Great British Railway Journeys on SBS and SBS on Demand S16E1 and S16E2 – All aboard with Michael Portillo for a scenic railway journey through Britain’s history.
Michael Portillo embarks on a captivating new series of railway adventures across Britain, exploring its most beautiful and historic regions. From Epping Forest to the Lake District, he uncovers how nature and history have shaped life along the way.
Over 20 episodes, Portillo delves into the geology, culture, and railway history of each area, meeting local contributors who share their stories and challenges. This journey promises an eclectic mix of insights that reveal the distinctive character and landscapes of Britain.
Season Sixteen, Episode One: Paddock Wood to Frant (7:30pm)
Michael Portillo takes to the rails to explore one of Britain’s oldest surviving landscapes, the woods and pasture of The Weald in southeast England. Between the chalk hills of the North and South Downs little more than an hour’s rail journey from London, he finds the pretty 12th century church of St Peter and St Paul in Wadhurst, where more than 30 iron memorial slabs bear witness to The Weald as once the country’s leading producer of iron.
Season Sixteen, Episode Two: Hildenborough to Robertsbridge (8.00pm)
Michael Portillo’s rail exploration of the historic wooded region of southeast England known as The Weald continues from Tonbridge at the heart of the area’s rail network. Touring hazelnut orchards near Hildenborough, Michael learns about the Kentish cobnut and lends a hand to crack and roast the crop.
On the edge of the High Weald, at All Saints Church, Tudeley, he is moved to hear the tragic story behind its magnificent stained-glass windows, designed by the world-famous Belarusian-Jewish artist, Marc Chagall.
Great British Railway Journeys on SBS and SBS on Demand – New Episodes / Tuesday 16 September at 7.30pm (20 Parts)
TV Centra SBS content HERE
Great British Railway Journeys on SBS and SBS on Demand S16E1 and S16E2
