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Margaret’s Travel Treats: 10 of the Best Travel Documentaries to Feed a Curious Mind

by Carolyn Ray | Jul 7, 2021

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Last updated on August 7th, 2022

(Lead Image Photo Credit: B@rmaley via Shutterstock)

Travel documentaries on walking, trains, gardens and more to ease your border blues

Curated by Carolyn Ray, JourneyWoman Publisher

and In June, we hosted our first Community Call with Australia and New Zealand (and happily, women from North America, London and other parts of the world attended too!) We talked about many topics, and spent a few minutes discussing films and documentaries. After our call, Margaret Byrne, a long-time JourneyWoman in Australia, sent me a beautiful spreadsheet with almost 80 films listed and asked that we share it with you.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been binging on as many of these as I can – clearly there is a market for British celebrities to host travel shows! 

Although some countries’ borders are open to travellers, many are not, including Australia, New Zealand and Canada. This list of Margaret’s top picks is for you – the women with the border blues!  (If you haven’t met Margaret yet, she’s also one of our Facebook Group moderators!)

Note that while many of these are on paid video streaming services such as Amazon, Netflix, Apple TV, BBC you can also find them on YouTube.

All video credits:BBC, YouTube, ITV

JourneyWoman Margaret Byrne in Australia 

1. Joanna Lumley’s Travels 

Joanna Lumley is probably best known for her role in the BBC’s Absolutely Fabulous series. Today, however, you can find the British actress travelling the world. (And at age 75, she’s showing us how it’s done!) 

I watched her trek to the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights (2008) – ‘the true wonder of the world,’ as she puts it.  

Other shows include Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean,  Joanna Lumley:The Search for Noah’s Ark, Joanna Lumley’s Nile and Joanna Lumley’s Greek Odyssey.  The most recent is Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a four-part travelogue covering eight countries  from 2018.

All are available on Netflix and other platforms, although there may be an additional charge.

2. Micheal Palin’s Travels  

We know English actor Sir Michael Edward Palin best for his role in Monty Python or a Fish Called Wanda, but since 1980 he has been making travel documentaries. His new career as a travel writer for the BBC has taken him to the North and South Poles, the Sahara, the Himalayas, Brazil,  Eastern Europe and most recently North Korea in 2018.

Some of his documentaries include: Around the World in 80 Days, Full Circle, Himalaya with Michael Palin, Sahara with Michael Palin,  Michael Palin’s New Europe and Brazil with Michael Palin.

I enjoyed Pole to Pole , which documented a 245-day, 50,000-mile trip taken by Palin and a film crew around the rim of the Pacific Ocean in 1995 and 1996, beginning on the Diomede Islands between Alaska and Russia.  Wait until you get to the part with the swarm of black flies!

Read more about him on his website here . 

3. Julia Bradbury: Walking 

Julia Bradbury is a television presenter and outdoor walking enthusiast who has dedicated her career to sharing beautiful walks from all over the world. 

I particularly like her walks, as she discusses the importance of walking and how it can help to relieve stress and anxiety. Even 20 minutes is enough to lower stress levels! 

Read more on Julia’s website here . 

4. Michael Portilio: Railway Journeys

Next on my list of documentaries to watch is Michael Portillo’s railway journeys on the great train routes of Europe, as he retraces the journeys featured in George Bradshaw’s 1913 Continental Railway Guide. Portillo is called “a weirdly compelling host” by the Guardian ‘s Stuart Heritage, who says “Portillo got this job because undiluted joy for railways radiates from his very being.” So there. That is a beautiful thing, is it not? 

The series includes Great Australian Railway Journeys, Great American Railroad Journeys, Great British Railway Journeys, Great Continental Railway Journeys, Great Canadian Railway Journeys and Great Asian Railway Journeys. Most appear to be available on Apple TV.

For more on the series visit BBC’s website.

5. Monty Don’s Gardens 

Monty Don is the UK’s leading garden writer and broadcaster. He has been making TV programs for over 20 years on a range of topics, including gardening. He has been lead presenter of the BBC’s Gardener’s World since 2003 and since 2011 the program has come from his own garden, Longmeadow, in Herefordshire.

His documentaries chronicle his visits to the world’s gardens in Japan, France, Italy and my favourite – Paradise Gardens, which took me back to Spain and Morocco. I wish I had understood the importance of gardens before visiting! (The photo shows the fountain in the gardens of the Generalife Palace, La Alhambra, Granada). 

More here: Monty Don Website and for upcoming virtual events check here .

6. Ewan McGregor + Charley Boorman: Long Way 

Having just watched Halston on Netflix, I was interested to see the ‘real’ Ewan McGregor and he didn’t disappoint. After the first episode of Long Way Up (on Apple TV) , I was hooked. Maybe it’s the eco-friendly approach to travel, or the electric Harleys – but travelling from Ushuaia to the US is also my dream travel experience. (I just want to do it in the opposite direction). This is less of a travelogue and more about the challenges of travelling with electric vehicles, but still entertaining nonetheless.

In addition to narrating nature documentaries, other series in his travels with his friend Charley includes:

Long Way Round  ( LWR ), which documents the 19,000-mile (31,000 km) journey from London to New York City on motorcycles in 2004-2005.

Long Way Down  documents a 2007 motorcycle journey from Scotland through 18 countries in Europe and Africa to Cape Town in South Africa. 

To learn more visit Apple TV.  

7. Sir Tony Robinson: Ancient Tracks  

In Britain’s Ancient Tracks with Tony Robinson, Tony walks along Britain’s oldest roads to find the truth behind the megaliths, burial sites, ley lines and hidden caves along their path, and connect the clues they have left hidden in the British landscape.

There are seven episodes, which were aired in 2016-2017. These are great b because they’re all about walking, hiking and being outdoors. 

You can watch them on YouTube here . 

