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

Boundless West

George Boyle

John Comerford

Great British Railway Journeys: Series 11: Truro to St Mawgan

Truro to St Mawgan

Series 11

BBC Two - Great British Railway Journeys, Series 11, Truro to St Mawgan

In the countryside surrounding Truro, Michael finds the historic estate of Trewithen.

In the countryside surrounding Truro, Michael finds the historic estate of Trewithen, whose gardens were stocked from China by professional plant hunters commissioned by its owner.

Michael Portillo is in Cornwall’s county town, Truro, with his 1930s Bradshaw’s Guide. In the surrounding countryside, he finds the historic estate of Trewithen, whose gardens were stocked from China by professional plant hunters commissioned by its owner.

The Atlantic Coast branch line carries Michael north to Newquay, where he discovers a pioneering surfer and braves the waves on a belly board.

In the nearby village of St Mawgan, Michael is introduced to the ancient Cornish sport of 'wrassling', which surged in popularity between the wars as part of a Cornish Celtic revival. Champion wrestler Johnny Platt is standing by to take Michael on.

At Newquay Airport, he hears about the beginnings of passenger air travel to Cornwall as tourism took off during the 1920s and 30s and finds that future flight could be even faster – in space.

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

Truro to St Mawgan

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