Great Coastal Railway Journeys
Overview
Michael Portillo embarks on an unforgettable journey along the stunning coastlines of the UK in Great Coastal Railway Journeys. Traveling from the serene sea lochs of Scotland to the breathtaking Jurassic Coast of Dorset, he explores the rich landscapes and vibrant cultures that define these picturesque areas. With his extensive knowledge and passion for train travel, Portillo unveils the unique stories and hidden gems that each destination has to offer, making for an engaging and visually captivating experience.
Episodes
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1
Dunbar to Edinburgh
Michael Portillo embarks on a journey along the coastlines of the British Isles, kicking off his adventure at Siccar Point, renowned for its remarkabl...
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2
Leith to Culross
Michael Portillo resumes his adventure at the famous Forth Bridge, then makes his way to explore the Royal Yacht Britannia. Along the way, he comes ac...
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3
Stirling to East Neuk
Michael Portillo journeys from the historic city of Stirling to Perth, known for its significance as the coronation site of Scottish kings. He then ma...
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4
St Andrews to Stonehaven
Michael Portillo explores St Andrews, where Scotland's oldest university is located, in eastern Fife. After that, he travels to the lively city of Dun...
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5
Forvie to Peterhead
Michael Portillo continues his Scottish railway adventure as he arrives in Aberdeen. From there, he sets off to explore the stunning landscapes of For...
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6
Inverness to the Cairngorms
Michael makes his way to Inverness early in the morning, eager to embark on a picturesque journey to the Orkney Islands. Along the way, he takes time ...
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7
Cullen to Cawdor
Michael Portillo is once again enchanted by the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland's east coast as he journeys by train along the Moray Firth.
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8
Invergordon to Tain
Michael Portillo’s exploration of Scotland by train leads him to Invergordon, situated on the Cromarty Firth, the third major inlet along the northe...
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9
Lairg to Caithness
Michael Portillo embarks on a scenic railway adventure along the Far North Line, where he travels through stunning landscapes dotted with lochs and hi...
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10
Thurso to Orkney
Michael ventures to the Orkney Islands, exploring the historic naval base at Scapa Flow. During his visit, he uncovers the islands' deep-rooted ties t...
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11
Tynemouth to Bardon Mill
Michael embarks on an exciting railway adventure from Newcastle, traveling north towards Berwick-upon-Tweed. Along the way, he enjoys picturesque view...
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12
Newcastle to Lynemouth
Michael travels north from Newcastle to the old mining town of Lynemouth. During his journey, he stops to explore a landform art installation created ...
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13
Morpeth to Amble
Michael discovers an ancient set of Northumbrian bagpipes while in Morpeth, then continues his journey along the East Coast Main Line to the seaside t...
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14
Alnmouth to Bamburgh
Michael journeys from Alnmouth to the renowned Bamburgh Castle, a symbol of Northumberland's heritage. During his travels, he sets out on the water in...
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15
Farne Islands to Berwick-upon-Tweed
Michael's adventure along the Northumberland coastline progresses as he heads toward the Farne Islands, visits the sacred island of Lindisfarne, and c...
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16
Fairlie to Port Glasgow
Michael Portillo embarks on a journey along Scotland's stunning western coastline, traveling by train and ferry. He begins his adventure at the Hunter...
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17
Helensburgh to Connel
Michael Portillo journeys from the 250-year-old 'new town' of Helensburgh, situated on the north side of the Clyde, as he boards his beloved West High...
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18
Oban to Staffa
Michael sets off from the fishing town of Oban, making his way to the Hebrides. Along the journey, he assists in gathering seaweed, explores the birth...
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19
Fort William to Glenfinnan
Michael embarks on the Jacobite Express, taking in the breathtaking views as he travels over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. His journey continues into...
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20
Mallaig to Isle of Lewis and Harris
Michael embarks on a journey reminiscent of Bonnie Prince Charlie, setting sail for the island of Skye, celebrated for its rich wildlife. From there, ...
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21
Avonmouth to Six Bells
Michael Portillo embarks on a railway adventure along the picturesque south coast of Wales. He explores a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre and discov...
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22
Barry Island to Pyle
Michael Portillo continues his scenic railway adventure along the south Wales coastline, starting in Barry Island, where he explores the bustling dock...
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23
Port Talbot to Pembrey Burry Port
Michael Portillo’s railway journey along the southern coast of Wales brings him to Port Talbot, a town renowned globally for its steel manufacturing...
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24
Carmarthen to Pembroke
Michael Portillo journeys along the stunning rural coastlines of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. He explores a remarkable bee garden that houses an...
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25
Milford Haven to Fishguard
Michael Portillo arrives at Milford Haven, the westernmost station in Wales and the largest energy port in the UK. From there, he travels north to exp...
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1
Douglas to Port Erin
Michael Portillo embarks on yet another railway journey throughout the United Kingdom and its surrounding areas.
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2
Liverpool to Blackpool
Michael Portillo embarks on a journey from the Isle of Man, sailing across the Irish Sea to arrive at the bustling port city of Liverpool, renowned fo...
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3
Morecambe to Grange-over-Sands
Michael Portillo continues his train adventure, discovering the art of making potted shrimp at Morecambe Bay. He lends a hand in trimming the topiarie...
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4
Ulverston to Ravenglass
Michael Portillo explores the stunning scenery of Cumbria, embarking on one of Britain’s most breathtaking coastal train rides. He ventures out onto...
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5
St Bees to Maryport
As Michael nears the end of his train trip along the northwestern coast of England, he encounters a devoted admirer of Alfred Wainwright’s renowned ...
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6
Middlesbrough to Boulby
Michael embarks on an adventure into the mysteries of the universe in Boulby, North Yorkshire, where he participates in the quest for dark matter insi...