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8. Bill Nighy: Railway Journeys

Actor Bill Nighy may be best known as rocker Billy Mack in Love Actually (one of my favourite films ever!) or as Davy Jones in Pirates of the Caribbean — but he has found a new role as documentary host on The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. 

This series follows trains through some of the most scenic landscapes in the world. If you love railways and train travel, you’ll soon be yearning to go on one of these scenic railway journeys. 

Episodes feature Norway, Bavaria, Canada, New Zealand, Austria and Taiwan is upcoming.

Learn more here .

9. Susan Calman: Scotland

Comedian Susan Calman uncovers some untold tales behind Scotland’s most historic locations and share the in-depth history, characters and treasures hidden in these stunning spots. Watch a preview of Secret Scotland. Susan Calman starts her journey around Edinburgh and Scotland’s stunning East Coast.

 You can watch the preview and additional episodes here .

10. Simon Reeve 

Simon Reeve is a bestselling author and presenter of the acclaimed BBC TV travel series Tropic of Capricorn, Equator, Places That Don’t Exist and Meet the Stans. In the 2008 BBC TV series Tropic of Capricorn Simon traveled around the line marking the southern border of the tropics. His accompanying book, also called Tropic of Capricorn, is published by BBC Books. In the BBC series Equator, Simon headed east around the planet, passing through troubled areas of Africa, Asia and Latin America. In Places That Don’t Exist, Simon traveled through a group of unrecognized nations – countries so obscure they don’t officially exist. And in Meet the Stans, Simon visited the Central Asian states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Simon’s books include: Tropic of Capricorn: circling the world on a southern adventure The New Jackals: Ramzi Yousef, Osama bin Laden and the Future of Terrorism’ – a New York Times bestseller published in 1998 One Day in September: the story of the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre and Israeli revenge operation ‘Wrath of God’, which accompanied an Oscar-winning documentary movie of the same name. Simon has received a One World Broadcasting Trust award for an ‘outstanding contribution to greater world understanding’.

Others on Margaret’s list:

• Anthony Bourdain, No Reservations and Parts Unknown 
• Billy Connolly: Made in Scotland, Journey to the Edge of the World, World Tour of Australia, Route 66, Tour of England 
• Britain’s Great Cathedrals 
• Home or Away
• Escape to the Country 
• The Story of India 
• The Man in Seat Sicty-One
• Flavours of Poland 
• Penelope Keith’s Village of the Year 
• An Idiot Abroad 
• Australia with Julie Bradbuy 
• Stephen Fry in America 
• Ken Burns: The National Parks 
• Francesco’s Italy Top to Top 
• Globe Trekker
• Travels with My Father (Carolyn’s addition!) 

We also have a list of movies to inspire travel. Click here to read the article! 

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Carolyn Ray

As the CEO and Editor of JourneyWoman, Carolyn is a passionate advocate for women's travel and living the life of your dreams. She leads JourneyWoman's team of writers and chairs the JourneyWoman Women's Advisory Council and Women's Speaker's Bureau. She has been featured in the New York Times, Toronto Star and Zoomer as a solo travel expert, and speaks at women's travel conferences around the world. In March 2023, she was named one of the most influential women in travel by TravelPulse and was the recipient of a SATW travel writing award in September 2023. She is the chair of the Canadian chapter of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), a member Women's Travel Leaders and a Herald for the Transformational Travel Council (TTC). Sometimes she sleeps. A bit.

I LOVED this page on travel documentaries. Thank you!

I would add to this list Brook Silva Braga’s “A Map for Saturday.”

So happy to see The Long Way series included. The two of them take you to non touristy spots. Long Way up is traversed with electrical Harleys. No small feat. You will find out what is the most dangerous country for the two of them.

The Netflix series, Extreme Engagement also takes you off the beaten path to eight countries. It is a reality show with a different bend. No short changes on the scenery shots. Lots of laughs.

I’m familiar with quite a number of the recommended resources but lots more to seek out, so thank you, my travel appetite is reawakening after the Covid hiatus. I’ve been travelling within Australia during the past few months as even that was curtailed due to state border closures. But some overseas adventures await!

We always strive to use real photos from our own adventures, provided by the guest writer or from our personal travels. However, in some cases, due to photo quality, we must use stock photography. If you have any questions about the photography please let us know. Disclaimer: We are so happy that you are checking out this page right now! We only recommend things that are suggested by our community, or through our own experience, that we believe will be helpful and practical for you. Some of our pages contain links, which means we’re part of an affiliate program for the product being mentioned. Should you decide to purchase a product using a link from on our site, JourneyWoman may earn a small commission from the retailer, which helps us maintain our beautiful website. JourneyWoman is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you! We want to hear what you think about this article, and we welcome any updates or changes to improve it. You can comment below, or send an email to us at [email protected] .

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Kirtey Verma | 27 March 2020

14 of the best travel tv shows to watch on demand.

Epic landscapes, interesting characters and cool cultures – we transport you to the best places in the world right from the comfort of your sofa, with these top travel shows on Netflix, iPlayer and others…

While you may be hitting pause on your adventures, you can still be transported somewhere wild – using your TV remote as your passport to exotic climes, instead.

Chances are you’ve seen everything travel legends David Attenborough and Simon Reeve have done, but if you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip, sweeping landscapes and interesting characters to meet, take a look at our round-up of th e best travel documentaries available to stream right now…

Best of all, you can start this journey on the couch.

Here are the best travel TV shows to watch on Netflix or on demand now...

1. the americas with simon reeve (2019).

What you’ll watch: It topped the list for best TV show at our 2020 Reader Travel Awards, but if you haven’t yet seen  The Americas with Simon Reeve , put it straight on top of your must-watch list.

And when you’ve binged on his journeys hiking through the Rocky Mountains, hanging out with the US Border Patrol in Texas and discovering a tropical paradise in Costa Rica, you can turn to his other documentaries: the Caribbean, Australia, the Mediterranean, and Indian Ocean.

