Original version

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.

BBC 4

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.

BBC Two England

England

Simulcast of network BBC Two in high definition.

BBC Two HD

BBC Two Scotland

BBC Two Northern Ireland

Until 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales (analogue) was known simply as BBC Two Wales. BBC Two Wales (digital) was BBC 2W. From 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales schedules on both analogue and digital became identical

BBC Two Wales

BBC Four HD

Michael Portillo

Alison Kreps

John Comerford

Boundless Productions

Alan Johnson

Great British Railway Journeys: Series 6: Episode 13: Hessle to York

Episode 13

Episode 13: Hessle to York

Series 6

Hessle to York

BBC Two - Great British Railway Journeys, Series 6, Hessle to York

Michael Portillo learns about the technology that made the Humber Bridge possible.

Michael Portillo continues his journey from the heart of the East Midlands to Northumberland's Holy Island. In Hessle, he learns about the Humber Bridge.

Steered by his Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo continues his journey from the heart of the East Midlands to Northumberland's Holy Island. 

He begins in Hessle, on the north bank of the River Humber, in the shadow of the magnificent Humber Bridge, where he learns about the technology that made it possible. In Kingston upon Hull, Michael meets his friend and sparring partner, local MP Alan Johnson, who tells him about another famous son of his city, William Wilberforce. 

In Scarborough, Michael's handbook directs him to the castle, where the founder of the Quaker movement was once imprisoned. His last stop of the day is York, where Michael learns what made the ancient capital a centre for the sweet-making industry.

Great British Railway Journeys: Series 6

BBC Two

Knowledge, drama, comedy and the arts for a broad adult audience.

BBC Two is a lively channel of depth and substance, carrying a range of knowledge-building programming complemented by great drama, comedy and arts.

Michael Portillo finds out how railways have impacted on the places they link.

Michael Portillo takes train journeys across Britiain, finding out how railways were used and the impact they have had on the places they link.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Great British Railway Journeys

Series 6

Episode 13: Hessle to York

Contributors

Genres

Brand

Series

BBC Four

About BBC Four