the full force of the law. He then gets to grips with a miracle of Victorian engineering on theSomerset LevelsatWestonzoyland,and on Dartmoor embarks on a mid-19th century treasure hunt still popular today.^[9]^[10]

Ashford to Henley-on-Thames

No.	Episode	First broadcast
16	"AshfordtoSevenoaks"	25 January 2016(2016-01-25)
Portillo begins in Ashford,Kent,where he lends a hand at a state-of-the-art train maintenance plant which is home toHigh Speed 1rolling stock. Then a visit to a factory, owned by make up brandRimmel,gives insight into the Victorian cosmetics industry. This is followed by a stop off atMarden Stationto visit a village to learn about the role played by the piano in the Victorian home and then helps to tune a piano, before ending his journey atKnole HouseinSevenoaks,seat of the Sackville-West family.^[9]^[10]
17	"East GrinsteadtoGuildford"	26 January 2016(2016-01-26)
Portillo visitsLeith Hill Placeto explore the compositions ofRalph Vaughan Williams.He also dons a boiler suit and takes to the footplate of a locomotive on theBluebell Railway,Britain's first passenger-carrying heritage line, and then witnesses the power ofdynamiteat first hand.^[9]^[10]
18	"WokingtoWalton-on-Thames"	28 January 2016(2016-01-28)
Starting fromWoking Station,Portillo uncovers the story of Britain's first purpose-builtcrematorium.He then travels toWest Byfleet,to visit theRoyal Horticultural Society'sWisley Garden,followed byBrooklands,the birthplace ofmotor racing.FromWalton-on-Thames,he goescampingand finds out about the unlikely origins of a leisure pursuit that is still going strong today.^[9]^[10]
19	"Hampton CourttoTeddington"	29 January 2016(2016-01-29)
Portillo starts at Hampton Court Palace, where he is treated to a private tour of the Great Vine, the world's longestgrapevine,before travelling toEsher Stationto visit statelyClaremont House,where tragic circumstances led directly to the birth of theVictorian era.He then travels toWimbledonto see the site of a historic duelling event and ends his journey in Teddington, where he hears the story ofJohn Langdon Down,the reformer, whose work revolutionised the care of those living with disabilities, includingDown syndrome.^[9]^[10]
20	"EghamtoHenley-on-Thames"	29 January 2016(2016-01-29)
Portillo begins in Egham,Surrey,where a historicsteam fairoffers the original "white-knuckle ride". Across town lies theRoyal Holloway College,now part of theUniversity of London,and it is here that Portillo discovers the institution's philanthropic roots. Then he travels toStaines-upon-Thamesto see the stone which marked the historic boundary of the City of London. Next morning he takes the train toWindsor & Eton Riverside Stationand then walks toWindsor & Eton Central Stationto catch the train forSloughinBerkshire,where he drops in at a factory manufacturingHorlicks,the sleep-inducing beverage. His journey ends at Henley-on-Thames inOxfordshire,where he visits theRiver and Rowing Museumand later learns thatrowingin an eight is a challenging business.^[9]^[10]

Series 8 (2017)

No.	Episode	First broadcast
London King's Cross to Edinburgh
1	"London King's CrosstoYork– The Flying Scotsman "	2 January 2017(2017-01-02)
Portillo travels from King's Cross to York on a special train pulled by theFlying Scotsman.Alan Pegler,who was involved in the restoration of the Flying Scotsman, is interviewed. Archive footage is shown of the restored locomotive being transported to the United States for a tour, along with film clips of this tour.
2	"Welwyn Garden CitytoPeterborough"	3 January 2017(2017-01-03)
Starting again from London, on a more leisurely journey, Portillo disembarks atWelwyn Garden Cityto visitRothamsted Manorto learn about fertilisers. On the grounds of the manor is theRothamsted Researchfacility, which he also visits. Next he travels toHertford Northto visitHaileybury College,home to an archive ofRudyard Kipling's writings. The next stop isBiggleswade,Bedfordshirefor the Shuttleworth Swiss Garden atOld Warden.He concludes this episode with a return journey fromPeterboroughtoWansford stationon theNene Valley Railway.
3	"Newark-on-TrenttoStockton"	4 January 2017(2017-01-04)
FromNewark Northgate,Portillo walks to the nearbySt Mary Magdalene Churchto learn about its song school and choir. Then he visits a gallery displaying railway posters. InRetford,at the Northern Rubber Factory, Portillo learns about Victorian rubber technology before travelling toThirsk.He then goes just outside ofThirskto visit the former home ofLaurence Sterne,author ofTristram Shandy.While still in the area, he goes to a wildlife centre, and then on toStockton-on-Teeswhere he goes toPreston ParkMuseum to learn about John Walker, inventor of the striking match.
4	"DarlingtontoDunbar"	5 January 2017(2017-01-05)
InNewton Aycliffe,Portillo visits theHitachi Newton Aycliffetrain factory. He has to alight atDarlingtonto reach his next destination,Croft-on-Tees,where he learns about Charles Dodgson, akaLewis Carroll,before visiting the nearbySt Peter's Church.Next he travels to asmokehouseinCrasterand learns howherringsare kippered; followed by a train journey toDunbarto visit the birthplace of naturalistJohn Muir.Whilst still in the area, Portillo paddles acoracleon a river.
5	"LongniddrytoEdinburgh"	6 January 2017(2017-01-06)
To reach his next destination,Haddington,Portillo has to alight atLongniddry stationbecause the line to Haddington is now closed to passengers. Once there, he learns about locally bornSamuel Smiles,who wroteSelf-Helpand then takes aukulelelesson. InMusselburgh,he learns about life as afishwife.Next, he explores Scotland's capital, Edinburgh; talking to passengers on a tram, driving a tram and visiting theRoyal College of Surgeonsto see the museum, where he learns aboutanatomyteaching, past and present. He sums up this episode from theScott Monument,withEdinburgh Waverley Stationin the background.
Blackpool to Harwich
6	"BlackpooltoManchester Victoria"	9 January 2017(2017-01-09)
Portillo arrives atBlackpool Pleasure Beachvia its ownstation.Inside the amusement park, on the narrow gaugePleasure Beach Express,he learns of the history of the Pleasure Beach and rides on the Ghost Train. Then he takes theBlackpool TramwaytoFleetwood,where he learns of the origins of theFisherman's Friendlozenge and is given a tour of the factory. Next he travels toLostocknearBoltonto visit a factory making a railway bridge and triessubmerged arc welding.Continuing his journey, he goes toSalford Centralto see the construction centre for the aforementioned bridge. He finishes atManchester Piccadilly,where he gives a speech at the unveiling of a war memorial plaque. (Despite the title of this episode, Portillo does not end his journey at Manchester Victoria, but Manchester Piccadilly.)
7	"Manchester PiccadillytoSilkstone Common"	10 January 2017(2017-01-10)
Portillo starts off by taking a tram toManchester Town Hallwhere Dr James Sumner tells him aboutJohn Dalton,the scientist who developed theperiodic tableand is shown a statue of Dalton, which is just inside the entrance. He then visits theNational Graphene Institutebefore making the short train journey toFairfield.Here he learns about Moravian immigration toFairfield, Tameside.He starts the next day by travelling fromStalybridge StationtoMarsdento visit theStandedge canal and rail tunnelsand goes through the longest canal tunnel in Britain. Finally, he travels toSilkstone Common StationnearBarnsleyto visitWortley Top Forgeand learn aboutThomas Andrews (metallurgist).
8	"ChapeltowntoDoncaster"	11 January 2017(2017-01-11)
Now in Yorkshire, Portillo's first stop isChapeltownforWharncliffe Crags,where he learns about rock climbing and then climbs a crag himself. The next stop isSheffield,to see theUniversity of Sheffield's collection of skeletons, and other specimens, housed in theAlfred Denny Building.Next he travels toConisbrough,to see thecastle,that was an inspiration toSir Walter Scottwhen writingIvanhoeand then journeys toDoncasterto visit Doncaster School for the Deaf.
9	"GainsboroughtoEly"	12 January 2017(2017-01-12)
Portillo stops atGainsborough Lea Roadto visit a wrapping and packaging factory. His next stop isLincoln railway stationto see a statue ofAlfred Lord Tennyson,followed by a visit to the Tennyson Research Centre. He then travels toMarch stationto see the Whitemoormarshalling yards.The last leg of this journey takes him toEly stationto visitEly Cathedralwhere he learns aboutSir George Gilbert Scottwho rebuilt parts of the cathedral.
10	"StowmarkettoHarwich"	13 January 2017(2017-01-13)
FromStowmarket,Portillo travels toBrockfordto visit theMid-Suffolk Light Railway,and then continues toSaxmundham,where he leaves the rail network and proceeds east toLeistonfor theLong Shop Museum.Returning to the rails, he travels toIpswich,where he learns about the wet dock. Then he proceeds toHarwich Town,learning about the origins of travel to the continent, before back tracking toHarwich International,where he goes on to the bridge of aStena Lineferry.
Goes to Ireland: Wexford to Westport^[a]
11	"WexfordtoWicklow"	16 January 2017(2017-01-16)
Portillo, wearing the colours of the Irish flag, starts this journey in the port of Wexford, visiting the Wexford Maritime Festival. Next, he rides in a 100-year-old lifeboat and learns about Irish-bornJohn Barry,who became a hero of theUnited States Navy.Travelling toArklow,County Wicklow,he visits theMeeting of the WatersatAvocato learn about the Irish poet,Thomas Moore.His last stop isWicklow station,and from there he travels toPoulaphouca Reservoir,where he learns about a 19th-century scheme to combatcholerainDublinand concludes the episode travelling in aVictorian erahorse-drawn, barrel-top caravan.
12	"GreystonestoDublin"	17 January 2017(2017-01-17)
In County Wicklow, Portillo alights atGreystones Stationto visit the spectacular house and gardens ofPowerscourt,includingPowerscourt Waterfall.He then travels to Dublin'sConnollystation and visitsTrinity Collegewhere he views theBook of Kells,a 1,200-year-oldilluminated manuscript Gospel book.While there, he visits the library and viewsBrian Boru's Harp.Next, he samplesGuinnessin a Dublin pub, before visitingSt Patrick's Cathedralto learn how Victorian royals were sent to Ireland to help improve Anglo-Irish relations. He ends his Dublin tour inPhoenix Parkwhere he learns about theOrdnance Survey's work in making maps of Ireland.
13	"NavantoMullingar"	18 January 2017(2017-01-18)
Alighting atNavan Road Parkway,Portillo travels toHill of Tara,County Meath where, during theVictorian Period,a dig failed to find theArk of the Covenant.Then, in a nearby church, he looks at 3D modelling of the hill. From his next stop,Leixlip Confey,he visits a hydro-electric dam which has been adapted to help salmon pass through it. Stopping atMaynoothhe visitsSt Patrick's Seminaryand, while on the campus, he goes to its chapel,libraryand museum. His last stop isMullingar stationand from there he goes to meet members of a community marching band and playsBass Drumin a march.
14	"DromodtoSligo"	19 January 2017(2017-01-19)
Portillo stops atDromodto visit the narrow gaugeCavan and Leitrim Railway,then learns how to make a pancake known as aboxty.Back on the main line, he alights atSligoand goes toCarrowmore,to see one of the landscapes that inspired the poet,W. B. Yeats.He then visits theMichael ColemanHeritage Centre to learn about the cultural importance of both theIrish fiddleand traditional dancing (of which he partakes). He ends this episode by taking a boat trip onLough Gill.
15	"BallinatoWestport"	20 January 2017(2017-01-20)
FromBallina Station,Portillo goes toEnniscroneto learn about traditional seaweed baths and then takes one at a bath house. The next stop isFoxfordfor Foxford Woolen Mills, where he learns about its founder,Mother Agnes.Westport is the last stop on this journey and fromWestport stationhe travels toClew Bay,where he has a meal of native clam. After a tour of the bay, he climbs part ofCroagh Patrickand learns about its connection toSt Patrick.