If there’s anywhere this man hasn’t been or seen, we challenge you to find it.

Where to watch it: The Americas with Simon Reeve is available to watch in full on BBC iPlayer . Plus see Simon accept his Wanderlust award !

2. Race Across The World (2020)

What you'll watch:  Limited cash, no smartphones and forget about internet access – basically all the ingredients for an epic off-the-grid adventure.

In the latest series of the BBC's  Race Across The World , you can follow five teams as they race the length of Latin America, starting in Mexico City and ending in Ushuaia in Argentina, the most southerly city in the world.

Married couples and familial bonds are put to the test, as they weave friendships in the most unexpected of places on their way to the finish line. And if you can't wait until next week's episode, you can binge on series one as well. What's better than that?

Where to watch it: Catch up on series two of Race Across The World on BBC iPlayer . And read our filming locations guide .

3. Joanna Lumley's Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti (2020)

Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti is on ITV Player now (ITV)

What you'll watch: She's one of our favourite tour guides, taking us everywhere from India to the mighty Silk Road  – it is, of course, the absolutely fabulous Joanna Lumley.

Let her lead you into a lesser-seen side of the Caribbean in her new two-part documentary, Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti, which begins in a boxing gym in the lively Cuban capital.

Keep watching as she wanders the streets of Havana, discovers  Hemingway’s favourite beach and explores Fidel Castro’s hometown, before  making her way over the Windward Passage to end her adventure with trips to ancient mountain fortresses and a mystical voodoo ceremony in Haiti.

Where to watch it: Catch up on  Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti  on ITV Player   now. 

4. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat (2018)

What to watch:   If delicious food is at the very top of your reasons-to-travel list,  Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat  is the Netflix show to tune into.

Culinary capers abound as loveable chef  Samin Nosrat takes us to Italy, Japan, Mexico and California to show us how the title elements are key to the cuisine of each country.

Where to watch it: See   Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat  on Netflix now. 

5. Ugly Delicious (2020)

What to watch: H ungry for more? Try Netflix's  Ugly Delicious  – there are two series to devour, as chef David Chang takes us to culinary hotspots across the world, showing us why good cooking is universal.

He meets everyone from pizza purists in Brooklyn and Naples to trying Viet-Cajun fusion cuisine in Houston. 

Where to watch it: Catch the new series of  Ugly Delicious  on Netflix . 

6. Night on Earth (2020)

What to watch:  Even when you're travelling, you don't get to see some of the most incredible sights - because some of them happen under the very cover of darkness.

In Netflix's Night on Earth , you can see this world open up before you, witnessing the secret lives of lions, bats and monkeys. Eerie and visually compelling stuff.

Where to watch it:  Night on Earth is on Netflix now. 

7. James May: Our Man In Japan (2020)

What you'll watch:  We know you loved Japan with Sue Perkins , but now that's it not available on iPlayer… how about racing through the island country with James May, instead?

Starting on the chilly northern island of Hokkaido, James embarks on a journey south to the balmy beaches of Shikoku and Kyushu, while meeting samurai in Honshu, sampling street food in Osaka and, of course, tackling the Suzuka Circuit on his way. 

Where to watch it:  Watch  James May: Our Man in Japan  on Amazon Prime now. 

8. Travel Man: 48 Hours in… (2019)

What you'll watch:  Richard Ayoade's droll two-day jaunts through cities across the world has provided us all with laughs since 2015.

While 2019's series was his last as lead presenter, we can still look forward to more Travel Man in the future as Hugo Boss – aka the the comedian formerly known as Joe Lycett – takes over the role.

If you haven't seen 48 Hours in… Amsterdam , it's the perfect episode to get a feel for Hugo's personality and learn more about the city's culture, cuisine and canals. 

Where to watch it: Find the past ten series of Travel Man: 48 Hours in… on All 4 .

9. Great Railway Journeys with Michael Portillo (2019)

What you'll watch:  Thousands of British commuters have  plenty to say about UK train travel, but in the hands of Michael Portillo, the divisive subject matter seems to take on a golden glow of nostalgia.

You know best, after all – you voted for the BBC's  Great Railway Journeys  as one of your top TV programmes in the last year.

Delving into the history of British rail, Michael reveals things we never knew about our local stations, including how an unlikely collaboration between London’s Crossrail railway project and a conservation charity is helping to protect birdlife in Series 11's Limehouse to Rochford episode. 

Where to watch it:  Look out for your local station on  Great British Railway Journeys   on iPlayer. 

10. Around the World in 80 Days (1989)

What to watch:  It's an oldie, but definitely a goodie – what could be better than staying in and getting a glimpse of how the world used to be with TV icon Michael Palin?

In Around the World in 80 Days , Michael follows in the footsteps of its main character Phileas Fogg, setting off on an epic adventure from London's Reform Club across the world.

Close shaves, missed connections and inevitable delays await as he desperately attempts to meet the 80-day deadline in time. A delicious throwback to a simpler time. 

Where to watch it:  Watch  Around the World in 80 Days on iPlayer . 

11. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013)

What to watch:  The late Anthony Bourdain's Emmy-winning travel series is a must-watch for any traveller whose adventures are driven by a passion for excellent food.

Parts Unknown sees the world-renowned chef and documentarian delve into cuisines, cultures and politics in countries across the globe. Essentially, he eats his way around the world. 

With 12 seasons covering countless destinations (Vietnam and New York said to be two of his favourites), the later seasons take viewers on an off-the-beaten-track culinary journey through Armenia, Uruguay, Myanmar and beyond. 

Where to watch it: You can stream the series on Amazon Prime now.

12. Dark Tourist (2018)

What to watch: If you've watched the majority of travel TV already, here's one that may have slipped by you.

TV presenter David Farrier deep dives into so-called 'dark tourism': worldwide interest in visiting sites of nuclear disasters, destinations marred by danger or even death. If you've been to Chernobyl and Pripyat in Ukraine, you'll understand the fascination.

