Michael Portillo begins a fresh exploration from Manchester, the home of George Bradshaw, creator of the indispensable guide he carries, to Chesterfield, final resting place of George Stephenson, the pioneer of railways. The initial stage o…

Michael Portillo’s exploration of north west England continues. He commences in Southport, a refined Lancashire destination where railways once drew crowds eager for the pier and seaside amusements. In Wigan, Michael uncovers stories of Vic…

Michael Portillo’s exploration of north west England continues. He marks the region's Victorian commercial heritage with a visit to Preston Guild, before travelling on to Rochdale, where he uncovers an innovative movement dedicated to enhan…

Michael Portillo commences this stage of his travels from Manchester to Chesterfield at the Yorkshire home of the Brontë sisters in Worth Valley. He then proceeds to Oakworth, where he explores how the local station and its heritage railway…

As his travels wind down from the heart of a grim Manchester slum to the splendor of a Derbyshire estate, Michael Portillo listens for echoes of Victorian England’s mills and mines, joining a brass band in Honley to gauge his own stamina. I…

As his travels wind down from the heart of a grim Manchester slum to the splendor of a Derbyshire estate, Michael Portillo listens for echoes of Victorian England’s industry, joining a brass band in Honley to gauge his stamina. In Holmfirth…

Michael Portillo’s travels continue northward along Robert Stephenson’s pioneering inter-city railway, originating from London. At Bletchley, he encounters a figure deeply involved in the secrecy of the Second World War, and in Olney, uncov…

Following his Bradshaw’s timetable, Michael Portillo travels north from London towards Leeds, making a stop in Northampton, famed for its shoemakers. There, he meets Victorian 'clickers' who have been crafting shoes for over 130 years. In R…

Following the guidance of his Victorian Bradshaw’s railway guide, Michael Portillo continues his journey north along Robert Stephenson's pioneering London to Birmingham line. He begins this leg in Leicester, where he investigates ‘the famou…

As his travels along the first railway line connecting the capital to other cities draw to a close, Michael Portillo unearths a celebrated poet in Nottingham. He then journeys to Mansfield, riding a route revived by public enthusiasm after …

Following his trusted Bradshaw’s guide, Michael Portillo begins a fresh journey from Southampton to Wolverhampton. In this initial segment, he learns the proper way to set a table aboard the luxurious Queen Elizabeth before her departure…

Michael Portillo’s exploration remains focused on matters of state and soldiery; he now observes the elaborate hearse that carried the Duke of Wellington to his final resting place, and proceeds to Aldershot, a bustling hub of military life…

In the third stage of his travels, Michael Portillo discovers how the needs of railway passengers spurred the evolution of the modern printing press.

Michael Portillo’s journey from Southampton to Wolverhampton commences today in Chippenham, where he explores Lacock Abbey and uncovers the story of the world’s first photographic negative, even attempting his hand at creating a print. He t…

As his travels from Southampton wound towards Wolverhampton, Michael’s first stop was the refined spa town of Cheltenham, where he encountered an unusual early locomotive carriage – one that ran not on rails but along the road. He was fortu…

Following the detailed instructions of a 19th-century Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo begins a new journey from Norwich to Chichester. For this initial stage, he explores the medieval heart of Norwich. Within the city’s Norman castle, he…

Following his well-worn 19th-century Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo begins a new journey from Norwich to Chichester. For this initial leg, he delves into the medieval heart of Norwich. Within the city’s Norman castle, he unearths a Vict…

Following his Bradshaw’s timetable, Michael Portillo journeys along the Essex bank of the Thames before crossing into Kent, the Garden of England. This leg begins in Barkingside, where the Victorian philanthropist Dr Thomas Barnardo dedicat…

Michael Portillo’s journey from Norwich to Chichester commences in Faversham, Kent, at Shepherd Neame, one of England's oldest breweries. He explores how the brewery once made substantial investments in the railways, even operating its own …

As his travels between Norwich and Chichester drew to a close, Michael Portillo explored the story behind Brighton’s remarkable Pavilion, uncovering that Queen Victoria held little enthusiasm for the Prince Regent's extravagant tastes. Whil…