Great British Railway Journeys

- Season 4

(2013)

Michael travels from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, to Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, finding out about the remarkable craftsmen behind the Victorian furniture trade

Michael 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 delicacies concocted in a Victorian kitchen.

Michael travels from Stoke-on-Trent to Winsford, Cheshire, finding out about one of the greatest locomotive factories in railway history along the way.

Michael travels from Dudley in the West Midlands to Bridgnorth, Shropshire. He learns how Victorian blacksmithing was not for the faint-hearted, and rides on one of Britain's most modern trains.

Michael travels from Welshpool, Powys, to Aberystwyth in Ceredigion. He experiences Victorian entertainment in one of Wales's best-loved resorts, and hears how the railways took the country's textiles into the most exclusive households.

Michael travels from the naval hub of Portsmouth to Grimsby docks. On the first leg, he helps feed the crew of Britain's newest battleship, and discovers how the Victorians planned to repel a possible French invasion.

Michael Portillo gets close to some precious Victorian botany at Kew Gardens, tries his hand at croquet and discovers a very surprising 19th century place of worship.

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Michael Portillo discovers how derelict Victorian London is being rejuvenated, puts in a shift at Cambridgeshire brick factory and meets the immigrant community built from it.

Michael sees how Lincolnshire farmers utilised rails to improve their harvests, visits Lincoln's most impressive cathedral and looks to the future of rail freight.

Michael learns about a Scottish hero, visits a Highland Games and discovers how an impressive piece of Victorian engineering, ended in tragedy.

Michael takes to the tracks with his copy of Bradshaw's Victorian railway guidebook, and he travels the length of the British Isles to see what of Bradshaw's world remains.

Michael learns how Victorian whisky trains were raided by robbers, travels along one of Scotland's most impressive viaducts and disovers that life is not always sweet on a shortbread production line.

Michael explores 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.

Michael learns how one man's vision helped bring train travel to the Highlands, discovers how farming has changed since Bradshaw's day.

Michael is following in the footsteps of the master engineer of the Great Western Railway, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, beginning at the line's London gateway, Paddington Station.

Michael visits a world famous tourist hotspot that's been captivating visitors since the Victorian era, takes to the air in Yeovil and tries his hand at cloth making, the 19th century way.

Michael explores a church that moves in mysterious ways, finds out just what it takes to run a 19th century signal box and summons all his strength.

Michael gets up close with a piece of natural history, visits a garden used as a viewing platform for public hangings and experiences a timepiece like no other.

Michael is following in the footsteps of the master engineer of the Great Western Railway, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, beginning at the line's London gateway, Paddington Station.

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Michael is on a railway journey through the Republic of Ireland travelling from the rugged beauty of County Kerry, across the rural Irish Midlands.

Michael 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.

Michael visits the Irish National Stud, discovers how harsh life was for the Irish poor and uncovers an astronomical feat of Victorian engineering.

Michael is on the final leg of his Irish journey and discovers historic jewellery with royal connections in Galway. He also meets a people's king, and finds his voice with an Irish singing group.