You can expect to see a trip to Turkmenistan, a visit to Pablo Escobar's former playground, Medellin in Colombia, as well as an excursion to Tomioka in Japan, the ghost town left behind after residents were evacuated following the Fukushima nuclear disaster. 

Where to watch it: You can stream one season of  Dark Tourist now on Netflix .

And… anything narrated by Sir David Attenborough

13. our planet (2019).

14. Seven Worlds, One Planet (2019)

What you'll watch: Of course, no list of travel documentaries is complete without an appearance from the legend that is Sir David Attenborough.

Most of his back catalogue is listed on Netflix, including the original  Our Planet and the BBC's iconic   Planet Earth  and  Frozen Planet.  

You can also listen to Sir David's dulcet tones on BBC iPlayer - as he takes us through  Seven Worlds, One Planet , introducing us to some of the globe's most hostile habitats and remote landscapes, while narrating the fascinating behaviour of the local creatures, such as golden snub-nosed monkeys and grey-headed albatross chicks . 

Where to watch it: Find  Our Planet   along with most of Sir David's past shows on Netflix or catch up on  Seven Worlds, One Planet on iPlayer now. 

Simon Reeve on filming BBC's   The Americas

12 epic nature and wildlife documentaries you can watch now, behind the scenes of  our planet with alastair fothergill, related articles, looking for inspiration.

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The Best Travel Documentaries and TV Shows to Watch Now

Changing travel restrictions may make organising a holiday difficult now, so if you’re missing travelling abroad then you can watch the best travel documentaries and adventure and nature TV shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer and Disney+. Still in need of some travel inspiration? Take a look at our favourite travel movies and boat films for a journey from your sofa.

The Best Netflix Travel Documentaries and Shows

Down to Earth with Zac Efron

Join movie star Zac Efron on his travels from Iceland’s Blue Lagoon to the Amazon rainforest as he investigates how different countries practice sustainable living.

Watch the latest David Attenborough-narrated documentary to get a glimpse of this planet’s most amazing natural phenomena. Each episode focuses on the wildflife of a different geological region of the earth, from frozen mountain tops and arid desserts to life below the surface of the sea.

Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father

Beginning with Jack’s Gap Year travels around Asia in season one, Travels with my Father is now in its third season, which follows the comedic pair of Jack and Michael Whitehall as they journey across the US.

Somebody Feed Phil

Foodies in need of some home-cooking inspiration should watch Phil Rosenthal as he samples the cuisine of Marrakesh, Seoul, Chicago and London.

The Best Amazon Prime Travel Documentaries and Shows

Maiden documents the voyage of skipper Tracy Edwards and her all-female crew as they participate in the 1989–1990 Whitbread Round the World Race on board 18 metre racing yacht Maiden .

Joanna Lumley: Jewel in the Nile

British national treasure Joanna Lumley takes a river cruise along the entire length of the Nile, from sea to source. Following the upstream route of the earliest adventurers she visits the people and places that are connected to the world’s longest river.

Richard Ayoade: Travel Man

Spending just 48 hours in each destination, British Comedian Richard Ayoade is joined by celebrity guests as he travels the world, visiting cities across the US, Europe and the Middle East.

The Best Disney+ Travel Documentaries and Shows

Gordon Ramsay Uncharted

Famously unfiltered chef Gordon Ramsay travels to the remote corners of the earth to sample the cuisine and culture of off-the-grid destinations.

Into the Grand Canyon

The awe-inspiring Grand Canyon spans more than 750 miles, but a pair of journalists decide to voyage through the entire national park on foot to raise awareness of the issues that threaten its very existence.

Titanic: 20 years later

Two decades after the release of his blockbuster film, Titanic director David Cameron travels back to the site of the sunken ship to delve deeper into its history.

The Best BBC iPlayer Travel Documentaries and Shows

Japan with Sue Perkins

Intruiged by Japenese culture? So is Sue Perkins. Join the British TV presenter as she learns about sumo wrestling, Geisha entertainment and more.

Around the World in Eighty Days

Inspired by Phileas Fogg travels in Jules Verne’s novel , Actor Michael Palin circumnavigates the globe, starting at the Refrom Club in London and ending in Venice.

Rick Stein’s Far Eastern Odyssey

Put aside your cook books and get some culinary inspiration from chef Rick Stein as he jouneys across Asia, sampling delicacies from countries including Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia.

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In search of wilderness with adventurer Simon Reeve

The adventurer and TV presenter on the beauty of the planet, what pushes him out of his comfort zone and filming his latest series.

In your latest series, you’re journeying to the planet’s wildernesses   — the Congo Rainforest, Patagonia, the Pacific Ocean’s Coral Triangle and the Kalahari. Why focus on these areas now?

We have to know what’s going on in these destinations, because then we can start to understand and respect them and hopefully love them, too. I think this is just about the most important series I’ve ever made as we’re highlighting areas people know next to nothing about, but we’re fundamentally connected to them as they govern and help shape the weather systems that affect us all. Unless we know about these areas and care for them, we will ultimately lose them. For example, we’re not shying away from deforestation around the edge of the Congo Rainforest. I’m still a believer in the power of responsible, careful, sustainable travel in places like this, too. They need visitors to put some money into the local economy to protect and preserve the local nature.

What’s wilderness to you?

There’s nowhere that’s untouched by humanity. There’s plastic at the bottom of the ocean and at the top of our highest mountain, but I think it’s about the places where the human impact is low and where nature still makes the rules.

What did you learn from being out in the wild?

Probably, that there’s still a wild planet out there. It’s enormous and beautiful, and it’s life-affirming to be a part of it. When we were filming the Patagonia episode, we were up high spending a night on an ice field. At about four in the morning, I had to find a quieter spot away from the camp — so there I am at a ridge with my little portable potty and toilet roll, and I’m confronted by this incredible sight of dark mountains in front of me, illuminated by moonlight, wind howling. I was transfixed by this night-time view of the mountains and the utter rawness of this wild moment.

