**Episode 1: Liverpool to Eccles** Michael commences his travels along the world’s pioneering passenger railway line. In Liverpool, he attempts to master the local dialect, uncovers the story behind the very first railway casualty, and i…

Michael has traveled to Manchester to delve deeper into the life of George Bradshaw. While there, he had a hat made – a trilby – in Denton, and discovered how the burgeoning railway system played a surprising role in establishing a beloved …

Michael journeyed into the past aboard the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, then explored recent archaeological findings concerning the Romans in York, before experiencing a bird's-eye view from within a Network Rail helicopter.

Michael embarked on a quest to find the final licorice farmer in Pontefract, then uncovered how the arrival of the railways transformed Hull into a thriving hub for the white fish trade, before casting his line for sea bass in Bridlington.

Michael explores the rugged clifftops of Flamborough Head, captivated by the local birdlife, then delves into the intricacies of antique knitting patterns in Filey. His journey continues to Scarborough, a Victorian seaside town where he enc…

Michael traces the roots of the temperance movement in Preston, then discovers the charms of Blackpool, a town shaped by the arrival of the railways. Finally, he ventures out on foot across Morecambe Bay, guided by its appointed Keeper of t…

Michael journeys back to the venerable Settle-Carlisle railway to discover its fate after his involvement in preserving it during the 1980s. His travels encompass an exploration of the impressive Ribblehead viaduct, a glimpse into the lives…

Michael embarked on a leisurely steamboat journey across Lake Windermere, then continued to the charming village of Grasmere, once home to Wordsworth. His explorations culminated in an unexpected experience: assisting a local farmer in craf…

Michael encountered the fierce, untamed clansmen of Carlisle, the notorious Border Reivers, observed a joyous wedding unfolding in Gretna Green, and explored a clandestine munitions factory hidden away from view during the First World War.

Michael presses apples into juice amidst the orchards of the Clyde Valley, then ascends to the soaring heights of the Forth Rail Bridge for a breathtaking view, before returning to Kirkcaldy, his grandparents’ hometown, where cherished chil…

Discovering a tradition of complimentary holiday excursions for railway employees in Swindon, Michael then journeyed to Bath to experience its famed spa waters, before venturing on to Bristol where he attempted the craft of glassblowing.

Michael savored locally grown Cheddar strawberries, then ventured to explore the dramatic Cheddar Gorge and its renowned caves. His journey continued to Weston-super-Mare, where he visited one of England’s most historic piers.

Michael discovered Torquay’s remarkably mild microclimate, then tried his hand at salmon fishing along the Dart estuary, and even spent a portion of Totnes’ innovative local currency.

Michael’s journey takes him to the world's foremost clay pit, situated close to St Austell, then on to Mevagissey for a traditional pilchard fishing experience. He also explores the legacy of the Heligan Estate, uncovering its profound infl…

Michael journeys in search of the elusive church of St Piran, delves into the depths of Cornwall's final active tin mine, and gathers oysters from the waters of the Helford River.

Michael explored a remarkable feat of architecture, the Duke of Devonshire’s stables at Buxton, then lent his hand to restoring the fragile, age-old peatlands of the Peak District. His journey continued aboard a heritage steam railway, wind…

Michael journeys to Cromford to discover the oldest continuously operating mill in the world, then ventures to Derby to explore the nation’s very first public park. Finally, he investigates the reasons behind Burton-on-Trent’s renowned repu…

In Walsall, Michael encountered the Queen’s own saddler, then journeyed to Birmingham to discover the secrets of a truly authentic Indian curry. Finally, he made his way to Bournville, a village often whispered to be the most desirable plac…

Michael journeys back to the devastation of the Coventry Blitz, encounters the sole remaining breeder of traditional Aylesbury ducks in Buckinghamshire, and uncovers the vital role railway lines played in evacuating countless children durin…

Equipped with a copy of George Bradshaw’s Victorian Railway Guidebook, Michael Portillo embarks on four sweeping journeys across the nation. He traces the impact of the railways and investigates what echoes remain of Bradshaw's Britain. …