"Michael learns to speak Scouse in Liverpool, finds out about the first railway fatality and explores the origins of the Eccles cake."

"Michael is in Manchester to find out more about George Bradshaw himself. He also gets fitted for a trilby in Denton and learns how the railways helped to create a national institution - fish and chips."

"Michael travels back in time on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, finds out about the latest Roman discoveries in York and takes to the air in the Network Rail helicopter."

"Michael searches for the last liquorice grower in Pontefract, discovers how the railways turned Hull into one of the largest white fish ports in the world and goes fishing for sea bass in Bridlington."

"Michael goes bird-watching on the wild cliffs of Flamborough Head, learns to decipher traditional knitting patterns in Filey and meets one of the oldest residents of the Victorian seaside resort of Scarborough - a 4000-year-old skeleton called Gristhorpe Man."

"Michael explores the origins of the temperance movement in Preston, samples the attractions of Blackpool, a resort made by the railways, and takes a walk across Morecambe Bay with the official Keeper of the Sands."

"Michael returns to the historic Settle-Carlisle line to find out what has happened to it since he helped save it in the 1980s. Along the way, he explores the magnificent Ribblehead viaduct, finds out about the navvies who helped to build it and catches a steam train along the line."

"Michael takes a steamboat tour of Lake Windermere, visits Wordsworth's home village of Grasmere and makes sausages with a local Herdwick sheep farmer."

"Michael meets the wild clansmen of Carlisle, the Border Reivers, witnesses a wedding in Gretna Green and visits a secret World War One munitions factory."

"Michael makes apple juice in the Clyde valley orchards, pays a thrilling visit to the top of the Forth Rail Bridge and relives his childhood memories in his grandparents' home town of Kirkcaldy."

"Michael finds out about free holiday trains for the GWR workers in Swindon, samples the Spa in Bath, and tries his hand at glass blowing in Bristol."

"Michael samples local Cheddar strawberries, explores Cheddar Gorge and the famous caves, and visits one of the oldest piers in the country at Weston Super Mare."

"Michael finds out about Torquay's micro climate, goes salmon fishing on the Dart estuary and spends some of Totnes' new local currency."

"Michael visits the largest clay mine in the world near St Austell, goes pilchard fishing in Mevagissey and finds out how the estate of Heligan shaped British gardens."

"Michael searches for the lost church of St Piran, explores the last working tin mine in Cornwall and harvests oysters on the Helford River."

"Michael visits an architectural wonder, the Duke of Devonshire's stables in Buxton, helps to repair the ancient peat landscape of the Peak District and travels on the historic steam railway to Rowsley."

"Michael visits the oldest working factory in the world at Cromford, explores the country's first public park in Derby and finds out why Burton's beer is said to be the best."

"Michael meets the queen's saddler in Walsall, learns how to cook an authentic Indian curry in Birmingham and visits Bournville, rumoured to be the best place to live in Britain."

"Michael relives the Coventry Blitz, meets the last pure breed Aylesbury duck farmer in Buckinghamshire and finds out how the trains helped to evacuate millions of children during World War II."

"Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with a copy of George Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guidebook. In a series of four epic journeys, he travels the length and breadth of the country to see how the railways changed us, and what of Bradshaw's Britain remains.\n\nHis journey takes him from Buxton along one of the first railway routes south to the capital, London. This time, Michael explores one of the grandest railway stations and hotels in the country: St Pancras. He rides the world's first tube line to Smithfield market and climbs up the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament to hear Big Ben chime."

"Michael finds out about Brighton's Victorian aquarium"

"2\/25. Michael explores the changing fortunes of London's docks."

"Michael Portillo discovers how the trains transformed Newmarket's races."

"Michael goes fishing with the last eel trapper on the Fens at Ely."

"Michael gets the rare chance to drive a heritage diesel train."

"Michael visits the world's first iron-framed building in Shrewsbury."

"Michael explores historic Chirk castle and has a go at making traditional Cheshire cheese."