Do you have a standout moment from your travels?

Yes! I was crawling on the ground with two San [Indigenous hunter-gatherers in southern Africa] trackers in the heart of the Kalahari in 2008, while filming the series Tropic of Capricorn . I only had my GoPro and a small can of pepper spray to ward off any lions, should they fancy a nibble. We were trying to get up close to a herd of wildebeests and it felt as primal as anything I’ve ever done. It still sends a proper shiver down my spine thinking about that moment.

Your series tend to have people at the centre of them. What motivates you to tell the human stories in relation to nature and places?

I think it’s become my little niche, perhaps. I’ve been privileged to meet people with interesting stories to tell and we’ve had genuine interactions with people who love to share their stories. There’s always going to be a story out there because of incredible humans who do extraordinary things. When I’m eventually told to hang up the passport, it’s those interactions with people that I’ll remember the most.

Who’s left the most lasting impression on you?

The people of Bangladesh. It’s very poor, it’s packed, they get hammered by the natural world — flooding from the sea, flooding from the rivers. And yet there’s a certain charisma and feistiness about people there, and a warmth as well, which I absolutely love.

What gives you hope for the future of the planet?

There’s still a magnificent planet out there — we’ve not lost it, nor destroyed all of the nature yet. There’s still a planet worth learning about, caring for and fighting for. Living on this tiny island off the coast of Europe, we don’t realise the true scale of the world, how enormous some areas are and how many treasures they hold. And there are people such as Adams Cassinga [a wildlife activist who appears in the first episode of Wilderness with Simon Reeve ]. He risks his life every day, running this undercover organisation to take down illegal poachers and smuggling gangs in the Congo. People like him, local conservationists, give me hope.

What does it take to push you out of your comfort zone?

I don’t like seeing children or elderly people suffering. I find that very difficult, where I feel impotent in a situation. One of my first TV journeys was in a former Soviet republic and an elderly woman came up begging at the table and she was the spitting image of my beloved grandma who had just died a few years earlier. I did the pathetic little I could and gave her the money I had but I was quite traumatised by that. It was utterly awful. I’ve had situations in areas of starvation where mothers tried to give me their babies. When you’ve had experiences like that, it gives you focus when you’re battling mosquitos or the cold. It develops a state of mind where you feel you’re just lucky to be there and thankful to be experiencing it.

Do you have any plans for your next adventure? Where would you like to go?

No plans, no expedition, no journey looming in the distance. The planet is constantly changing, growing, shaping and developing — and capturing that’s been the greatest honour of my little existence. I would love to go to Japan, travel in west Africa, travel more in Brazil, in Indonesia, the Philippines — it’s a wonderful planet and I haven’t scratched the surface yet.

Wilderness with Simon Reeve is on BBC Two and   iPlayer   now.

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The 45+ Best TV Travel Series

The very best travel documentary shows on television, ranked from best to worst. This list of the greatest travel documentary shows also includes pictures from the shows when available. Popular travel documentary TV shows have been a staple of television for years, so there's often debate about what the most entertaining travel documentary show of all time is. Don't let your favorite travel documentary television programs in history get to the bottom of the list- be sure to vote them up so they have the chance to reach the top spot. The list of travel documentary television shows below includes information like the program's cast, creator and premiere date when available.

The list you're viewing is made up of a variety of different shows, including An Idiot Abroad and Fishing with John.

This list answers the questions, "What is the best travel documentary show of all time?" and "What are the greatest travel documentary shows?" And if you love these shows, be sure to check out these travelers tv series .

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These shows will help expand your knowledge of the world. TV doesn't just rot you brain, it can teach you useful travel tips, life lessons, and better ways to live!

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AT HOME , STAYCATION · May 6, 2020 Last Updated on March 12, 2024

12 OF THE BEST TRAVEL DOCUMENTARIES

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Wondering how you can travel from home without stepping outside your front door? Then look no further than this list of the best travel documentaries and TV shows that will whisk you from your armchair to another country!

1) The Long Way Round

Two men taking motorcycles from London on a journey east all the way around the world might not sound that appealing but trust me, this is one of the best travel series I have ever seen!

Long time friends Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman spend several months planning this epic journey around the world. The Long Way Round journey begins in London and ends in New York – the longest route around the world – and takes you through Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia right round to Alaska and more. 

A film crew follows them but is always around a day behind and generally only meets them at border crossings, so you see the real good, bad and ugly of travel by motorbike through some harsh but beautiful landscapes.

2) The Long Way Down

Not satisfied with their journey around the world, Ewan and Charlie return for another motorcycle adventure taking the Long Way Down , starting from the tip of Scotland John O’Groats to the southernmost point in Africa, Cape Agulhas. 

The 15,000-mile bike adventure is an even harder challenge than the previous with extreme temperatures and harsh climate to deal with. But as with the Long Way Round, McGregor and Boorman are hilarious and honest making this series an absolute must watch!

3) The Kindness Diaries

In this series, we follow Leon Logothetis as he travels the world on the kindness of strangers. In the first series, Leon travels from LA through the US, Europe and Asia – hitting countries including Italy, Croatia, Greece , Turkey , India , Cambodia , Thailand and Vietnam , travelling by vintage motorbike with no money in his pockets. Leon relies on the kindness of strangers to give him food and a place to stay each night. 

The Kindness Diaries Series 2 repeats the same idea, but instead Leon travels from Alaska, through the US down into South America in a vintage VW Beetle. 

This show demonstrates the kind hearts of strangers as Leon meets hundreds of people who help him and have also dedicated their lives to helping others. 

4) Street Food

Available on Netflix, this 9 part documentary takes you to a different street market in Asia in each 30-minute episode. If you like to travel for food, then this series is for you! 