Series 9 (2018)

For the ninth series, which has anEdwardiantheme, Portillo uses an early 20th-century edition of Bradshaw's Guide.

No.	Episode	First broadcast
Cromer to Brownsea Island
1	"CromertoCambridge"	1 January 2018(2018-01-01)
Starting fromCromer Station,Portillo walks to the beach, where he learns about the history of the resort. Next, he takes the train into theNorfolk Broadsand stops atWroxham,where, during a sail on a yacht, he learns about the Broads' history. Rejoining the train atHoveton & Wroxham,his next stop isNorwich Stationand he spends the night inNorwichat theMaids Head Hotel.Next day, back on the train, he travels toAttleboroughto visitQuidenham Hallforclay pigeon shooting.His last stop isCambridge,where he learns about the authorE.M.Forster,who was an undergraduate atKing's College, Cambridge.
2	"LetchworthGarden City toHerne Hill"	2 January 2018(2018-01-02)
Arriving atLetchworth,Portillo learns aboutEbenezer Howard,the social reformer who conceivedGarden Cities.He visits the museum that was once the architect's drawing office. Next he travels toLondon Kings Crossand then takes the underground toGreen Parkto visitThe Ritz Hotel.Continuing on the underground, his next stop isVauxhall,where he sees a tunnel boring machine extending the tunnel towardsBattersea Power Station.He ends this day's journey by going toBrixtonto visitHerne Hill Velodrome.
3	"CroydontoShoreham-by-Sea"	3 January 2018(2018-01-03)
Arriving atWest Croydon,Portillo goes to the Church of St Michael and All Angels and learns about the English composerSamuel Coleridge-Taylor.He travels on toThree Bridgesto visit aThames Linktrain depot. He next alights atLewesto seeCharleston,the home of artistsVanessa BellandDuncan Grant,where he learns about theBloomsbury Group.While changing trains atBrighton,he observes the cast iron and glass roof, and then continues toShoreham-by-Sea,from where he visitsShoreham Airportand has a flight in a twin-engine aeroplane.
4	"ChichestertoCowes"	4 January 2018(2018-01-04)
Alighting atChichester,Portillo visitsRolls-Royce'sGoodwood factory,and then travels toPortsmouth & Southseato visit theKings Theatre, Southsea.His next journey is byhovercraftfromPortsmouthtoRydeon theIsle of Wight,where he takes the train from the end ofRyde PiertoSmallbrook Junctionto discover theIsle of Wight Steam Railwayand travel on to Wooton, to visitOsborne House,the former holiday home ofQueen VictoriaandPrince Albert.Then atCoweshe rides on a power boat and visits theRoyal Yacht Squadron.
5	"SwanwicktoBrownsea Island"	5 January 2018(2018-01-05)
Alighting atSwanwick station,Portillo visitsWarsash Maritime Academy.He travels on toBrockenhurstto seeNew Forest poniesand learn of the role they played in two wars. Next, he arrives atBournemouth,overnights in Bournemouth'sLangtry Manor Hoteland visits the beach to learn about the history of thebeach hut.His last stop on this journey isPoole stationto visitBrownsea Island,whereRobert Baden Powellbegan theScout Movement.
Whitland to The Lizard
6	"WhitlandtoSwansea"	8 January 2018(2018-01-08)
FromWhitland station,Portillo travels toPendine Sandsto visit thePendine Museum of Speedand drive aMorgan 3-Wheeleron the beach. AtLlanelli station,he learns about a railway strike inLlanelliwhich ended in rioting and looting. Travelling toGowerton stationnear Swansea, Portillo goes toLoughorto visit the birthplace ofEvan Roberts,to learn of his history as an evangelist and a leading figure of the1904–1905 Welsh revival.Alighting atSwansea station,Portillo visits the home of Welsh poetDylan Thomasand then has a drink in the "No Sign Wine Bar", which Thomas frequented.
7	"PontycluntoEbbw ValeTown "	9 January 2018(2018-01-09)
Portillo alights atPontyclunto visit theRoyal MintatLlantrisant,before travelling to the Welsh capital,Cardiff,for a visit toCardiff Arms Park,where he learns about WelshRugby.Rejoining the railway atQueen Street,he goes on toCardiff Bayto learn about theBay'sconnection with the explorerCaptain Scott.He then sails on a yacht that has been toAntarctica,before travelling toEbbw Vale Town station.From there, Portillo rides on thePontypool and Blaenavon Railwayand learns about track inspection.
8	"NewporttoYatton"	10 January 2018(2018-01-10)
Portillo travels to the Welsh port city ofNewport,where he discovers the city's rich maritime history and visits a loch where a disaster claimed 39 lives in 1909. He then goes toSt Woolos Cemeteryto see the Newport Docks Disaster Memorial. Returning to the train and alighting atFilton Abbey Wood,he visits Airbus' Landing Gear Test Facility. After overnighting inBristol,Portillo arrives atBath Spa,where he learns about the important part that the city ofBathplayed in thesuffragettemovement, before travelling toYatton stationfor theSomersetseaside town ofClevedon,where he visits theCurzon Community Cinema,anEdwardian eracinema.
9	"TauntontoNewton Abbot"	11 January 2018(2018-01-11)
Alighting atTaunton,Portillo visits the Grade II* listed building,Hestercombe House,to see its Edwardian garden, which was laid out byGertrude Jekyll.He then travels along theWest Somerset RailwayfromBishops LydeardtoStogumberto visitHalsway Manor,home to the National Centre of Folk Arts. Returning to the main line, his next stop isExeter St Davidsand, after visitingExeter Cathedralwhere he participates in bell ringing, he travels toNewton Abbotto visitBovey CastleonDartmoor National Park.
10	"PlymouthtoThe Lizard"	12 January 2018(2018-01-12)
Alighting atDevonport,Portillo visits Plymouth to learn of its long maritime history and, in theDuke of Cornwall Hotel,he hears how some of the survivors of theTitanicsinking were subsequently confined there. Travelling onwards to the harbour town ofFowey,he learns about the poetArthur Quiller-Couch.PassingSt Michael's Mount,Portillo alights atPenzanceand makes his way to the fishing port ofNewlyn,where he visits acoppersmith's workshop, which opened in 1890 to help give fishermen new skills. He ends his journey inPoldhu,on The Lizard peninsula, where he discovers howMarconisent the world's first radio transmission across the Atlantic ocean and, atGoonhilly Satellite Earth Station,Portillo sends a radio signal to the moon and back.
Kingston upon Hull to Caernarfon
11	"Kingston upon HulltoMalton, North Yorkshire"	15 January 2018(2018-01-15)
Portillo travels to the port city of Kingston upon Hull and sees wind turbine blades being made at a site on theAlexandra Dock.He then makes the short journey fromParagon InterchangetoCottingham stationto visitTranby Croft– location of the late 19th centuryRoyal baccarat scandal.Next, he visits the seaside town ofScarborough,where he learns about the 1914 bombardment of the town by the German Navy. Then, travelling away from the coast, he alights atMaltonto visitCastle Howardwhere he learns about the "Fearless Champion of Causes",Rosalind Howard.
12	"YorktoFrizinghall"	16 January 2018(2018-01-16)
Portillo travels toYorkto look into the city's long history of chocolate making. At theUniversity of York'sBorthwick Institutehe learns about the social reformer,Seebohm Rowntree.Then, travelling westwards, he alights atHarrogate stationto have tea inBettys Cafe Tearoom.His next stop isLeeds station,from where he visits tailor Berwin & Berwin's distribution centre. Then, taking the train toFrizinghall,he goes toBradford Grammar Schooland learns about one of its famous students – composer,Frederick Delius.
13	"SheffieldtoNantwich"	17 January 2018(2018-01-17)
Portillo visits Sheffield'sKelham Island Museumto see theRiver Don Engineand learn more about the city's industrial heritage. Then he goes toSheffield Forgemastersto see steel being worked. Returning to thestation,he continues toLangley Mill,where he alights and travels toEastwood,birthplace of the writerD. H. Lawrence.After visiting theRaleigh Bicycle Companyheadquarters, Portillo travels fromDerby Midland StationtoCrewewhere he changes trains to reachNantwich.There, he walks around the market town, which was once one of the biggest salt producers in England and finishes with a swim in the Nantwich Brine Pool.
14	"LiverpooltoDolgarrog"	18 January 2018(2018-01-18)
Portillo alights atLiverpool Central,to visit the city'sAnglican Cathedraland learn about its designer,Giles Gilbert Scott.Later, he visits the Merseyside town ofMaghull,home ofFrank Hornby,inventor ofMeccanoandHornby Railways.Alighting atAbergele & Pensarn railway stationinNorth Wales,Portillo delves into the past of nearbyGwrych Castleby talking toMark Baker,founder of its Preservation Trust. In the Welsh village ofDolgarrog,he learns about its history withAluminium smeltingand then takes a surfing lesson at an artificial wave pool, which was opened on the site of the former aluminium works.
15	"CricciethtoCaernarfon"	19 January 2018(2018-01-19)
Portillo alights atBetws-y-Coed,the gateway toSnowdonia,later he rides theFfestiniog Heritage RailwaytoMinfforddand then ontoCricciethto visitLlanystumdwy,home town ofDavid Lloyd George– to date the only Welsh-bornBritish Prime Minister.Here he visits theLloyd George Museumand the house that Lloyd George grew up in. Portillo travels toPenrhyn Slate quarry,once one of the biggest of its kind in the world. After travelling along theWelsh Highland Railway,he ends his journey inCaernarfonand its famouscastle.

