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History

Great British Railway Journeys

All aboard! Michael Portillo explores the UK the railways made. Uncover hidden gems and fascinating communities from across the nation.

Series 12: 1. Oxford to Abingdon (29 mins)

1. Denham to Swindon

Michael Portillo embarks on a postwar exploration of Britain’s southern counties.

29 mins

2. Chippenham to Yeovil

Michael s Navy Wings pilots for a close formation flight over RNAS Yeovilton.

3. Swanage to Portchester

Michael reaches England’s south coast, travelling on the steam-powered Swanage Railway.

4. Havant to Guildford

Michael visits Haslemere, the surprise birthplace of the plastic recorder.

5. Wokingham to Heathrow

Michael takes a tour around Heathrow Airport, ending up atop the iconic control tower.

6. Loch Lomond to Kelvinbridge

Michael boards the West Highland Line to begin a journey across Scotland’s central belt.

7. Glasgow to Cumbernauld

Michael ires the oldest football trophy in the world.

8. Shawlands to Livingston

Michael continues his postwar Scottish journey, heading from Glasgow to Edinburgh.

9. Edinburgh to Queensferry

In the former miner village of Newtongrange, Michael meets the son of 'Red' Mick McGahey.

10. Dundee to Loch of the Lowes

Michael is on the trail of Joseph McKenzie, the father of modern Scottish photography.

11. Liverpool to Uttoxeter

Michael Portillo twists and shouts through postwar Liverpool.

12. Derby to Nottingham

Michael Portillo reaches the jet age in the Derby suburb of Peartree.

13. Lincoln to York

Michael Portillo’s postwar journey from Merseyside to Teesside resumes in Lincoln.

14. York to Skipton

Michael Portillo is in York, a paradise for rail enthusiasts.

15. Northallerton to Chester-Le-Street

Michael Portillo confronts a detachment of Gurkhas and produces a fine heritage cheese.