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7
Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay
Michael Portillo journeys from Whitby, delving into the town's rich history of shipbuilding and maritime activities, before continuing on to Robin Hoo...
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8
Scarborough to Bridlington
Michael Portillo visits the coastal town of Scarborough to discover one of England's most impressive royal strongholds.
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9
Hornsea to Spurn Point
Michael Portillo embarks on a journey from the charming coastal town of Hornsea, renowned for its unique pottery, to Spurn Point. Along the way, he di...
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10
Grimsby to Humberston Fitties
Michael Portillo arrives in Lincolnshire, concluding his coastal railway adventure that began in Middlesbrough. In Grimsby, he explores a significant ...
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11
Ballarena to Giant's Causeway
Michael Portillo embarks on a railway adventure along Northern Ireland’s stunning Causeway Coast, exploring the northern and eastern shores of Irela...
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12
Ballymena to Carrickfergus
Michael Portillo finds himself in the enchanting glens of Antrim, immersed in the rich tapestry of Ireland’s folklore, where stories of fairies and ...
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13
Bangor to Belfast
Michael Portillo visits Bangor in County Down as he makes his way to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland.
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14
Carlingford to Dublin
Michael Portillo resumes his train adventure along the stunning Atlantic and Irish Sea shores of Ireland, making his way from Newry into the Republic....
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15
Dun Laoghaire to Rosslare
Michael Portillo embarks on the last segment of his railway adventure, starting off in the picturesque harbor town of Dun Laoghaire.
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16
Weymouth to Lulworth
Michael embarks on a train trip along the southern coast of England, starting in Dorset. He then sets sail in Portland Harbour, where he learns about ...
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17
Kimmeridge to Brownsea Island
Michael arrives in Wareham to explore Dorset’s famous Jurassic Coast. He travels through Swanage, Poole, and Sandbanks, making his way to his final ...
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18
Southampton to Isle of Wight
Michael travels from the lively streets of Southampton to the Isle of Wight, where he hops on the island's railway that features refurbished trains fr...
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19
Lee-on-the-Solent to Bosham
Michael lends a hand at a coastguard training facility, meets with the harbour master in the bustling maritime city of Portsmouth, and discovers vario...
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20
Fishbourne to Seaford
Michael's journey reaches its climax in Fishbourne, home to one of Britain's most important Roman archaeological sites.
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1
Axminster to Budleigh Salterton
Michael Portillo sets off on another adventure along Britain’s coastline, beginning at the stunning Jurassic Coast. His journey takes him to the wil...
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2
Exeter to Plymouth
Michael Portillo arrives in Exeter, the capital of Devon, where the stunning gothic cathedral has been a centerpiece since the Middle Ages. He teams u...
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3
Tintagel to St Austell
Michael departs from Devon and heads towards Cornwall, arriving at the wild northern coastline along the Atlantic. There, the remnants of Tintagel Cas...
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4
St Mawes to Porthcurno
Michael arrives at the charming fishing village of St Mawes in Cornwall, which has become a sought-after getaway for those who appreciate yachts, gour...
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5
Isles of Scilly
Michael Portillo approaches the conclusion of his railway journey along the dramatic coastline of southwest England. His travels culminate in the far ...
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6
Cardigan Bay to Abergynolwyn
Michael Portillo sets off on a train adventure along the stunning western coastline of Wales. His journey kicks off at the Victorian Cliff Railway in ...
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7
Harlech to Abedaron
Michael Portillo resumes his railway adventure in North Wales, following the scenic coastline from Harlech as he makes his way around the Llyn Peninsu...
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8
Porthmadog to Anglesey
Michael Portillo travels through the breathtaking landscapes of Snowdonia National Park aboard one of the UK's most celebrated heritage routes, the We...
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9
The Isle of Anglesey
Michael finds himself on the Isle of Anglesey, where the salty waters of the Menai Strait are being harnessed to craft a delectable Welsh culinary tre...
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10
Conwy to Colwyn Bay
Michael Portillo boards a train heading to the historic walled town of Conwy, marking the final stop on his journey along the northern coast of Wales.
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11
Eastbourne to Rye
Michael Portillo embarks on an exciting railway journey, delving into the scenic twin coasts of the English Channel and the estuaries of the Thames an...
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12
Folkestone to Le Touquet
Michael Portillo embarks on a journey through the world's longest underwater tunnel aboard the Eurotunnel shuttle rail service, making his way from Fo...
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13
Dover to Margate
Michael Portillo continues his railway journey along the English Channel's northern and southern shores, starting in Dover. Here, he reflects on the l...
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14
Birchington-on-Sea to Whitstable
Michael Portillo continues his railway journey along the Channel coast and the Thames estuary, arriving at the Isle of Thanet. The landscape here is f...
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15
Faversham to Chatham
Michael's journey is approaching its conclusion along the north Kent coastline. In Faversham, he boards the final sailing barge still in operation on ...
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16
Canvey Island to Wrabness
Michael Portillo sets off on an exciting railway adventure along the eastern coast of England. His journey starts in the Thames estuary, where he trav...
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17
Woodbridge to Southwold
Michael Portillo arrives at the Deben estuary during his coastal railway adventure through eastern England. In Woodbridge, he takes on an exciting raf...
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18
Lowestoft to Great Yarmouth
Michael Portillo embarks on a railway adventure along the East Anglian coast, exploring the perilous waters near Norfolk. This region, known for its s...
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19
West Runton to Burnham Market
Michael takes a close look at a replica of the tiniest bone from the oldest and largest mammoth ever discovered in Britain. Afterward, he tries the lo...
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20
Wells-next-the-Sea to the Wash
As Michael Portillo's journey through the eastern parts of England comes to an end at the Wash, he rides on the tiniest public railway in existence. A...
