Great British Railway Journeys

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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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Michael Portillo

Alison Kreps

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George Boyle

John Comerford

Great British Railway Journeys: Series 11: Bodmin to Totnes

Bodmin to Totnes

Series 11

BBC Two - Great British Railway Journeys, Series 11, Bodmin to Totnes

Michael Portillo hears how Daphne du Maurier captivated readers between the wars.

Out on the rugged moor, Michael Portillo hears how the celebrated author Daphne du Maurier captivated readers between the wars with her tales of smuggling at the Jamaica Inn.

Clutching his 1930s Bradshaw’s Guide, Michael Portillo reaches Bodmin en route to Totnes as he explores the West Country from St Ives to Salisbury Plain. 

Out on the rugged moor, Michael hears how the celebrated author Daphne du Maurier captivated readers between the wars with her tales of smuggling at the Jamaica Inn.
  
In Devon, Michael takes the plunge at Plymouth’s beautiful art deco Tinside Lido. At Ivybridge, he boards a vehicle like no other to cross the causeway to Burgh Island, where a 1930s playboy built a splendid art deco party palace.  

One stop further on the line, Michael arrives in Totnes, at the medieval Dartington Hall, which at the time of his guidebook became a haven for artists seeking refuge from the dictatorships of Europe. Michael discovers the wealthy couple who owned the estate drew many musicians and controversial choreographers to it. The spirit of modern dance is hard to resist.

Great British Railway Journeys: Series 11

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Michael Portillo travels the length and breadth of the country by train.

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Great British Railway Journeys

Series 11

Bodmin to Totnes

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