Series 10 (2019)

No.	Episode	First broadcast
Warrington to Stoke-on-Trent
1	"WarringtontoPreston"	4 February 2019(2019-02-04)
Alighting atWarrington Bank Quay,Portillo goes toWarrington Museum & Art Galleryto learn about a visit byGeorge V,which took place in 1913. Then he travels toHuytonto visitKnowsley Hall,where he sees the archival remnants of this royal visit. Next he travels toLeylandand visits Hutton & Howick Womens Institute to learn aboutEdith Rigby,the suffragette who was its first secretary. The next stop isPrestonto visitDeepdale,where he learns about theDick, Kerr Ladies F.C.
2	"BlackburntoManchester"	5 February 2019(2019-02-05)
FromBlackburn Station,Portillo visits the Empire Theatre to view some recently discovered films, which date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Continuing his journey toNelson Interchange,he goes toPendle Hill,aboveNelson, Lancashire,to visit a working class club that is described as "the last Clarion House in England". He travels on toManchester Victoria,and atManchester Art Galleryhe learns about the vandalising of paintings by three suffragettes, in response to the imprisonment ofEmmeline Pankhurst;he then visits thePankhurst Centre.
3	"Manchester toElsecar"	6 February 2019(2019-02-06)
Portillo alights from theManchester MetrolinkatHeaton Parkand learns about a series of gramophone concerts that were held in the park from 1909 onwards. Continuing toOldham,he hears howWinston ChurchillbecameMember of Parliamentfor the town in 1900. He then travels fromManchester PiccadillytoEdalefor a ramble through thePeak District,where he learns about the Clarion Ramblers, who campaigned for the right of access to open moorland. Next, he travels toElsecarto visit theWentworth Woodhouse Estateand learn about the royal visit of 1912, before going toElsecar Heritage Centre.Returning to the station, he is invited to take the controls of a steam engine on theElsecar Heritage Railway.
4	"MaltbytoHinckley"	7 February 2019(2019-02-07)
Starting fromRotherham Central,Portillo travels toMaltbyto investigatewhippetracing. Then he takes the train fromSheffieldtoDerbyto visitKedleston Hall,where he examines the interiors, which were created byRobert Adam.Returning to the railway, his next stop isBurton on Trent,where he learns about the yeast extract spread,Marmite.He continues on toHinckley,where he rides as a pillion passenger on aTriumphmotorcycle. He then goes inside a Triumph factory and, after seeing the production line, he visits a Triumph Heritage Centre.
5	"Birminghamto thePotteries"	8 February 2019(2019-02-08)
Portillo travels toSelly Oakto visitHighbury Hall,the former home ofJoseph Chamberlainwho, after transforming the City of Birmingham, joinedGladstone's government. Next, fromBirmingham Moor Street,he travels toCradley Heathto visit theMushroom GreenChain Shop, where, he learns about a successful strike by womenchainmakers, and then goes to see a monument to their leader,Mary Macarthur.AtGreat Wyrleyin Staffordshire, Portillo hears the story ofGeorge Edaljiwho suffered a miscarriage of justice, the consequence of which was the establishment of the Criminal Court of Appeal in 1907. The final leg of this journey takes him toStoke-on-Trent stationand a trip to the "World ofWedgwood"museum, where he is shown photographs of a 1913 Royal visit.
Newry to Argyll and Bute
6	"NewrytoPortadown"	11 February 2019(2019-02-11)
Alighting atNewry station,Portillo finds out about Newry's role in theIrish Home Rule movementfrom local historian Hugh McShane. Then he travels toScarva,County Downto visit the Thomas Ferguson Irish Linen factory inBanbridge.Next, he visitsShort Brothers,the world's first aircraft manufacturers and, at the Ulster Aviation Society, he sees a replica of aFerguson Flyermonoplane. Returning to the railway, he goes toPortadownto visitIrwin's Bakery,where he is shown how to makesoda bread.Then he has a horse-drawn carriage ride fromGlasloughtoCastle Leslie,where he is shownWinston Churchillmemorabilia.
7	"BelfasttoPortrushTown "	12 February 2019(2019-02-12)
Portillo starts atBelfast City Hallwhere, in 1912, theUlster Covenantwas signed in protest against home rule for Ireland, and he sees the historic document in thePublic Records Office of Northern Ireland.Next, he visits C.S. Lewis Square, named in honour of the author,C.S. Lewis,followed byCampbell College,where Lewis was a pupil, and thenSt Mark's Church, Dundela,which had connections with Lewis's family. Portillo ends the day at the Titanic Hotel. Next day, he alights atAntrim stationforLough Neagh,to see the largest wildeelfishery in Europe and has a meal of eels. His final stop of the day isPortrush,to visit theRoyal Portrush Golf Club,where he is given agolflesson.
8	"LarnetoDumfries"	13 February 2019(2019-02-13)
Portillo arrives atLarne Harbour stationand takes the ferry toStranraer,where he listens to abagpipeband. He then goes along theMull of Gallowayto a lighthouse built byRobert Stephenson,where he sees a recently restoredfoghorn.Next, he travels toCumnockto visit the Baird Institute where, in the Keir Hardie Room, he learns aboutKeir Hardie,the founder of theLabour Party.The last stop isDumfries,where he visitsMoat BraeGarden to learn aboutJ.M. Barrie,the author ofPeter Pan.
9	"GlasgowtoCumbrae"	14 February 2019(2019-02-14)
FromGlasgow Central station,Portillo walks through the centre of Glasgow, before visiting theRiverside Museumto learn about theGlasgow Subway.He then travels toGovan,where he sees maintenance work being carried out on subway cars at the Broomloan Depot. On the Clyde waterfront, he learns about the history of shipbuilding in Glasgow. This is followed by a visit toBAE Systems,who supply ships for theRoyal Navy.Then he visits the Tenement House Museum to hear howMary Barbourled a successful campaign to resist rent rises. Returning to the railway, he heads west to theFirth of Clyde,alighting atLargs.After taking the ferry to Cumbrae, he learns about the Antarctic voyage ofWilliam Speirs Bruceand examines inter-tidal marine life on the shoreline.
10	"Glasgow toConnel Ferry"	15 February 2019(2019-02-15)
Portillo starts with a visit toGlasgow Universityto investigate theOfficer Training Corps.Then, fromQueen Street Station,he travels west along the shores of theClydetoHelensburgh,where he views pictures painted by theGlasgow Boys.Next, he goes to the Long Croft, a house which represents the interests of the family who lived there, including architecture, embroidery and painting. Rejoining the railway atArrochar and Tarbet,he travels north to visitInveraray Castle,where he learns aboutPrincess Louise, Duchess of Argyll.His last stop is Connel Ferry, where he enquires into the origin ofHighland Cattle.
Warwick to Rye
11	"WarwicktoRadley"	18 February 2019(2019-02-18)
Portillo alights atWarwickto visitWarwick Castle,where he hears aboutDaisy Greville,who was Countess of Warwick during theEdwardian Era.Next, he takes the train toOxford,to visit theAsmolean Museum,where he sees some of the medieval artifacts which inspiredLawrence of Arabiato take uparchaeology.Then, he takes a ride in a 1960Minito visit the Mini factory inCowley,where he is given a tour of the assembly lines and rides in a new Mini as it is driven onto a delivery train. His next stop isRadleyand from there he goes toRadley Collegeto hear a performance of one ofGeorge Butterworth's compositions.
12	"ReadingtoTaplow"	19 February 2019(2019-02-19)
Portillo visitsReading Universityto learn about theWorkers Educational Association.Then he travels toTwyford,where he changes to the branch line forHenley-on-Thames.There he takes a boat ride on the river and then learns some of the background behindKenneth Grahame's novel,The Wind in the Willows.Next, he travels by rail toCookham,where he visits theStanley Spencer Gallery.Then he goes toCliveden,an Italianate country house, to learn about one of its former residents,Mary Astor,who became the first femaleMember of Parliamentin Britain.
13	"Ealing BroadwaytoSouth Kensington"	20 February 2019(2019-02-20)
Portillo alights atEaling Broadwayto visitEaling Studios,where he learns about its founder,Will Barkerand a film make-up artist applies makeup to Portillo. FromPutney Bridge,he goes toFulhamto see the building site of a new "super sewer" and is shown a tunnel boring machine. At theLondon School of Economics,he discusses the ideals of theFabian Societywith a group of students. His last stop isSouth Kensingtonfor a visit to theBudokwai,where he learns aboutJapanese Martial Artsand takes to the mat for instruction on aJudomove.
14	"Piccadilly CircustoGravesend"	21 February 2019(2019-02-21)
In London, atLiberty's Department Store,Portillo learns aboutArthur Liberty,its founder. InCovent Garden,he goes to theRoyal Ballet School,followed by a walk across the Bridge of Aspiration for a drink in the bar of theRoyal Opera House.He then boards a train atCharing Cross railway station,alighting atDartfordto visitNorth Kent College,where he learns aboutMartina Bergman-Österberg,the inventor ofnetball.His next stop isGravesend,where he visits theRoyal Terrace Pier,which is owned by thePort of London Authority,followed by a ride on a pilot vessel working on theThames.
15	"East MallingtoRye"	22 February 2019(2019-02-22)
Portillo alights at East Malling, home to theNIABCentre for Fruit Research, where he learns of the importance ofroot stockin the cultivation ofapples.He travels on toFolkestone Centralto learn how Britain became a safe haven for Belgian refugees in 1914; atFolkestoneMuseum, he sees a painting by Fredo Franzoni with the title "Landing of the Belgian Refugees". He then goes to see the recently restoredFolkestone Harbour station.Next, he visitsTenterden Town stationand its restoration shed, followed by a ride on theKent and East Sussex RailwaytoBodiam.He ends this journey by travelling toRye,where he visitsLamb House,the former home of authorHenry James,and dines onscallopsat a restaurant in the town. Portillo sums up this series of journeys by saying that theEdwardian Era"was a time of important change".