"Michael visits Chester's Roman remains and goes mussel fishing on the Conwy estuary."

"Michael visits the Victorian slate capital of Blaenau Ffestiniog in the Conwy valley."

"Michael takes the train to the top of Wales's highest peak, Mount Snowdon."

"Michael Portillo visits the first locomotive factory in the world."

"Michael Portillo visits the historic Durham Cathedral and takes a Dracula tour in Whitby."

"Michael Portillo takes a Turkish bath in the famous spa town of Harrogate."

"Michael Portillo finds out about shoddy, a successful 19th-century recycling industry."

"Michael finds out how trains transformed the traditional British sport of fox hunting."

"Michael visits the Royal Observatory at Greenwich to see how the railways standardised time, takes a walk through the world's first underwater tunnel at Rotherhithe and explores the historic Dockyards at Chatham"

"Michael explores the life of Victorian hop pickers, finds out about Maidstone's revolutionary paper industry and discovers how the railways turned cricket into a national sport"

"Michael finds out how Canterbury Cathedral was saved during the Baedecker raids of World War II, goes whelk fishing in Whitstable and explores the origins of a seaside swim in Margate."

"Michael explores a secret port that ran the first train ferries to France carrying vital supplies during World War I, visits Walmer castle, the home of the Duke of Wellington and discovers how the Victorians initiated the building of the Channel tunnel"

"Michael discovers a hardy breed of sheep on the atmospheric Romney Marsh, explores Kent's new sparkling wine industry and finds out why the Victorians went mad for ferns in Hastings"

"Michael explores the historic Dumbarton shipyards that built the Cutty Sark, visits one of Queen Victoria's favourite haunts, Loch Lomond, and goes hunting for gold in Scotland's mountains"

"Michael discovers how trains spread the word about Oban whisky, hears about the heroic struggle to build a railway across the desolate Rannoch Moor, and visits Corrour, one of the favourite shooting estates of the Victorian political elite"

"Michael investigates one of the great geological mysteries of the 19th Century, the parallel roads of Glenroy. Plus, he finds out how the Victorians put a weather observatory on the top of Ben Nevis and takes a steam train across one of the most spectacular viaducts in Britain at Glenfinnan"

"Michael discovers how the railways helped train the first generation of commandos at Lochailort in World War II, finds out why langoustines have replaced herrings as the top catch in the fishing port of Mallaig, and sails across the sea to Skye to explore the history of the highland crofters"

"Michael Portillo discovers the grave robbing history of Great Yarmouth and tries his hand at working a Victorian swing bridge in Reedham."

"Michael Portillo follows the Victorians' fascination with Britain's own Atlantis to Dunwich and discovers the history of the Port of Felixstowe."

"Michael Portillo comes face to face with a medieval politician, takes a rail tour of Victorian freak show hot spots, and rides an early electric railway."

"Michael Portillo sees how gunpowder made in Waltham Cross fuelled an empire, and heads to Hackney to uncover the gruesome details of the first murder on a train."

"Michael Portillo takes a ride on a secret miniature railway hidden beneath London's streets, and rings the bells of the famous church of Bow."

"Michael Portillo visits a station fit for royalty in Windsor and views an engineering triumph built by Brunel to span the Thames at Maidenhead."

"Michael Portillo tastes a Victorian superfood in Alton and tries his hand at driving a steam train on the challenging Watercress Line."

"Michael Portillo experiences the magnificent Victorian organ at Winchester Cathedral and visits a 19th-century rail works still running in Eastleigh."

"On the trail of a Victorian snake catcher, Michael visits the New Forest seeking out venomous adders, uncovers a secret library in Wimborne containing some very rare books, and visits the Poole potteries founded in the 19th century, which are still working today."

"Michael uncovers the amazing oil fields hidden underneath England's quiet seaside resorts, discovers the crucial role Weymouth played in the D-day landings, and heads to the cradle of Victorian Britain's most prestigious building rock, Portland."

