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BBC Four

Knowledge, arts, music and culture from the UK and the world.

BBC Four reflects arts, music and culture with an ambitious range of intellectually and culturally enriching programmes, taking an expert and in-depth approach to its subjects.

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Great British Railway Journeys

Documentaries

Factual: History

Factual: Travel

Documentary series in which Michael Portillo travels the country by train.

All aboard! Armed with his trusty Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo explores the UK the railways made. Uncover hidden gems and fascinating communities from across the nation.

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Great British Railway Journeys: Series 3

Michael Portillo

Jay Taylor

John Comerford

Great British Railway Journeys: Series 3: Episode 7: Reading to Alton

Reading to Alton

Episode 7

Episode 7: Reading to Alton

Series 3

BBC Two - Great British Railway Journeys, Series 3, Reading to Alton

Michael Portillo tries driving a steam train on the challenging Watercress Line.

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

Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with a copy of George Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guidebook. Portillo travels the length and breadth of the country to see how the railways changed us and what of Bradshaw's Britain remains. 

Following in the footsteps of Queen Victoria, Michael uses the railways she often rode from Windsor Castle to her country getaway on the Isle of Wight, from where his journey continues west to Portland. 

Michael tastes a Victorian superfood in Alton, explores the fascinating Whitchurch silk mill, untouched for over 150 years, and tries his hand at driving a steam train on the challenging Watercress Line.

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Series 2

Michael Portillo travels the country to see how the railways changed us

Documentary series in which Michael Portillo travels the length and breadth of the country to see how the railways changed us

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Great British Railway Journeys

Series 3

Episode 7: Reading to Alton

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