Series 11 (2020)

No.	Episode	First broadcast
Newcastle to Loch Ness
1	"NewcastletoCounty Durham"	6 January 2020(2020-01-06)
After crossing theRiver Tyne,Portillo alights atNewcastle Centraland takes the Metro toJarrowto learn about theJarrow Crusade.Back in Newcastle, he looks at the Tyne bridges and some modern architecture on the quayside. He travels toBykerfor an outing toNewcastle Greyhound Stadium,and then returns to Newcastle to overnight at the Royal Station Hotel. Next morning, he travels toDurhamto seeDurham Cathedraland then goes to a coal-firedfish & chip shop.AtSpennymoor,he meets the son of the former artist,Norman Cornish,in his father's studio.
2	"Kielder ForesttoEdinburgh"	7 January 2020(2020-01-07)
Portillo alights atStocksfield,to visit theNorthumberland County Show;at theForestry Commissionstall, he learns about the Commission's history, before exploring nearby Kielder Forest. Then he visits Lovat Mill inHawick,now the last operating weaving mill in the area. InGalashiels,he overnights in the Kingsknowes Hotel, which belonged to local textile mill owner, Adam Lees Cochrane. In the morning, he rides on the reinstatedBorders RailwaytoEdinburgh Waverley,where he climbsCalton Hilland visits theScottish Parliament Building.Then, at theDominion Cinema,he learns about a pioneer of documentary making,John Grierson.
3	"FalkirktoDundee"	8 January 2020(2020-01-08)
Portillo alights atFalkirk Grahamstonand goes to theWesterglen transmitting station,where he learns how the BBC was able to reach more Scottish listeners in the 1930s. Next, he seesThe Kelpies,a 30 metre high equine sculpture. Arriving atGleneagles Station,he is chauffeur driven to theGleneagles Hotel,ending the day with a cocktail in The American Bar. In the morning, he continues toDunkeld & Birnamto visitBlairgowrie,where the Scottishraspberryindustry was born. The last leg of this journey takes him toDundee,where he notices the unusual architecture of theVictoria and Albert Museum.Lastly, he visitsDC Thomson's headquarters, the home ofThe DandyandBeanocomics.
4	"Dundee toAberdeen"	9 January 2020(2020-01-09)
Portillo starts with a visit toGlamis Castle,whereQueen Elizabeth The Queen Mothergrew up. Continuing his journey, he alights atMontrosefor a walk on the moors, and visits abothy,which provides free shelter and accommodation for ramblers. His next stop isAberdeen,where he visits theRowett Instituteof theUniversity of Aberdeen,learning of the studies byJohn Boyd Orrwhich helped improve diet and tasting some of the food developed by the students. He then walks along the Aberdeen seafront to theart deco Beach Ballroom,where he hears about its history and is given a dancing lesson.
5	"ElgintoLoch Ness"	10 January 2020(2020-01-10)
Portillo alights atElgin stationand travels toLossiemouthto visit the MacDonald family home and learn aboutRamsay MacDonald,the firstLabour Prime Minister,from his granddaughter, Iona. He then goes toGordonstoun School,where he learns about its founderKurt Hahnand sees the school's own fire station. Next, he goes toInverness Museum and Art Galleryto look at an archive of photographer M.E.M.Donaldson's work. Then he sails on the Deepscan Research boat on Loch Ness.
St. Ives to Salisbury Plain
6	"St IvestoSt Day"	13 January 2020(2020-01-13)
At the end of the branch line toSt Ives,Portillo investigates the town's artistic community, including the legacy of fisherman-turned-artist,Alfred Wallis;in theTate Gallery, St Ives,Portillo sees some of Wallis's paintings, and in theLeach Potterystudio, he learns about its founder,Bernard Leach.Rejoining the main line atSt Erth,he changes trains to reachHayle station,where he learns about railway carriages that have been converted into holiday homes and has a look around one such "camping coach" berthed next to the station. His next stop isRedruth,where he sees a statue of a tin miner and explains its significance. In nearbySt Day,he hears about philanthropist William John Mills, who bought twenty-eight houses and offered them for use by the poor; in Mills Street, Portillo sees these houses and then joins in with theSt Day Feastfestivities.
7	"TrurotoSt Mawgan"	14 January 2020(2020-01-14)
Portillo arrives atTruroto visit thecathedral.He then goes to see the gardens atTrewithen House,where he explains howplant huntersbrought back plants fromAsia.He changes trains atParto travel the branch line to the coast atNewquay,where he visitsFistral Beach;there, he listens to a history of Britishsurfing,examines varioussurfboards,and makes an attempt at surfing. At nearby St Mawgan, he learns aboutCornish wrestlingand participates in a friendly bout, and then visitsNewquay Airportto learn about the history of flight inCornwall.
8	"BodmintoTotnes"	15 January 2020(2020-01-15)
Portillo alights atBodmin Parkway,and travels north-east to visitJamaica Inn,made famous by aDaphne du Maurier novel.His next stop isPlymouthto visitPlymouth Hoe,followed by a swim atTinside Lido.Returning to the railway, he travels toIvybridgeand then to the south coast, where he rides on a sea tractor to reachBurgh Islandand visit itsart decostylehotel.His last stop isTotnes,to visitDartington Halland learn how it became important to theModern DanceMovement.
9	"PaigntontoTiverton"	16 January 2020(2020-01-16)
AtPaignton station,Portillo meets a great-grandson ofAgatha Christieand, after a short ride on theDartmouth Steam Railway,they visitGreenway,which was once Christie's home. Back on the main line, he travels toDawlishto visit Whetman Plants International, where he is shown new breeds of plants being developed. Continuing toExeter St Davids,he learns aboutAllen Lane,the publisher who foundedPenguin Books.He next alights atTiverton Parkwayto visit Culm Valley, where he hears about the origins of theYoung Farmer's Clubs.
10	"TauntontoSalisbury Plain"	17 January 2020(2020-01-17)
Portillo alights atTauntonand travels to theSomerset Levels,where he visits Coates English Willow. Here he seesWillowbeing cultivated and machine processed. His next stop isCastle Cary,where he visits YHA Street, the oldest establishedYouth Hostelin Britain. Next he travels toBath Spa,to seeFairfield Houseand find out why the Emperor ofEthiopia,Haile Selassie,lived inBathduring his exile. He then learns how Selassie came to be regarded as a deity byRastafarians.His last stop on this journey isSalisburyto visitTidworth Camp,where he sees aChallenger 2 Street Fightertank in action.
Canterbury to Skegness
11	"CanterburytoAlexandra Palace"	20 January 2020(2020-01-20)
Portillo arrives atCanterbury West Stationon aHigh Speed Javelin Trainto visitCanterbury Cathedraland learn howT.S. Elliot's play,Murder in the Cathedral,came to be performed there. Continuing through Kent, he alights atMaidstone Eastto visit theRoyal British Legion Village.Here he learns how theRoyal British Legionwas formed and visits a factory makingRemembrance Daypoppies. The next stop isSevenoaksto visitChartwell,the home ofWinston Churchill.On the next leg of this journey, he has to change trains atLondon Bridge,where he views the recent £1bn transformation of the station, before taking theThames LinktoAlexandra Palace.At the palace, he sees where theBBCfirst broadcast television pictures from.
12	"LimehousetoRochford"	21 January 2020(2020-01-21)
Continuing inLondon,Portillo alights atLimehouse,where he visits the site of theBattle of Cable Streetand sees theCable Street Mural.Next, he visits theFordfactory atDagenham,where he is shown around the plant, before driving a 1931Ford Model AApickup truck. Returning to the railway, he next alights atSouthend Central,to visitRossi's ice cream parlouron theSouthend Esplanade.Then he travels toRochfordto see theRSPBbird reserve onWallasea Island.
13	"WithamtoFelixstowe"	22 January 2020(2020-01-22)
Portillo alights atWithamto visitCrittall Windows,a manufacturer of metal framed windows, and seesSilver End,a model village built for the employees of Crittal Windows. Next, he travels toIpswich Stationto visitWherstead Park,where he meets a former refugee from theSpanish Civil Warwho had met Portillo's parents. Then he goes just outside ofIpswich,toNewbourne,to understand how theLand Settlement Associationprovided new opportunities, in horticulture, for unemployed people. Then, taking the ferry across theRiver Deben,he visitsBawdsey Manorwhere he learns howRadarwas developed on this site during theSecond World War.
14	"SaxmundhamtoNorwich"	23 January 2020(2020-01-23)
Portillo alights atSaxmundhamforSnape Maltingswhich is now an international arts and music complex. Here he learns about the composer,Benjamin Brittenand listens to a performance of one of his piano compositions. Next, he visitsGreat Yarmouthto see the town's Venetian Waterways. Here he talks to volunteer gardeners, before rowing a boat on the lake. Then he takes a train fromGreat Yarmouth StationtoNorwichwhere he walks around the city. AtNorwich City Hall,he is shown around by theLord Mayor of Norwichand then visitsNorwich Market.
15	"AttleboroughtoSkegness"	24 January 2020(2020-01-24)
Portillo arrives atAttleboroughand investigates the origins of the charity,World Horse Welfare.Next, he travels toPeterboroughto see the curiously-namedDog-in-a-Doublet lockon theRiver Nene.He continues toSkegness,where he visits aButlinsholiday camp. To end this journey, he travels inland toRAF Coningsby,home to theBattle of Britain Memorial Flightwhich maintains heritage aircraft in airworthy condition, and goes inside aLancaster Bomberand watches aEurofighter Typhoontake off.

Series 12 (2021)

