Great British Railway Journeys

Great British Railway Journeys is a TV show on BBC4. All aboard! Michael Portillo explores the UK the railways made. Uncover hidden gems and fascinating communities from across the nation. The program has been available since 2024. A total of 208 episodes have been broadcast, most recently in April 2025.
Last broadcast:29/04/2025 at 20:30
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Michael Portillo heads to Walmer Castle, home during the 1920s to Lord Beauchamp, and in Margate he discovers the connection to TS Eliot.


Michael Portillo follows his 1930s Bradshaw's guide to the unspoilt East Sussex port of Rye, then boards the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch railway to Dungeness.
Series 1
25:00


An epic tour of our great nation by rail. Michael Portillo's second journey begins in Preston, where he explores the origins of the temperance movement.


Michael Portillo takes to the tracks in this engaging travelogue. Michael goes birding on the wild cliffs of Flamborough Head and learns about knitting in Filey.


How did our railways mould modern-day Britain? Michael Portillo hears how Hull became a large white fish port and goes fishing for sea bass in Bridlington.


Ex-politician Michael Portillo takes to the tracks. Michael goes back in time on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway and learns more about the Romans in York.
Series 16
Series 13
30:00


Michael Portillo arrives in Hassocks and the beautiful Sussex village of Ditchling, before making his way to the village of Benenden.


Michael Portillo takes a trip in a Second World War Spitfire above Biggin Hill aerodrome.
Series 1
25:00


Michael Portillo traces the footsteps of cartographer George Bradshaw. Michael learns more about his Victorian guide and the link between trains and a fish supper.


Ex-MP Michael Portillo embarks on a series of magnificent train journeys. Michael travels on the world's first passenger railway line and learns to speak Scouse.
Series 16


Series 16, Episode 18 - Chelmsford to Tollesbury...
Expected on
Michael’s exploration of Essex reaches Chelmsford, where the city's bishop relates her story of escape from Iran after the Islamic revolution of 1979.