Discover the delicacies on offer in Bangkok, Osaka, Delhi, Yogyakarta, Chiayi, Seoul , Ho Chi Minh City , Singapore and Cebu. Each episode comes with a story of the people who make the food, including a Bangkok chef who has a Michelin-star after spending decades making crab omelets and the obsession with chicken rice of the hawkers of Singapore. 

5) Anything By David Attenborough

But seriously, any documentary by David Attenborough is worth watching and he has created several that are country and destination-specific, including ones in The Galapagos , Africa  and Tasmania.

I personally loved watching Galapagos before my trip to the islands to get to learn about the history and emergence of these islands off the coast of Ecuador. 

Once you have made your way through the destination-specific documentaries you can watch Attenborough’s more general documentaries, including Big Pacific , Seven Worlds One Planet , and Wild North .

6) Around The Next Bend

This 12 part documentary follows two young adventurers as they go on a 2,500 km rafting expedition along the famous Ganges river in India. 

Around The Next Bend shows you the colourful, beautiful and often challenging side of India. The two expeditions raft past the Taj Mahal, through Varanasi, through Nepal and into Bangladesh. 

7) March of The Penguins 

Who doesn’t want to spend an hour or two watching penguins making their way through Antarctica to the dulcet tones of narrator Morgan Freeman? 

March of the Penguins is a classic docu-movie set in Antarctica , following the emperor penguins as they go on a quest to find the perfect mate and to start a family.  

8) Figure It Out: On The Hayduke Trail 

This series documents a thru-hike on one of America’s most challenging routes, The Hayduke Trail . The journey is 800 miles through Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. 

If you enjoy hiking or magnificent scenery then you will love following this trail as each episode takes you to a new part of the route, covering places such as Arches National Park, Moab, Escalante, The Wave, the Grand Canyon, Zion and Colorado City. 

The documentary also explores how we can use the lessons that are learned whilst out in the wilderness to improve our day to day lives. 

9) Salt Of The Earth

Salt Of The Earth is an Oscar-nominated 2014 documentary about the life and work of Brazilian photo-journalist Sebastião Salgado. Salgado spent 40 years documenting groups of people in remote corners of South America, Africa and Central Europe. 

The documentary sees Salgado talk about the stories behind the photographs and whilst sometimes difficult to watch it is a fascinating look into some areas of the world we may not ever explore ourselves. 

10) Free Solo

Free Solo is the story of solo climber Alex Hannold climbing 3,200 ft El Capitan in Yosemite National Park with no ropes. Winner of the 2019 Academy Award for Best Documentary, this is a heart pounding story of one man’s obsession to do what has never been done before.

The documentary will keep you on the edge of your seat, with amazing footage and heart stopping moments as you watch Alex’s attempt to climb El Capitan completely solo, sans ropes and all.

11) Expedition Happiness

Follow the journey of Felix Starck and his girlfriend Mogli as they adventure through North America in a refurbished school bus.

Starck is famous for the documentary Pedal The World, where he goes on an 18,000-kilometer journey by bicycle through 22 countries. Arguably Pedal The World is the better of the two documentaries, with Expedition Happiness a nice idea and an easy watch, but a little light on culture or interesting activities. 

12) Anthony Bourdain: A Cooks Tour

In this series, famous food writer and presenter Anthony Bourdain travels the world indulging his passion for trying local cuisines. Along the way, Bourdain meets several eccentric characters bringing life to this docu-series.

Discover foods from the Caribbean, New Orleans, Brazil, Minneapolis, New York , Hanoi , Singapore, Melbourne and more in series 1 of A Cooks Tour .

Other Recommended Travel Documentaries

• Around The World For Free  Alex Boylan circumnavigated the world without a penny in his pockets!
• Mother India Compelling documentary showing the lives of 25 orphans in India living along the railway
• Unbounded A team of twenty-something travellers hike the Greater Patagonian Trail
• DIY Destinations Budget Travel Show Discover the best budget travel destinations around the world
• Rick Steves Europe In the 7 seasons of this series, Rick Steves guides you through Europe showcasing his favourite spots and some off the beaten path destinations  

I hope that this article has given you some ideas for how to travel through documentaries. If you have any other favourite travel documentaries or series not included please leave these in the comments below. 

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Please visit our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.

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Read More Stay Home Travel Ideas

• 10 Ways To Have A Staycation At Home 
• 25 Of The Best Travel Movies
• 10 Novels To Inspire Your Wanderlust
• 16 Travel Themed Cocktails To Enjoy At Ho me

We Are Travel Girls Founder Becky van Dijk of  BeckyvanDijk.com Connect with Becky  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  YouTube

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James Cala says

April 20, 2021 at 5:55 am

Amazing list, I love the combination of food & travel as well!

One suggestion is a new travel docu one of my travel buds showed me. It’s on youtube: Same same but different – a documentary about backpacking. Really loved it, beautiful story and depicts for me amazing the backpack culture.

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Our Favorite Travel Documentaries and Where to Watch Them

By CNT Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

While we love the dramas, comedies, and rom-coms that recount epic journeys and bring beloved destinations to life, there’s something especially transportive about documentaries. But when it comes to travel films, it’s clear: the truth is often as wild and wonderful as fiction. Luckily, it seems that the golden age of documentaries is upon us (and it’s certainly the time of the docuseries , at the very least)—thanks to the rosters available on Netflix, HBO, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. Want to be inspired and watch some travel documentaries yourself? Here are a few of our favorite films that you can watch online right now that take you from the Mongolia steppe to Japan's Ise Bay.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Kedi (2016)

I am a self-proclaimed cat person—and Kedi lets me indulge in that even more. Many animal documentaries (ahem, Tiger King ) regard their subjects as accessories to human drama, while others talk about them via voiceover so scientifically that it sounds as if they’re inanimate objects. Not so, here. Kedi follows seven specific stray cats through the streets of Istanbul from their points of view, letting the cats stand as the film’s characters. The audience gets an up close and personal look at the secret lives of these cats: their interactions with humans and other animals; the mileage and route each covers through the ancient city; and the ordeals they overcome daily. —Alex Erdekian, assistant editor, City Guides