No.	Episode	First broadcast
Oxford to Winchester
1	"OxfordtoAbingdon"	26 April 2021(2021-04-26)
Armed with a 1936 copy ofBradshaw's Railway Guide,Portillo arrives atOxford,where he learns about the important contribution that theUniversity'sfemale students have made. After hearing of Oxford's influence on fashion, he goes to Walters of Oxford to buy a pair ofOxford Bags,and overnights in theRandolph Hotel.In the morning, he visits the 17th century country houseGarsington Manor,where he learns aboutLady Ottoline Morrelland theBloomsbury Group.Rejoining the railway, he alights atCulhamand travels on toAbingdonto visit theMG Car Club,followed by a ride in a vintageMG VA.
2	"Stoke MandevilletoBeaconsfield"	27 April 2021(2021-04-27)
Leaving the train atStoke Mandeville station,Portillo visitsStoke Mandeville Hospitalin Buckinghamshire where the pioneering rehabilitation work carried out there bySir Ludwig Guttmannled to the development of theParalympic Games.Next stop isPrinces Risboroughand, just outside thetown,Portillo experiences the notoriousKop Hill Climbin a motorcyclesidecar.Later, he visits the Ercol furniture factory, and then visitsBeaconsfieldto seeBekonscotModel Village.
3	"West RuisliptoWindsor"	28 April 2021(2021-04-28)
Alighting atWest Ruislip,Portillo travels to the London suburb ofPinnerto see theHeath Robinson Museum,and then travels toSloughfor theSlough Trading Estate,where he visits theMarsfactory. After exploringStoke Poges Memorial Gardens,Portillo travels the short branch line toWindsor and Eton Centralto visitWindsor Castle,where he learns more about theAbdication of Edward VIII.
4	"GuildfordtoAldershot"	29 April 2021(2021-04-29)
Portillo arrives in theSurreytown ofGuildfordto explore its AnglicanCathedraland find out about its architect,Edward Maufe.Next, he travels toChilworthand hears aboutAgatha Christie's disappearance fromNewlands Corner.InFarnham,Portillo delves into the history of artistW. H. Allen,and in the grounds ofFarnham Castle,he tries his hand at painting. After overnighting in the castle, he takes the train to theArmygarrison town ofAldershotwhere he meets someArmy Reservists.
5	"FarnboroughtoWinchester"	30 April 2021(2021-04-30)
Portillo travels toFarnboroughwhere he learns about the airfield's long association with aeronautical research and development when he visits theFarnborough Air Sciences TrustMuseum. Alighting next atBasingstoke Station,Portillo visitsHighclere Castle– the main location for the historical television drama seriesDownton Abbey– and learns howGeorge Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon,discoveredthe tomb of Tutankhamun.Then he goes to theSandham Memorial Chapelto see its collection of paintings byStanley Spencer.Travelling on toWinchester,he visits thecathedral,and then rides on theMid-Hants Railwayand discovers more aboutThomas the Tank EngineauthorThe Reverend Wilbert Awdry.
Saxmundham to Walsingham
6	"SaxmundhamtoDedham"	3 May 2021(2021-05-03)
Portillo alights atSaxmundhamto visitSummerhill School,founded in 1921 byAlexander Sutherland Neill,and afterwards he travels to the historic market town ofWoodbridge, Suffolk.After exploring nearbySutton Hoo,Portillo heads toFelixstoweto catch the ferry toHarwich,where he learns about theKindertransport– the evacuation of Jewish children from Germany to England duringWorld War II.His final stop isManningtree,gateway to the Stour Valley – an area made famous by painterConstable,to visit theCastle House, Dedhamwhich was home to the artist,Sir Alfred Munnings.
7	"ColchestertoChadwell Heath"	4 May 2021(2021-05-04)
Arriving by train atColchester,Portillo travels toAbberton Reservoir,and then heads toWitham,to visit the nearbyTiptreejam factory and learn about theWomen's Land Army.His next stop isChelmsford station,for the Essex parish ofWrittle,to see where the UK's first regularradio broadcasts were made.Returning to the train, he rides toChadwell Heathto visitBecontree,which was once the largest public housing estate in the world.
8	"Potters BartoCardington"	5 May 2021(2021-05-05)
Portillo arrives atPotters Barto visit theLee Valley White Water Centre,where he learns how the explorerJohn MacGregorpublicised canoeing as a sport. He next leaves the train atHatfieldto visit Camfield Place, the residence of the lateDame Barbara Cartland.Next stop isStevenage stationforAllied Bakeries,before heading toCardington Airfieldwhere he learns aboutairshipdevelopment at that site.
9	"SawbridgeworthtoCambridge"	6 May 2021(2021-05-06)
Portillo alights atSawbridgeworthto visitHenry Moore Studios & Gardens,and then travels toCambridgeto learn about theCambridge Spy Ring.After touring theCavendish Laboratory,where the atom was first split, Portillo travels toCambridge North stationand explains that the station was built in the Bauhaus style; he then visitsImpington Village College,which was designed byMaxwell FryandBauhausfounder,Walter Gropius.
10	"NewmarkettoWalsingham"	7 May 2021(2021-05-07)
Portillo visitsNewmarket's famous racing stables to learn more about the town's long history of horse racing. He travels on toIckworth House,the former residence of theMarquess of Bristol,where he helps prepare a meal from a 1930s recipe. Next alighting atDownham Market,Portillo visits the nearbyBritish Sugar Wissingtonsugar refinery, and moves on to ride theWells and Walsingham Light RailwayfromWells on SeatoWalsingham,where he explores the remains ofWalsingham Prioryand visits theAnglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham.
Crewe to Newtown
11	"CrewetoShotton"	10 May 2021(2021-05-10)
Portillo visitsCrewe Station,which was featured in the documentaryNight Mailand learns about the making of that film and some of the history of this important rail hub. He then travels toChester stationfor a walk on thecity walls,followed by a visit to nearbyChester Zoo.Alighting next atWrexham,Portillo travels to the formerGresford Colliery,site of the 1934Gresford disasterwhich claimed 266 lives, and also goes toAll Saints' Churchto see a painting of the colliery. He ends this leg inShottonwith a visit to theTata steelworks.
12	"RhyltoAnglesey"	11 May 2021(2021-05-11)
