Michael Portillo begins a fresh exploration of southern Scotland, traveling from west to east. Starting in Ayr, he pauses to admire the imposing granite island of Ailsa Craig before delving into the time-honored tradition of curling, guided…

Following his meticulously planned route with Bradshaw’s guide, Michael Portillo progresses through southern Scotland. He pays homage to Victorian iron and steel in Motherwell, admiring one of its most impressive creations – the Forth Rail …

Following his meticulously planned route with Bradshaw’s guide, Michael Portillo progresses through southern Scotland. He pays homage to Victorian iron and steel in Motherwell, admiring one of its most impressive creations – the Forth Rail …

Guided by his Bradshaw’s, Michael Portillo commences this stage of his journey in Stirling, where he explores the site of the fierce battle at Bannockburn. Embracing the spirit of Victorian travellers, he journeys north to Crieff to experie…

As his journey eastward across Scotland draws to a close, Michael Portillo makes a pilgrimage to St Andrews, the home of golf. He observes the craft of creating classic clubs with hickory shafts at a traditional workshop and then steps onto…

Michael Portillo begins a series of explorations across London. He journeys along the capital’s pioneering underground railway, the Metropolitan Line, from Amersham, where he uncovers the roots of modern suburbia. In Pinner, Michael lear…

Michael Portillo is invited onto the construction locomotive for Crossrail, embarking on a journey beneath the Thames and a meeting with Mary, whose expertise is vital to the project's success. He travels along London’s very first railway l…

Following his well-worn Bradshaw’s guide, Michael Portillo travels by high-speed rail to Stratford, to examine the enduring impact of the Olympic Park. There, he discovers the story of an Indian lawyer, trained in Victorian London, whose wo…

Following his well-worn copy of Bradshaw’s Guide, Michael Portillo journeys through London's theatre district, revealing how 19th-century engineering contributed to the grandeur of theatrical productions. At Charing Cross, he investigates t…

During his final excursion into the capital, Michael Portillo ventures through Albertopolis, ascending to impressive heights within a Victorian monument. He encounters some of Battersea’s most celebrated inhabitants and even gives one a bat…

Michael Portillo begins a new exploration, guided by his Bradshaw’s handbook, from the industrial heartland of the east Midlands towards the northeastern island of Lindisfarne. Along the way, he breathes new life into an aging engine in Der…

With his trusty Bradshaw’s guide in hand, Michael Portillo resumes his journey from Derby towards Lindisfarne. His travels begin in Boston, nestled within Lincolnshire's expansive plains, where he investigates the town's intriguing link wit…

Following the guidance of his Bradshaw’s Railway Guide, Michael Portillo progresses from the heart of the East Midlands to Northumberland's Holy Island. He begins in Hessle, on the northern bank of the River Humber and beneath the impressiv…

Following Bradshaw’s Handbook, Michael Portillo commences this stage of his travels from Derby to Lindisfarne in Middlesbrough, a city forged by iron. He explores one of the region's final cast iron foundries and lends a hand in casting a c…

Michael Portillo’s journey begins in Newcastle, following the northeast coast to Lindisfarne. Along the way, he investigates the story behind the world's first swing bridge and its ingenious creator, Newcastle engineer Sir William Armstrong…

Michael Portillo begins a fresh exploration, traveling from west Wales towards East Anglia. His journey starts at Pembroke Dock, where he visits the historic dockyard responsible for constructing Queen Victoria’s royal yachts. He then delve…

Michael Portillo’s travels proceed from Pembroke Dock toward Cambridge. This segment begins amidst the overgrown beauty of Aberglasney's gardens, near Llandeilo, before he joins the driver’s cab on the Heart of Wales Line – a route celebrat…

Michael Portillo’s journey continues from west Wales eastward towards Cambridge. His travels begin deep underground at Big Pit coal mine in Blaenavon, where he explores the relentless labor of Victorians who fueled the industrial revolution…

Michael’s journey progresses from Pembroke Dock towards Cambridge. His travels begin amidst the scholarly atmosphere of Oxford, where he visits the Bodleian – the university's renowned research library – to view a selection of Victorian art…

As his travels from west Wales conclude and lead him toward East Anglia, Michael Portillo begins in Oakham, uncovering a venerable custom that stretches back to the Middle Ages. Eager to experience it firsthand, he follows in the path of ge…