The Flying Scotsman Michael’s once-in-a-lifetime journey aboard the most celebrated train ever built began before dawn at London’s King’s Cross station. Anticipation mounted on the platform as a global media presence, devoted enthusiasts…

Michael, still buoyed by his experience aboard the Flying Scotsman, commenced a new journey northward from London, his Bradshaw’s guide book serving as companion along the historic route—though at a considerably slower pace. The task before…

Having journeyed from London to York aboard the Flying Scotsman, Michael consults his Bradshaw’s guide to follow the route of this celebrated train service, commencing in Newark-on-Trent, often called the ‘Key of the North,’ and concluding …

Darlington to Dunbar In Newton Aycliffe, he boards a modern passenger train, its journey mirroring the historic route taken by George Stephenson’s steam engine in 1825. Peering through the landscape at Croft-on-Tees, he uncovers an unexp…

From Longniddry towards Edinburgh, Michael indulges in a ukulele lesson in Haddington, the hometown of Samuel Smiles, a prominent figure in Victorian self-improvement. In Musselburgh, he experiences a glimpse of life as a fishwife before ve…

Following a fresh route through Victorian England, guided by Bradshaw’s classic handbook, he forges compelling connections in Fleetwood before continuing on to Manchester. Here, George Stephenson's pioneering construction of the world’s fir…

Michael Portillo’s exploration from the Irish Sea to the North Sea now progresses via tram from Manchester Piccadilly. Before a grand town hall, symbol of the world’s first industrial city, he encounters the Victorian scientist responsible …

Michael’s journey continues from Chapeltown toward Doncaster, leading him to Wharncliffe Crags. There, he steels himself to trace the perilous handholds once used by a Victorian adventurer who helped pioneer rock climbing. The quiet order o…

Following his Bradshaw’s railway guide to Gainsborough, Michael Portillo explores an inventive Victorian device that revolutionized the way we shop. In Lincoln, he uncovers the verse and widespread appeal of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, the 19th-…

Michael Portillo concludes his journey, tracing the path of the former North Country Continental service towards Harwich. En route, he encounters volunteers working on the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway and is given the rare opportunity to opera…

Michael Portillo, guided by his Bradshaw's Handbook, commences an exploration of Ireland. In Wexford’s harbor, he boards a century-old lifeboat and ventures out to sea, uncovering the story of a naval hero from the American conflict. He pau…

From Greystones, Michael Portillo journeys to Dublin, where he uncovers one of Ireland’s most prized possessions at Trinity College and traces its rise to national emblem status. A taste of Guinness in a traditional pub precedes an explorat…

From Navan to Mullingar Michael explores contemporary archaeology in County Meath, shedding light on a contentious Victorian excavation at the revered Hill of Tara. He follows leaping salmon through Leixlip and reveals an astonishing dis…

Dromod to Sligo Clutching his Victorian Bradshaw’s guidebook, Michael Portillo journeys across Ireland, exploring a national identity shaped during an era of political upheaval. Traversing the stunning landscape, he discovers how it serv…

The final stretch of Michael Portillo’s journey from Wexford to Westport brings a visit to a stylish Victorian seaweed bath, followed by a vivid encounter in Ballina. In Foxford, suspended with anticipation, he uncovers the remarkable phila…