Portillo arrives in the seaside resort ofRhyl,where he visits the Marine Lake and takes a ride on theRhyl Miniature Railway.Returning to the main line, he next alights atColwyn Bay stationto learn about the important role played by theMinistry of FoodduringWorld War II.After overnighting inLlandudno's Imperial Hotel, he travels toBangor,where he visits the BBC Radio Cymru studios to hear how the BBC responded to calls for Welsh language broadcasting and participates in a live broadcast. Rejoining the train, he crosses theBritannia BridgetoAngleseyand his next stop atLlanfairpwllto visitPlas Newydd,where he seesCapriccio,a large mural painted byRex Whistler.
13	"BangortoBetws y Coed"	12 May 2021(2021-05-12)
Portillo begins inBangor railway station,where he learns about 'Operation Pied Piper', theevacuations of civilians in Britain during World War II.Travelling on fromLlandudno Junction,he alights atTal-y-Cafnto visit nearbyBodnant Garden.He next travels toDolgarrogto learn about its 1925 dam disaster. Portillo's last stop isBetws-y-Coed,gateway toSnowdonia,where he learns about thePinnacle Club,a women's rock climbing club, and tries somerock climbing.
14	"Blaenau FfestiniogtoBarmouth"	13 May 2021(2021-05-13)
Portillo arrives inBlaenau Ffestiniogwhere he learns how valuable paintings from theNational Galleryin London were secretly hidden in Wales duringWorld War II.^[11]Then he rides theFfestiniog RailwayfromTan-y-Bwlchto the harbour town ofPorthmadog.After visitingT. E. Lawrence's birthplace inTremadog,Portillo travels to the tourist village ofPortmeirion,the location for the 1960s television showThe Prisoner.He ends his journey travelling fromMinfforddtoBarmouth,where he sees the Jesuit Villa, a holiday retreat forJesuittrainees.
15	"AberystwythtoNewtown"	14 May 2021(2021-05-14)
Portillo's first stop is the coastal town ofAberystwyth,where he explores theNational Library of Wales,before riding on the heritageVale of Rheidol RailwaytoDevil's Bridge stationinCeredigionto see thered kites.Returning to Aberystwyth, he visitsPen Dinas,the site of an iron age hill fort. The final stop isNewtown,where he visitsGregynog Hall,the former home of Welsh philanthropist sistersGwendolineandMargaret Davies.

Series 13 (2021)

No.	Episode	First broadcast
Biggin Hill to Leeds Castle, Kent
1	"Biggin HilltoAshdown Forest"	17 May 2021(2021-05-17)
Portillo visits the famous wartime airfield ofBiggin Hillto learn about its important role duringWorld War IIdefending London and South East England, and takes to the skies in aSpitfire.After overnighting inEast Grinstead,Portillo makes his way toAshdown Forest,the setting for theWinnie-the-Poohstories, and later visitsHartfield,the village where authorA. A. Milneand his sonChristopher Robinlived.
2	"HassockstoBenenden"	18 May 2021(2021-05-18)
Portillo travels toDitchling,East Sussex, home to the lateDame Vera Lynnand several prominent artists, includingSir Frank BrangwynandRaymond Briggs.He travels on to the seaside town ofBexhilland then toBurwashto visit nearbyBateman's,home toThe Jungle BookauthorRudyard Kipling,who lived there from 1902 until his death in 1936. Portillo ends his journey at The Grange inBenenden,where he learns about the work done in preservingJapaneseheritage by British plant collectorCollingwood Ingram.
3	"RyetoDungeness"	19 May 2021(2021-05-19)
First stop isRyein East Sussex, where Portillo delves into the events of the1928 Mary Stanford Lifeboat Disaster.After visiting a nearbyWorld War IIcoastalPillbox,he travels along theRomney, Hythe and Dymchurch light railwayfromNew RomneytoDungeness,where he visits the formerRAFbase atDenge.
4	"DealtoMargate"	20 May 2021(2021-05-20)
Portillo begins his journey inDealwith a visit toWalmer Castle,and then travels on to the seaside town ofRamsgatewhere he explores itsWorld War IItunnels. Continuing along the coast, Portillo visitsMargateto look into the town's post-war development and visit its amusement parkDreamland.
5	"Herne BaytoLeeds Castle,Kent "	21 May 2021(2021-05-21)
Portillo visitsHerne Bayto learn more about pioneering English pilotAmy Johnson.Travelling on to the seaside town ofWhitstable,Portillo first takes a boat into theThames Estuaryto see theWorld War II armed forts.Upon returning to Whitstable, he samples its famous oysters. Reboarding the train, he travels on toLenham,from where he visits nearbyLeeds Castle.
Chislehurst to Westminster
6	"ChislehursttoKennington"	24 May 2021(2021-05-24)
Portillo explores theChislehurst Cavesand learns about their use duringWorld War IIas anair raid shelter.He then travels toEltham Palace,whereHenry VIIIgrew up. After visitingPeckhamto learn about the work done by Jamaican-born physicianHarold Moodywho started theLeague of Coloured Peoples,Portillo travels toKenningtonand delves into therags to richescareer of one of its most famous residents,Charlie Chaplin.
7	"Hackney WicktoOxford Circus"	25 May 2021(2021-05-25)
Portillo travels toHackney Wickand visits the offices of theMorning Star.He then continues across East London toRepton Bo xing ClubinBethnal Greenand learns about the successful career of boxerTed "Kid" Lewis.After overnighting inKings Cross,Portillo visitsVeeraswamy,the UK's oldest Indian restaurant^[12]where he tries his hand at makingIndian food.
8	"HampsteadtoIslington"	26 May 2021(2021-05-26)
Alighting atFinchley Road,Portillo heads toHampsteadto visit theFreud Museum,and then goes to theAbbey Road Studiosand crosses thezebra crossingmade famous bythe Beatles.After learning about the origins of darts during a visit to a Londonpub,Portillo travels toFinsbury Health Centre,which was designed byBerthold Lubetkinand theTectonarchitecture practice.
9	"DagenhamtoBattersea"	27 May 2021(2021-05-27)
Portillo meets theDagenham Girl Piperswho were founded by the Reverend Joseph Waddington Graves in 1930. Moving on toNorth Greenwich,Portillo visits theThames Barrierand then makes his way toBattersea Power Stationto be shown the progress in itsredevelopment.
10	"Park RoyaltoWestminster"	29 May 2021(2021-05-29)
Alighting atPark Royal,Portillo travels to nearbyEalingand the Brentham Lawn Tennis Club to learn about former World No. 1tennisplayerFred Perry.He then visits theLondon Transport MuseumActon Depot, before overnighting atThe Dorchesterin London'sMayfair.At theRoyal Academy of Arts,Portillo recounts the rise of arts in London during the late 18th century, and then ends his journey at theChurchill War Rooms.

