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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. Paddock Wood to Frant

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

29 mins

2. Hildenborough to Robertsbridge

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

3. Dorking to Lingfield

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

4. Gatwick Airport to Royal Tunbridge Wells

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

5. Chichester to Amberley

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

6. Windermere to Sellafield

Michael Portillo begins a railway tour of Cumbria and Dumfriesshire.

7. St Bees to Grange-over-Sands

Michael Portillo travels along the scenic Cumbrian Coast Line.

8. Maryport to Penrith

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

9. Aspatria to Carlisle

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

10. Dumfries to Auchinleck

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

11. Shrewsbury to Telford

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

12. Ironbridge to Coseley

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

13. Dudley to West Bromwich

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

14. Birmingham New Street to Wednesbury

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

15. Solihull to Birmingham International

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

16. Loughton to Audley End

Michael Portillo embarks on a journey across Essex.

17. Romford to the Blackwater Estuary

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

18. Chelmsford to Tollesbury

Michael’s exploration of Essex reaches Chelmsford.

19. Witham to Saffron Walden

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

20. Colchester to Chappel and Wakes Colne

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