"Michael is lead to a special view of the city of Oxford by his 19th century guidebook, samples a Victorian navvies' brew made by steam power, and discovers a unique and colourful crop in the heart of the Cotswolds."

"Michael Portillo visits the Worcestershire village of Hartlebury, which was once home to a bishop who captured Queen Victoria's attention, on the second leg of his journey from Oxford to the south Wales coast. He also investigates the secrets of Worcestershire sauce and learns why the Malvern hills were popular with 19th-century health enthusiasts."

"Michael discovers Britain's hidden micro-mines within the Forest of Dean, sees why the Victorians fell for the romantic ruins of Tintern Abbey and uncovers the railway engineering behind the industrial icon that is Newport Transporter Bridge."

"Michael discovers the Victorian coal heritage that turned Cardiff into the city it is today, explores the 19th-century reason why Barry Island isn't an island, and takes a steam ride through the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park."

"Michael explores the Victorian railway legacy behind the steel works of Port Talbot, follows the trail of 19th-century waterfall hunters in Neath, and uncovers the fascinating whaling past of Milford Haven."

"Michael discovers the unique cross-border history of Berwick-Upon-Tweed, hears the unique story of the Pitman Painters of Ashington and sees first-hand the perils of working on the rails in Victorian times."

"Michael gets his hands dirty following the example of Victorian archaeologists at Hadrian's Wall, discovers how the invention of the ticket machine made a big difference to 19th century rail users, and sees how the Victorian railways first fuelled invention in Wigton."

"Michael drinks a Victorian brew drawn from the pure waters of Cockermouth, steps inside the hidden world of nuclear reprocessing at Sellafield, and travels into the wonders of a Japanese inspired, 19th century garden."

"Michael finds out the secrets behind Kirkby's famous blue slate, submerges himself into a secret world of nuclear submarines in Barrow, and sees why the executions at Lancaster castle drew the Victorians in their droves."

"Michael sets sail from Heysham to the Isle of Man, where he discovers the horse trams of Douglas, the 19th century secrets of the giant Laxy Waterwheel, and the Victorian history of the delightful Snaefell mountain railway."

"Today Michael observes the amazing engineering feat involved in building the railway along Dublin's treacherous East coast, explores 19th century crime and punishment in a Victorian jail, and finds out how the lions of Dublin Zoo changed the fortunes of the railways."

"Today Michael explores the extensive railway network within the Bog of Allen, discovers the Victorian secrets behind the amazing Boyne Viaduct, and travels underground, into the vast Irish Zinc mines."

"Today Michael explores the Victorians' fascination with antiquity, by visiting the amazing Cromlech stones of Dundalk. He reaches for the stars at the Portadown Observatory and travels in style along the steam railway of Downpatrick."

"Today Michael explores the fascinating history of Belfast's Victorian docks, discovers the Irish spade making traditions untouched for over 150 years and takes a walk on the wild side with Whitehead's Victorian coastal paths."

"Today Michael takes a white knuckle walk over the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, follows in the footsteps of the Victorians to experience the delights of the Giant's Causeway and explores the rich history of Londonderry."

"Michael Portillo embarks on another journey around the nation with a copy of George Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guidebook to discover how the railways have affected people and what remains of Bradshaw's Britain. He begins by travelling from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, to Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, finding out about the remarkable craftsmen behind the Victorian furniture trade, discovering how George Bradshaw helped save Britain's canal heritage and seeing Shakespeare through the eyes of a 19th-century rail tourist."

"Michael Portillo learns how the railways helped to make Birmingham the pen-making capital of the world, hears the chilling tale of one of 19th-century Britain's most notorious murderers and samples delicacies concocted in a Victorian kitchen at Shugborough Hall, Staffordshire."

"Michael Portillo travels from Stoke-on-Trent to Winsford, Cheshire, finding out about one of the greatest locomotive factories in railway history along the way. He also discovers the dark side of the Industrial Revolution and learns how Victorian potteries brought their products to the masses."

