Series synopsis
Great Coastal Railway Journeys is a British documentary television series that premiered on BBC Two on January 24, 2022. It stars Michael Portillo.
From the sea lochs of Scotland to the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, seasoned train traveller Michael Portillo immerses himself in the magnificent scenery of the nation's coastal regions.
Premise
From the sea lochs of Scotland to the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, seasoned train traveller Michael Portillo immerses himself in the magnificent scenery of the nation's coastal regions.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Michael Portillo as Presenter
Episodes
This series spans 3 seasons with 65 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 25 | January 24, 2022 | February 25, 2022 |
| Season 2 | 20 | May 22, 2023 | June 16, 2023 |
| Season 3 | 20 | April 8, 2024 | May 3, 2024 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Dunbar to Edinburgh Michael Portillo begins a series of coastal railway journeys around the British Isles, starting in Siccar Point, the site of an extraordinary 18th-century discovery, and finishing at Holyrood House. |
January 24, 2022 |
| 2 |
Leith to Culross Michael Portillo continues his journey at the iconic Forth Bridge, before heading to tour the Royal Yacht Britannia and encountering a pair of vast steel sculptures. |
January 25, 2022 |
| 3 |
Stirling to East Neuk Michael Portillo travels from the medieval city of Stirling through Perth, the historic crowning place of Scottish monarchs, and into Kirkcaldy, where he revisits some fond family memories. |
January 26, 2022 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Douglas to Port Erin Michael Portillo begins another railway adventure across and beyond the United Kingdom. |
May 22, 2023 |
| 2 |
Liverpool to Blackpool From the Isle of Man, Michael Portillo crosses the Irish Sea, bound for the mighty port of Liverpool and its historic waterfront. |
May 23, 2023 |
| 3 |
Morecambe to Grange-over-Sands Michael Portillo continues his rail journey, learning to make potted shrimp at Morecambe Bay, helping clip the topiaries at Levens Hall and visiting Cartmel's 12th-century priory. |
May 24, 2023 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Axminster to Budleigh Salterton Michael Portillo embarks on another journey exploring the shores of Britain, travelling from the Jurassic Coast to the rugged tip of the Lizard Peninsula and beyond to the spectacular Isles of Scilly. |
April 8, 2024 |
| 2 |
Exeter to Plymouth Michael Portillo reaches Devon’s county town, Exeter, dominated since the Middle Ages by its magnificent gothic cathedral. He joins stonemasons charged with conserving its intricate Beer stonework. |
April 9, 2024 |
| 3 |
Tintagel to St Austell Michael leaves Devon for Cornwall and the rugged Atlantic coast of its northern shore, where the ruins of Tintagel Castle emerge from the mist and spray of the sea. |
April 10, 2024 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | BBC Two |
|---|---|
| First aired | January 24, 2022 |
| Last aired | May 3, 2024 |
| Runtime | 30 minutes |
| Status | continue |