Series 14 (2023)

No.	Episode	First broadcast
Preston to Hebden Bridge
1	"PrestontoRawtenstall"	19 June 2023(2023-06-19)
Portillo's first stop isPrestonwhere he goes to Market Square to see thePreston Cenotaphand then goes toFulwood Barracksto learn aboutNational Service.He then visits a stretch of the M6, which was the first motorway to be opened in the UK. His next stop isBlackburnwhere he talks to former politician,Jack Straw,aboutBarbara Castle,the town's former MP, before seeing a statue of her in Jubilee Square. After visiting a 1950s style signal box, he takes a ride on theEast Lancashire RailwayfromBury Bolton StreettoRawtenstall.
2	"UrmstontoNew Islington"	20 June 2023(2023-06-20)
From the train, Portillo observes theManchester Ship Canal,before alighting atUrmston.He then visitsTrafford General Hospital,the birthplace of theNHS,where he hears aboutNye Bevan's 1948 visit. Next, he takes the train toDeansgateand then the tram toMedia City UKfor the set ofCoronation Street,where he interviews actorWilliam Roache.In theScience and Industry Museum,he learns about the world'sfirst programmable computer.His final stop isNew Islingtonwhere he sees how a former textile mill has been converted into modern work spaces.
3	"OldhamtoWakefield"	21 June 2023(2023-06-21)
Portillo alights atOldham Centralto visitOldham Coliseumwhere he finds out about theatre censorship in the 1950s and 1960s. Then, fromManchester Picadillyhe takes the train through thePeak District National ParktoEdalefor a walk on theTrans Pennine Trail,accompanied by a member of the walking group, Black Girls Hike. He next alights atSheffieldto learn aboutcutlerymanufacturing, and at Samuel Staniforth Ltd he helps make a knife. He then travels toDartonfor theYorkshire Sculpture Parkto see sculptures byBarbara Hepworth.
4	"Wakefield toLeeds"	22 June 2023(2023-06-22)
Alighting atWakefield Kirkgate,Portillo visits theNational Coal Mining Museum for Englandand then sees theLofthouse Colliery disastermemorial. Returning to the city centre, he seesperegrine falconson the spires ofWakefield Cathedral.At the DoubleTWO shirtmaking factory, he is shown the very firstpolyestershirt to be made by the company. He then takes the train toLeeds station,where he observes the recent redevelopment and theArt Decostyle booking hall. InChapeltown,he sees preparations for theLeeds Carnivaland tries his hand at playing the steel drums. Then inHarehills,he visitsback-to-back houses.
5	"BradfordtoHebden Bridge"	23 June 2023(2023-06-23)
Portillo alights atBradford Interchangeto walk through Bradford's historic centre where he seesJ. B. Priestley's statue. Then, at the J. B. Priestley Library, he learns more about the prolific writer. Portillo then overnights in theMidland Railway Hotel.In the morning, he visits the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, before departing fromBradford Forster SquareforShipley,where he alights. Portillo observes that the middle of thestationhas been turned into a butterfly reserve. Next, he rides on theCalder Valley LinetoHebden Bridgewhere he finds out about the Happy Valley Pride event.
Tilbury to Cambridge
6	"TilburytoBarbican"	26 June 2023(2023-06-26)
Portillo crosses theThamestoTilbury Dockswhere he meets historianColin Grant,chronicler of theCaribbeanmigrants who were to become known as theWindrush Generation.Returning to the main line and changing to theDocklands Light RailwayatWest Ham,he alights atLondon City Airportto visit theTate & Lyle sugar refinery.Next he travels toLimehouse,where he hears howClement Attleebecame its MP after seeing extreme poverty in theEast End.Then he goes toToynbee Hallto see how the local communtity is being helped through participation in activities. Then, fromWhitechapel Station,he travels toBarbican Underground Stationto visit the Barbican estate, where he looks atbrutalist architecture.
7	"WaterlootoRegent's Park"	27 June 2023(2023-06-27)
Portillo disembarks close to theHouses of Parliamentand crosses the river to theSouth Bank Centre,where he learns about theFestival of Britain.After a ride on theLondon Eye,he takes the tube fromEmabankmenttoSloane Square.Here he hears aboutElizabeth David,the cookery writer and then has a cooking lesson at the Bibendum Restaurante. Next he goes to Covent Garden for the Sassoon Salon, where he learns aboutVidal Sassoonand is taught how to cut abob.Then he travels toRegents Parkto visit amosquedesigned byFrederick Gibberd.
8	"PaddingtontoOngar"	28 June 2023(2023-06-28)
Portillo starts atPaddington Station,where he views the newElizabeth Linebefore travelling toTottenham Court Roadto learn about thesmoke fogof December 1952 and the subsequent introduction of theClean Air Act 1956.In theBT Tower,he sees how air quality is being monitored. He then continues eastwards toStratford,where he sees a statue of theatre directorJoan Littlewood.Next he talks to young actors at theTheatre Royal Stratford East.Continuing on the Elizabeth Line to its terminus atShenfield,he transfers to theEpping Ongar Railwayand travels fromNorth WealdtoOngarto visit anuclear bunker.
9	"FelixstowetoNorwich"	29 June 2023(2023-06-29)
Alighting atFelixstowe,Portillo hears about the floods of 1953 before travelling toIpswichto see the new flood defences. His next stop isMelton,for the coastal village ofOrford,where he sees how many military technologies were developed. He then travels toNorwichto visit aRoyal Mailsorting office, where he learns about the introduction of thepostcode.Still in Norwich, he visits theUniversity of East Angliaand hears about the new post-war universities, before joining a creative writing workshop.
10	"BrandontoCambridge"	30 June 2023(2023-06-30)
Portillo's first stop isBrandonwhere he goes to aQuorn Foodsfactory to see howMycoproteinbased food is produced and then tastes one of these products. Then, returning to the train, he next alights atLakenheathto visitRAF Lakenheathfor a guided tour around the base. His next stop isKing's Lynn,whosestationis considered by Portillo to be one of his favourites. Here, he learns how farming became more efficient due tofertilisersandtractors,then sees an alternative,regenerative agriculture.His final destination on this journey isCambridge.AtCambridge Universityhe visits theMRC Laboratory of Molecular Biologyto understand the contribution made byFrancis Crick,James WatsonandRosalind Franklinin deducing the double helix structure ofDNA.
Derby to Filton
11	"DerbytoHinckley"	17 July 2023(2023-07-17)
Portillo begins in Derby, where he explores the city's long history of building trains and then drives a new electric train on a test track at the Litchurch Lane Works. Returning toDerby Station,his next stop isEast Midlands Parkwayto see a coal fired power station before continuing toLeicester,where he visits aWalkers Crispsfactory. Here he learns about Henry Walker, the company's founder, and then sees crisp production. He then travels fromHinckley StationtoStoney Coveto learn aboutScuba Divingtraining.
12	"CoventrytoLeamington Spa"	18 July 2023(2023-07-18)
Alighting atCoventry,Portillo notes the contrast between medieval and modern architecture in the city. Then he visitsCoventry Cathedralwhere he explains how, in 1951,Basil Spencewon a competition to design the new cathedral. In theCoventry Transport Museumhe samplesCoventry God Cakesand at theLEVCfactory he seestaxi cabproduction. Next, he takes the train toLeamington Spaand observes the fine Georgian architecture in the town. Then he visitsThe Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's national centre where he sees puppies at the start of their journey to become working animals.
13	"Long ItchingtontoMoseley"	19 July 2023(2023-07-19)
Portillo goes to Long Itchington to see construction of the first phase ofHS2and goes inside the control room of atunnel boring machine.Returning to Leamington Spa, his next leg takes him toStratford-Upon-Avonwhere he visits theRoyal Shakespeare Theatreand learns how theRoyal Shakespeare Companywas founded. His next stop isBirmingham Moor Street Stationwhich has been restored to its former 1930s style. InHandsworthhe goes to the Prince of Wales pub to listen toBhangramusic. Then he visitsMoseleywhere he learns aboutprefabricated homes.
14	"WolverhamptontoCheltenham"	20 July 2023(2023-07-20)
Alighting atWolverhampton,Portillo meets Wolverhampton born cultural historian, Patrick Burnham OBE, who talks about the politician,Enoch Powell.He then visits the African and Caribbean Heritage Centre. Returning to the railway, he travels toKidderminsterfor theDrakelow Tunnels,where aircraft components were manufactured duringWorld War 2.His next stop isWorcester Foregate Streetto visit King's Hawford School to learn aboutpigeon racingand see the school's flock. He then joins theGloucestershire Warwickshire RailwayatBroadway Stationand alights atCheltenham Race Course Stationto see preparations for Cheltenham's annual jazz festival.
15	"TewkesburytoFilton"	21 July 2023(2023-07-21)
Portillo alights atAshchurch for Tewkesburyto visit theAbbey.Next he goes toEastnor Castle,where he meets its current owner, the 2nd Baron Lord Summers, who explains how some stately homes have managed to survive until the present. Then, on the surrounding estate, Portillo drives aLand Roverover rough terrain. FromGloucester Stationhe travels toColefordin theForest of Deanto visit aRibenafactory. Then he takes the train toCam and DursleyforWWT Slimbridge,where he hears howSir Peter Scottset up this wetland wildlife reserve.