"Michael Portillo travels from Dudley in the West Midlands to Bridgnorth, Shropshire. He learns how Victorian blacksmithing was not for the faint-hearted, rides on one of Britain's most modern trains and traverses the Victoria Bridge at Bewdley in Worcestershire."

"Michael Portillo travels from Welshpool, Powys, to Aberystwyth in Ceredigion. He experiences Victorian entertainment in one of Wales's best-loved resorts, hears how the railways took the country's textiles into the most exclusive households and unleashes the power of a 19th-century engineering triumph."

"Michael Portillo embarks on the next stage of his journey in which he travels from the naval hub of Portsmouth to Grimsby docks. On the first leg, he helps feed the crew of Britain's newest battleship, discovers how the Victorians planned to repel a possible French invasion and learns there is a well-established industry in an unlikely location."

"Michael Portillo travels from Woking in Surrey to Clapham Junction in south London. Along the way he gets close to some precious Victorian botany at Kew Gardens, tries his hand at croquet and discovers a very surprising 19th-century place of worship."

"Michael Portillo learns how volunteer Victorian fire fighters liked a tipple."

"Michael Portillo discovers how derelict Victorian London is being rejuvenated."

"Michael Portillo sees how Lincolnshire farmers utilised rails to improve their harvests."

"Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with his copy of Bradshaw's Victorian railway guidebook, he travels the length and breadth of the British Isles to see what of Bradshaw's World remains. Michael is exploring the stunning scenery of rural and coastal Scotland, travelling from Stirling, through the industrial east coast and dramatic Highland landscapes, to the beauty of the western lochs, finally ending his journey in John O'Groats. Michael learns about a Scottish hero, visits a Highland Games and discovers how an impressive piece of Victorian engineering ended in tragedy."

"Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with his copy of Bradshaw's Victorian railway guidebook, he travels the length and breadth of the British Isles to see what of Bradshaw's World remains. Michael is exploring the stunning scenery of rural and coastal Scotland, travelling from Stirling, through the industrial east coast and dramatic Highland landscapes, to the beauty of the western lochs, finally ending his journey in John O'Groats. Michael learns how Queen Victoria used to hide from her subjects, discovers how factory workers went deaf and goes out with a bang in Aberdeenshire."

"Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with his copy of Bradshaw's Victorian railway guidebook, he travels the length and breadth of the British Isles to see what of Bradshaw's World remains. Michael is exploring the stunning scenery of rural and coastal Scotland, travelling from Stirling, through the industrial east coast and dramatic Highland landscapes, to the beauty of the western lochs, finally ending his journey in John O'Groats. Michael learns how Victorian whisky trains were raided by robbers, travels along one of Scotland's most impressive viaducts and discovers that life is not always sweet on a shortbread production line."

"Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with his copy of Bradshaw's Victorian railway guidebook. He travels the length and breadth of the British Isles to see what of Bradshaw's world remains. In this programme, Michael explores the scenery of rural and coastal Scotland, travelling from Stirling to the beauty of the western lochs, ending his journey in John O'Groats. Michael rides one of Scotland's most picturesque railways, visits Scotland's smallest station and learns what went into a Victorian-style spa break."

"Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with his copy of Bradshaw's Victorian railway guidebook, he travels the length and breadth of the British Isles to see what of Bradshaw's World remains. Michael is exploring the stunning scenery of rural and coastal Scotland, travelling from Stirling, through the industrial east coast and dramatic Highland landscapes, to the beauty of the western lochs, finally ending his journey in John O'Groats. Michael learns how one man's vision helped bring train travel to the Highlands, discovers how farming has changed since Bradshaw's day and hears the remarkable tale of Scotland's Victorian gold rush."

"Michael gets to grips with the old grey matter at a Victorian asylum, gives an historic horse a facelift and makes malt the 19th century way."

"Michael visits a world famous tourist hotspot that's been captivating visitors since the Victorian era, takes to the air in Yeovil and tries his hand at cloth making, the 19th century way."

"Michael explores a church that moves in mysterious ways, finds out just what it takes to run a 19th century signal box and summons all his strength, to move a one hundred and ten tonne steam locomotive."