Watch now: Rent from $1, amazon.com

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)

I was so excited to watch this movie, and specifically made sure I had reservations at a sushi restaurant afterward because I knew I'd be craving it after 90 minutes of watching it on screen. I love the attention to detail that Jiro showcases throughout the film, and how it shows just how technical a beautiful sushi omakase can be. I still think of the film whenever I eat tamago—sweet Japanese cooked egg that often ends an omakase—given how hard it was for the apprentice to master that specific dish. I've still never visited the original restaurant, but I'd love to try and get in on my next trip to Tokyo . — Stephanie Wu, articles director

Watch now: Free with Netflix subscription, netflix.com

Amazona (2016)

I discovered Amazona on a flight to Colombia , which is apt, given that it takes place in the lush Colombian Amazon. The travel documentary follows the filmmaker Clare Weiskopf, whose mother Val Weiskopf left her and her siblings behind and moved to the Amazon when they were still children. Weiskopf, now pregnant, confronts her mother about the choices she made and tries to come to terms with what motherhood will look like for her given her own unusual upbringing. The documentary, while centered on a unique experience, is still relatable to anyone who's thought about leaving it all behind and living off the grid—and then factored in the loved ones worth staying, or moving, home for. — Megan Spurrell, associate editor

Watch now: Rent from $4, amazon.com

Shannon McMahon

Chris Schalkx

Mark Ellwood

Alex Erdekian

Maiden (2018)

This incredible film follows the first all-female crew competing in the late '80s in the Whitbread Round the World Race—an absolutely insane yachting competition that lasts nine months and sails from Southampton, England, to Uruguay, New Zealand, Australia, around and up to Florida , and then back to the U.K. This movie tracks the yacht's skipper and team’s mastermind, Tracy Edwards, and mixes incredible archival footage of the race with modern day interviews with the underestimated crew and their doubters. Get ready for your heart to swell a few sizes. — Meredith Carey, associate editor

Watch now: Buy from $7, amazon.com

Endless Summer (1966)

It's hard to tell whether this travel documentary on this type of list feels obligatory or cliche. I put it in the former bucket; I can't think of any other documentary that I saw as a young kid, I must have been just six or seven, that could have possibly stayed in my mind the way Endless Summer has. The 1960s journey across the globe by two California surfers to locate and popularize new swells brought them to places off the mass travel radar at the time, including Ghana, Nigeria, and New Zealand. This past summer, I surfed one of the beaches featured in Dakar (well, attempted to surf, I fall squarely in the “aspirational surfer” category). Sequels have been made, but the appeal of that first release—when surfing was used as travel currency, an exploratory lens, and bond between cultures—remains. —Erin Florio, travel news director

Lorena, La De Pies Ligeros (2019)

This 28-minute documentary is unexpected, gorgeous, and quick, just like the athlete it features: ultra-marathon runner Lorena Ramírez. Ramírez hails from the Rarámuri indigenous community in northwestern Mexico , a group that has been known for their excellence in long distance running. But watching her go from her daily life—where she lives in the remote countryside and where the women in her family aren’t able to attend school—to urban marathons where she powers past other athletes in a handwoven skirt and sandals, is absolutely moving. The entire film is a peek inside a Mexican community most travelers wouldn't otherwise be exposed to. — M.S.

The Eagle Huntress (2016)

This tale of a 13-year-old Kazakh girl named Aisholpan who trains to become the first female eagle hunter in her family's 12-generation history is nothing short of inspiring. The story is set in Mongolia’s stunning landscape, unfolding among snowy mountains, pink ombre horizons, and dry, grassy steppes. But it’s Aisholpan’s spirit and charisma that really make the film. The Eagle Huntress was so impactful that it prompted increased tourism to Mongolia, specifically for The Golden Eagle Festival, which is shown on screen. —A.E.

Virunga (2014)

A stunning mix of investigative journalism and nature documentary in one of the most extraordinary places in the world, this film cuts to the heart of the global conservation crisis. It's about the fight to protect the world's last mountain gorillas and the stunning biodiversity of Virunga National Park from the complex swirl of politics and economics in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which encroaches on their habitat through war, poaching, and the threat of oil exploration. It's heartbreakingly beautiful and just plain heartbreaking. — Jesse Ashlock, U.S. editor

Fishpeople (2017)

As the Traveler team can attest, I've become obsessed with the idea of spearfishing, largely thanks to women like Kimi Werner and the Jeju and Ama divers (of Korean and Japan respectively). I have such a deep love of both eating and preparing seafood, so the natural next step is to catch it myself, right? I watched this documentary on a flight to Hawaii this winter, and it further stoked the fire. It highlights a handful of people around the world, including Werner, who spend their lives in the sea . And trust me, you don't have to crave picking up your own spear to enjoy the beautiful ocean shots and the wise words from its sea-enamored cast. — M.S.

Watch now: Rent from $3, youtube.com

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15 Travel Documentaries to Fuel your Wanderlust

Last updated on April 6th, 2023 at 09:35 pm

If there are travel documentaries being broadcast on British TV, we can guarantee we’ll be ready with remote control in hand. When we’re back home in London , we spend hours on the sofa, fuelling our wanderlust by watching others travelling the world.

For us, watching travel documentaries helps fill those gaps between trips. For an hour or so we’re transported somewhere far away from the normality of home. We reminisce of faraway places we’ve been to if filming locations are in countries we’ve already visited. Or we get excited and inspired if filmed in countries we are yet to discover. Both are just as enjoyable.

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Along with cookery shows and reality TV, there are so many travel documentaries to choose from. Via terrestrial TV, Sky, Netflix, Amazon or other online sites, they’ll be a documentary to satisfy anyone’s wanderlust.

