S4 E2 ∙ Birmingham to Stafford ∙
Michael Portillo learns how Birmingham became the world's pen-making capital and hears the chilling tale of a notorious 19th-century murderer.
All episodes for series 4 of Great British Railway Journeys
S4 E1 · High Wycombe to Stratford-upon-Avon
Michael Portillo embarks on another journey to learn more about the nation's railways.
S4 E2 · Birmingham to Stafford
Michael Portillo learns how Birmingham became the world's pen-making capital.
S4 E3 · Stoke-on-Trent to Winsford
Michael Portillo learns about the dark side of the Industrial Revolution.
S4 E4 · Dudley to Bridgnorth
Michael Portillo rides on one of Britain's most modern trains.
S4 E5 · Welshpool to Aberystwyth
Michael Portillo hears how the railways took Welsh textiles into exclusive households.
S4 E6 · Portsmouth to Gomshall
Michael Portillo helps feed the crew of Britain's newest battleship.
S4 E7 · Woking to Clapham Junction
Michael Portillo discovers a surprising 19th-century place of worship.
S4 E8 · London Victoria to Abbey Wood
Michael Portillo learns about the drinking habits of volunteer Victorian firefighters.
S4 E9 · London King's Cross to Peterborough
Michael Portillo discovers how a derelict part of London is being rejuvenated.
S4 E10 · Spalding to Grimsby
Michael Portillo learns how Lincolnshire farmers utilised railways to improve harvest.
S4 E11 · Stirling to Invergowrie
Michael Portillo learns about a Scottish hero and visits a Highland Games.
S4 E12 · Dundee to Aberdeen
Michael Portillo learns how Queen Victoria used to hide from her subjects.
S4 E13 · Dufftown to Aviemore
Michael Portillo learns how Victorian whisky trains were raided by robbers.
S4 E14 · Inverness to Plockton
Michael Portillo learns what a spa break in the Victorian era comprised.
S4 E15 · Invergordon to John O'Groats
Michael Portillo learns how one man's vision helped bring train travel to the Highlands.
S4 E16 · London Paddington to Warminster
Michael Portillo learns about a Victorian asylum and making malt the 19th-century way.
S4 E17 · Salisbury to Castle Cary
Michael Portillo visits a tourist spot that's captivated visitors since the Victorian era.
S4 E18 · Taunton to Minehead
Michael Portillo summons all his strength to move a 110-ton steam locomotive.
S4 E19 · Lynton & Lynmouth to Exeter
Michael Portillo visits a garden used as a viewing platform for public hangings.
S4 E20 · Exmouth to Newton Abbot
Michael Portillo goes out to sea with an RNLI lifeboat crew and visits a coastal railway.
S4 E21 · Killarney to Cobh
Michael Portillo embarks on the first leg of a journey through the Republic of Ireland.
S4 E22 · Charleville to Waterford
Michael Portillo finds out about the ancient art of making butter.
S4 E23 · Kilkenny to Athy
Michael Portillo uncovers 19th-century Ireland's surprising industrial heritage.
S4 E24 · Newbridge to Roscrea
Michael Portillo investigates an astronomical feat of Victorian engineering.
S4 E25 · Athlone to Galway
Michael Portillo meets up with a traditional Irish singing group.