"Michael gets up close to a piece of natural history, visits a garden used as a viewing platform for public hangings and experiences a timepiece like no other."

"Michael takes to sea with the heroes of the RNLI, visits a stormy coastal railway and has a close personal encounter with his boyhood hero."

"Michael Portillo takes to the tracks once again using his Bradshaw's 'Handbook for Tourists in Great Britain and Ireland' from the Victorian era. Portillo is on a railway journey through the Republic of Ireland travelling from the rugged beauty of County Kerry, across the rural Irish Midlands to end in the city of Galway on the Atlantic coast. In this episode Michael samples nineteenth century foodie delicacies, explores a stunning landscape shot to fame by rails and royals and risks life and limb for the gift of the gab."

"Michael Portillo takes to the tracks once again using his Bradshaw's 'Handbook for Tourists in Great Britain and Ireland' from the Victorian era. Portillo is on a railway journey through the Republic of Ireland travelling from the rugged beauty of County Kerry, across the rural Irish Midlands to end in the city of Galway on the Atlantic coast. In this episode, Michael learns the ancient art of butter making, attempts to learn the basics of Ireland's oldest game, and rides the Duke of Devonshire's Victorian Irish railway."

"Michael Portillo takes to the tracks once again using his Bradshaw's 'Handbook for Tourists in Great Britain and Ireland' from the Victorian era. Portillo is on a railway journey through the Republic of Ireland travelling from the rugged beauty of County Kerry, across the rural Irish Midlands to end in the city of Galway on the Atlantic coast. In this episode, Michael tries his hand at cutting marble Victorian style, uncovers 19th century Ireland's surprising industrial heritage and learns how the railways helped bring motorsport to the masses."

"Michael Portillo takes to the tracks once again using his Bradshaw's 'Handbook for Tourists in Great Britain and Ireland' from the Victorian era. Portillo is on a railway journey through the Republic of Ireland travelling from the rugged beauty of County Kerry, across the rural Irish Midlands to end in the city of Galway on the Atlantic coast. In this episode, Michael visits the Irish National Stud, discovers how harsh life was for the Irish poor and uncovers an astronomical feat of Victorian engineering."

"Michael Portillo takes to the tracks once again using his Bradshaw's 'Handbook for Tourists in Great Britain and Ireland' from the Victorian era. Portillo is on a railway journey through the Republic of Ireland travelling from the rugged beauty of County Kerry, across the rural Irish Midlands to end in the city of Galway on the Atlantic coast. In this episode, Michael is on the final leg of his Irish journey and discovers historic jewellery with royal connections in Galway, meets a people's king and finds his voice with a traditional Irish singing group."

"Michael begins a new journey from Manchester to Chesterfield and begins by finding out how the world's first industrialised city also gave birth to a revolutionary political movement. He also learns about the legacy of George Francis Train in Birkenhead."

"Michael begins his journey in the Lancashire resort of Southport, where the railways brought thousands of visitors to the popular seaside town. He then learns about Victorian entrepreneurship in Wigan and learns about the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution in Bolton."

"Michael celebrates celebrates the Victorian trade with the Preston Guild and then travels on to Rochdale where he learns about a pioneering movement that helped improve the lives of working families."

"Michael starts the latest leg of his journey from Manchester to Chesterfield at the home of the three Bronte sisters in Worth Valley, Yorkshire. He then travels on to Oakworth where he learns how the station and its heritage railway line secured a starring role in one of the most popular movies ever made."

"On the final leg of his journey Michael learns about the music of the mills and collieries of Victorian England and plays with the brass band at Honley. In Holmfirth, he learns about a nineteenth-century tragedy that struck the town and led to a tourist boom on the railways."

"Michael finds out about what happened to the once proud Euston Arch before braving the watery depths under Camden Town to learn how goods were transported by rail, road and canal. He then travels north to explore the Harrow of his childhood and remembers the shocking rail disaster of 1952."