Series 15 (2024)

No.	Episode	First broadcast
Denham to Heathrow
1	"DenhamtoSwindon"	18 March 2024(2024-03-18)
2	"ChippenhamtoYeovil"	19 March 2024(2024-03-19)
3	"SwanagetoPortchester"	20 March 2024(2024-03-20)
4	"HavanttoGuildford"	21 March 2024(2024-03-21)
5	"WokinghamtoHeathrow"	22 March 2024(2024-03-22)
Loch Lomond to Loch of the Lowes
6	"Loch LomondtoKelvinbridge"	25 March 2024(2024-03-25)
7	"GlasgowtoCumbernauld"	26 March 2024(2024-03-26)
8	"ShawlandstoLivingston"	27 March 2024(2024-03-27)
9	"EdinburghtoQueensferry"	28 March 2024(2024-03-28)
10	"DundeetoLoch of the Lowes"	29 March 2024(2024-03-29)
Liverpool to Chester-Le-Street
11	"LiverpooltoUttoxeter"	1 April 2024(2024-04-01)
12	"DerbytoNottingham"	2 April 2024(2024-04-02)
13	"LincolntoYork"	3 April 2024(2024-04-03)
14	"YorktoSkipton"	4 April 2024(2024-04-04)
15	"NorthallertontoChester-Le-Street"	5 April 2024(2024-04-05)

Books

Great British Railway Journeys,written by Charlie Bunce with a foreword by Michael Portillo, was published byCollinsin January 2011.^[13]

Great Victorian Railway Journeys,written by Karen Farrington with a foreword by Michael Portillo, was published by Collins in January 2012.^[14]

The Complete Great British Railway Journeys,an amalgam of the above two books, was published by Collins in January 2015.^[15]

In October 2020,Greatest British Railway Journeyswas published to mark the programme's 10th anniversary.^[6]

Notes

^^a ^b ^cFor journeys inNorthern Irelandand theRepublic of Ireland,the programme was retitledGreat British Railway Journeys Goes To Ireland.
^Silvertown was spelt incorrectly as 'Silverton' by many contemporaneous sources, including the BBC,Radio TimesandIMDb.

References

^Ratcliffe, Roger (30 March 2014)."How I saved Settle-Carlisle line".The Yorkshire Post.Archivedfrom the original on 13 January 2020.Retrieved12 January2020.
^"Author digs deep into how historic line was saved".Cumberland & Westmorland Herald.13 January 2017.Archivedfrom the original on 13 January 2020.Retrieved12 January2020.
^"Great British Railway Journeys".BBC.Archivedfrom the original on 23 January 2010.Retrieved25 January2010.
^"Michael Portillo rides the rails again".Wales on Sunday.27 December 2009.Archivedfrom the original on 9 October 2012.Retrieved6 January2010.
^Clay, Jeremy (6 January 2010)."TV review: Great British Railway Journeys".Leicester Mercury.Retrieved6 January2010.
^^a ^bPortillo, Michael (15 October 2020)."Michael Portillo: 'I'm not even that passionate about trains'".The Times.London.Retrieved10 April2024.
^https:// fremantlescreenings /all-titles/121^{[bare URL]}
^"Great British Railway Journeys – Series 4 Episode Guide".Radio Times.Archivedfrom the original on 29 October 2013.Retrieved27 October2013.
^^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r ^s ^t"Great British Railway Journeys".BBC.Archivedfrom the original on 3 March 2016.Retrieved19 February2016.
^^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r ^s ^t"Great British Railway Journeys – Series 7 Episode".Radio Times.Archivedfrom the original on 2 March 2016.Retrieved18 February2016.
^"Manod: The Nation's Treasure Caves".nationalgallery.org.Archivedfrom the original on 3 June 2021.Retrieved3 June2021.
^"The Story Of London's First Indian Restaurant".londonist.15 June 2016.Archivedfrom the original on 6 June 2021.Retrieved6 June2021.
^Bunce, Charlie (2011).Great British Railway Journeys.London: Harper Collins.ISBN 978-0007394760.
^Farrington, Karen (2012).Great Victorian Railway Journeys: How Modern Britain was Built by Victorian Steam Power.London: Harper Collins.ISBN 978-0007457069.Archivedfrom the original on 17 September 2016.Retrieved16 September2016.
^Bunce, Charlie; Farrington, Karen (2015).The Complete Great British Railway Journeys.London: Harper Collins.ISBN 978-0007950096.

External links

Great British Railway JourneysatBBC Online
Great British Railway JourneysatIMDb
Series 1 and 2at Michael Portillo's website

[Ireland-8] For journeys inNorthern Irelandand theRepublic of Ireland,the programme was retitledGreat British Railway Journeys Goes To Ireland.

[10] Silvertown was spelt incorrectly as 'Silverton' by many contemporaneous sources, including the BBC,Radio TimesandIMDb.

[1] Ratcliffe, Roger (30 March 2014)."How I saved Settle-Carlisle line".The Yorkshire Post.Archivedfrom the original on 13 January 2020.Retrieved12 January2020.

[2] "Author digs deep into how historic line was saved".Cumberland & Westmorland Herald.13 January 2017.Archivedfrom the original on 13 January 2020.Retrieved12 January2020.

[3] "Great British Railway Journeys".BBC.Archivedfrom the original on 23 January 2010.Retrieved25 January2010.

[walesonline2-4] "Michael Portillo rides the rails again".Wales on Sunday.27 December 2009.Archivedfrom the original on 9 October 2012.Retrieved6 January2010.

[5] Clay, Jeremy (6 January 2010)."TV review: Great British Railway Journeys".Leicester Mercury.Retrieved6 January2010.

[Portillo-6] Portillo, Michael (15 October 2020)."Michael Portillo: 'I'm not even that passionate about trains'".The Times.London.Retrieved10 April2024.

[7] ttps:// fremantlescreenings /all-titles/121^{[bare URL]}

[Portillo_in_Ireland-9] "Great British Railway Journeys – Series 4 Episode Guide".Radio Times.Archivedfrom the original on 29 October 2013.Retrieved27 October2013.

[Great_British_Railway_Journeys-11] ^^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r ^s ^t"Great British Railway Journeys".BBC.Archivedfrom the original on 3 March 2016.Retrieved19 February2016.

[Radio_Times-12] ^^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r ^s ^t"Great British Railway Journeys – Series 7 Episode".Radio Times.Archivedfrom the original on 2 March 2016.Retrieved18 February2016.

[13] "Manod: The Nation's Treasure Caves".nationalgallery.org.Archivedfrom the original on 3 June 2021.Retrieved3 June2021.

[14] "The Story Of London's First Indian Restaurant".londonist.15 June 2016.Archivedfrom the original on 6 June 2021.Retrieved6 June2021.

[15] Bunce, Charlie (2011).Great British Railway Journeys.London: Harper Collins.ISBN 978-0007394760.

[16] Farrington, Karen (2012).Great Victorian Railway Journeys: How Modern Britain was Built by Victorian Steam Power.London: Harper Collins.ISBN 978-0007457069.Archivedfrom the original on 17 September 2016.Retrieved16 September2016.

[17] Bunce, Charlie; Farrington, Karen (2015).The Complete Great British Railway Journeys.London: Harper Collins.ISBN 978-0007950096.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[a]

[8]

[b]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

v t e Great British Railway Journeys
Great British Railway Journeys Great Coastal Railway Journeys	Bradshaw's Guide
Great American Railroad Journeys Great Alaskan Railroad Journeys Great Canadian Railway Journeys	Appletons' guidebook
Great Asian Railway Journeys Great Australian Railway Journeys Great Indian Railway Journeys	Bradshaw’s Handbook of Indian, Foreign and Colonial Travel
Great Continental Railway Journeys	Bradshaw's Continental Railway Guide