"Michael is in Bletchley where he meets one of the Second World War's most secret agents, and learn about a poet in Olney whose words are still sung today. He ends up in Newport Pagnell, where he finds out about the ancient craft of vellum making."

"Michael makes his way to Northampton, the land of shoemakers, where shoes have been made for more than 130 years. In Rugby, he learns about the legacy of Dr Thomas Arnold. He ends journey in Nuneaton, birthplace of an author whose identity was once a guarded secret."

"Michael is in Leicester, where he follows the trail of 'the famous crook-backed King Richard III', who Bradshaw's informs him was buried at the Grey Priory. He learns about the hunt for the king's remains and how scientists managed to prove that the skeleton discovered under a car park was him."

"Michael learns more about a once-famous poet in Nottingham and in Mansfield he travels on a railway line resurrected by popular demand after falling victim to Beeching's cuts. After making his way to Worksop, he finds out about the burrowing activities of an eccentric Duke. He then travels on to Doncaster, where in the nineteenth century thousands worked to build trains and where in the twentieth century, rail workers helped to shape British political history."

"Michael starts the first leg of a journey from Southampton to Wolverhampton, beginning by being taught how to set the table on the liner Queen Elizabeth. In Netley he learns about the remains of an extensive military hospital built by order of Queen Victoria. He finishes this leg of his journey in Basingstoke, where he finds out out about a battle between residents and the Salvation Army."

"Michael is Winchfield, where he learns about the vast carriage which carried the Duke of Wellington's coffin to his state funeral at St Paul's Cathedral in 1852. He then makes his way towards Farnborough and the army camp at Aldershot, where he joins the regulars to be put through his paces under military instruction."

"Michael starts in in Wokinghamand learns how demand from a growing number of rail commuters fuelled the development of the modern printing press and discovers how to print on an iron press. He makes his way towards Newbury, where he learns about a Tudor captain of industry, who manufactured cloth in huge volumes."

"Michael travels from Chippenham, where at Lacock Abbey he finds out how the world's first photographic negative was made and learns how to make a print. He then makes his way to Bristol where he visits the Victorian Clifton Zoo. He then makes his way towards the Severn Tunnel Junction in Wales, where he learns more an extraordinary piece of Victorian engineering."

"Michael makes the journey from Southampton to Wolverhampton, stopping at the spa town of Cheltenham, where he learns about a very early locomotive carriage which ran not on rails but on the road. He then makes his way to the medieval town of Tewkesbury, scene of a shocking battle during the Wars of the Roses."

"Michael is in Norwich and pays a visit to a Norman castle where he learns about the Victorian public's gory fascination with crime and punishment and learns how campaigners such as Elizabeth Fry worked to improve conditions for prisoners. He then makes his way to Thetford and learns about how the Victorian appetite for rabbits and their fur led to special train services to London."

"Michael makes hos way from Ipswich to Chelmsford, beginning at an agricultural implements works with its own railway sidings. He then travels south-west into Essex where he dredges for oysters off Mersea Island before taking the train to Witham, where he finds out about a model farming establishment at Tiptree."

"Michael makes his way along the Essex bank of the Thames before crossing the river into Kent. He pays a visit to Barkingside, where Thomas Barnardo made it his life's work to transform the lives of destitute children. At Gravesend he learns how one of Queen Victoria's favourite army officers, General Gordon, left his mark on the town."

"Michael starts in Faversham and visits on the oldest surviving breweries, Shepherd Neame. He then moves on to Dover, and learns about one of the town's best kept secrets, the sunken fortress known as the Western Heights."

"Michael finds out about the history behind the Pavilion at Brighton and discovers that Queen Victoria was not an admirer of the Prince Regent's flamboyant taste. At Bramber, he learns visitors used to make their way to the town in huge numbers due to a Victorian museum of taxidermy. He then pays a visit to Arundel Castle and he's pleased to find that the Duke of Norfolk was a great supporter of the railways. He finally makes his way to Chichester and visits Goodwood."

"Michael travels through southern Scotland from west to east. After leaving Ayr, he admires the island of Ailsa Craig before getting to grips with the sport of curling. After he makes his way to Barassie, he rides the footplate of a freight train hauling coal on Scotland's oldest railway line.\n\nNew"

"Michael is in the industrial town of Greenock where he sails on the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world. In Glasgow, he learns about the devastating effects of the 2014 fire at the Glasgow School of Art. In Blantyre, he learns about the beginnings of Britain's most famous missionary and explorer."

"Michael learns more about Victorian iron and steel in Motherwell and admires the Forth Rail Bridge. He then takes a journey through some picturesque countryside to admire the raw power of nature at the magnificent and romantic Clyde Falls."

"Michael is in Stirling, where he pays a visit to the scene of the battle at Bannockburn. He then travels north to Crieff to experience the popular Hydro. In Perth, he finds out how to make a sporran."

"Michael pays a visit to the birthplace of golf at St Andrews before making his way to Dunfermline, where he learns about the poor beginnings of one of the world's wealthiest men. After arriving in Edinburgh, Michael pays a visit to the Edinburgh Fringe."

"Michael travels on London's first underground railway, the Metropolitan Line, from Amersham, where he finds out about the foundations for modern day suburbia."

"Michael is on aboard the construction locomotive for Crossrail as it travels under the Thames. He meet Mary, on whom the project depends. He also travels on London's first railway, and admires the brick viaduct on which it was built."

"Michael takes a ride on the high-speed line to Stratford to learn more about the legacy of the Olympic Park. He finds out how an Indian lawyer went on to change the world and explores an area of the city which has become home to a new wave of immigrants."

"Michael finds out more about London's theatreland and learns how 19th-century engineering made for spectacular theatricals. At Charing Cross, he finds out about the ambitious building programme which saw Trafalgar Square replace streets of slums and comes face to face with George Bradshaw."

"Michael takes a look around the Albertopolis and reaches dizzying heights inside a Victorian landmark. He meets some of Battersea's most famous residents and also finds out about the darker side of London's flower market in Bradshaw's day."

"Michael gives an old engine a make over in the railway hub of Derby, before making his way to Nottingham to find out about the Victorian origins of a well-known high-street chemist."

"Michael is in Boston, south Lincolnshire, where he learns about the connection between the town and its American namesake. At Southwell, Nottinghamshire, he learns about the origins of a local Victorian apple."

"Michael is in Hessle, on the north bank of the River Humber, where he finds out about the technology that made it possible to build the Humber bridge. In Kingston upon Hull, he meets local MP Alan Johnson, who tells him about William Wilberforce."

"Michael pays a visit to one of the last cast iron foundries in Middlesbrough and helps cast a carrot valve for a steam engine. He then makes his way to Darlington where he finds out how the city profited from its fast connections the rest of the country."

"Michael learns about the world\u2019s earliest swing bridge and learns how Newcastle's Victorian industrial heritage has a new cultural purpose."

"Michael is in Pembroke Dock, where Queen Victoria's royal yachts were built. He then makes his way to the market town of Naberth where he learns what caused rebels to dress up as women. The then spends the night at an inn in Carmarthen where Horatio Nelson once met Emma Hamilton."

"Michael takes a look around the ruinous gardens at Aberglasney House near Llandeilo before riding shotgun in the driver's cab on one of the most scenic routes in the country."

"Michael pays a visit to the Big Pit coal mine in Blaenavon, where he finds out how Victorians worked night and day to power the industrial revolution. He also finds out more about the Ascott Martyrs and has a go at hand ploughing on a farm."

"Michael visits the Bodleian research library in Oxford to see some Victorian treasures, After making his way to Bicester, he investigates two exciting new rail projects."

"Michael is in Oakham, where he finds out about a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. He then makes his way to Stamford, where he learns why the town is such an attractive location for period dramas. He also visits Christ\u2019s College at Cambridge University, where he finds out about the student days of Charles Darwin."

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