We’ve picked 15 of our favourite travel documentaries from the more thoughtful travel subjects to less serious and humorous ways of seeing the world. Viewing access to these shows changes regularly so we’d suggest entering the title into Google to find which viewing platforms are currently available at the time of reading this post.

Regular guys Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach are bored. So what do they do? Take a road trip, of course. Departures follows them and their cameraman, Andre Dupuis, as they journey to countries all over the world. We love the non-premium feel of this show. It’s just three nice Canadian guys filming themselves travelling the world. They make an effort to visit hard to get to places and interact with locals wherever they go. This brings experiences that not all travellers get to do. Departures make the top of our travel documentaries list. 

Walking the Nile & Walking the Himalayas

Levison James Wood is a British Army officer and explorer. He’s best known for his extended walking expeditions in Africa and Asia. Over the course of nine months from 2013-2014, he undertook the first ever expedition to walk the entire length of the river Nile .

In 2015 he walked the length of the Himalayas. Both adventures were commissioned into four-part travel documentaries for Channel 4 in the UK. His journeys bring amazing landscapes, local interaction, massive highs and some disastrous lows.

Tropic of Capricorn and Tropic of Cancer with Simon Reeve

Simon Reeve makes two “round the world” trips following the tropic of Capricorn in the Southern hemisphere and the tropic of Cancer in the Northern hemisphere . These two travel documentaries include visits to one or more countries, in Asia, Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean, Arabia and Hawaii. Simon explores daily life for locals, tourists and wildlife, as well as the history, culture and politics which all prove quite varied.

Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild

New Lives in the Wild is a television series on UK’s Channel 5 hosted by adventurer Ben Fogle . The series is about meeting people who live in some of the most remote locations on earth. More often than not, these are western families or individuals who have had enough of the big city rat race. They’ve escaped to remote parts of the world to set up new lives in the wild.

Examples are the Alaskan wilderness, a Polynesian Island and the Arizonian desert. These are courageous and inspirational people who Ben stays with for a few days to learn how they live so remotely.

World’s Most Dangerous Roads

World’s Most Dangerous Roads is a British BBC TV series first aired in 2011. Two celebrities per episode are filmed as they journey by a 4×4 vehicle along roads considered among the world’s most dangerous. Episodes include the Death Road in Bolivia and the Ho Chi Minh trail in Vietnam . Many of the chosen celebrities are comedians so some humour is added to what otherwise is a fascinating and educational watch.

Long Way Round

In 2004, Ewan McGregor , Charley Boorman and cameraman Claudio von Planta, travelled from London to New York City on a motorbike. In the process, they created some awesome travel documentaries. The journey visited thirteen countries, starting in the UK, then passing through France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Canada, and the USA, ending in New York City for a cumulative distance of 18,887 miles (30,396 km).

They take the time to visit a variety of sights and landmarks while travelling, including the Church of Bones in the Czech Republic, the Mask of Sorrow monument in Magadan, Russia, and Mount Rushmore in the USA. They, of course, encounter many hurdles along the way. It wouldn’t be a great adventure without them.

Top Gear: Road Trip Specials

This one’s a bit of a wild card as Top Gear does not usually fall in the travel documentaries category. However, we love the Top Gear road trip specials. Why? Because they take place in some incredible world locations. Typical Top Gear antics include driving around Africa trying to find the source of the Nile, going off road from Bolivia to Chile and getting across the length of Vietnam on two wheels with a budget of just $1000. We know a lot of what happens is scripted but we still can’t help but enjoy these adventurous episodes.

An Idiot Abroad

An Idiot Abroad is a British travel documentary / road trip comedy television series broadcast on Sky 1. It’s  created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant and starring Karl Pilkington . The ongoing theme is that Pilkington has no interest in global travel, so Merchant and Gervais make him travel to the Seven Wonders of the World while they stay in the UK and monitor his progress.

Most of each episode focuses on Pilkington’s humorous reactions to cultural differences and idiosyncrasies in the countries he visits. He also gets set hilarious tasks, often not related to why he believed he was there. The silliest of our travel documentaries but well worth a watch. 

Asian Provocateur

Comedian Romesh Ranganathan is sent by his mother on a ramshackle odyssey around his parents’ homeland of Sri Lanka in an attempt to connect him with his roots. Romesh is the kind of guy who likes his home comforts and finds friendliness uncomfortable so Sri Lanka is not his ideal place to visit. As he quotes, ‘I was a bumbling Englishman in a Sri Lankan disguise’, so you can imagine the funny situations he gets himself into.

Our Guy in India

Motorbike racer  Guy Martin buys a Royal Enfield motorbike at a Delhi market, gets a traditional Hindu blessing and sets off on a 1000-mile motorbike trip.  Guy explores a rarely-seen side of modern India as he heads to one of the world’s maddest bike races. He travels through various parts of the country coming across all kinds of interesting people and sights on the way. Does he win the race at the end? You’ll have to watch to find out.

The Mekong River with Sue Perkins

TV presenter Sue Perkins embarks on a life-changing, 3,000-mile journey up the Mekong , South East Asia’s greatest river, exploring lives and landscapes on the point of dramatic change. It’s a really interesting watch, learning how 1000s of people live on and around one of the world’s great rivers. There’s plenty of smiles and tears as Sue listens to the locals stories and changing way of lives.    

The Secret Caribbean with Trevor McDonald

The newsreader and journalist, Sir Trevor McDonald embarks upon a stunning and epic journey across the Caribbean. From the Bahamas in the North to his birthplace Trinidad in the south, uncovering the sun-kissed islands along the way.

In this three part series, Sir Trevor visits The Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Barbados, Grenada and Trinidad. It’s an unforgettable expedition as he experiences the huge contrasts in cultures and lifestyles these islands have to offer.

Travel Man 48 hours

If you’re looking for more laughs with your travel documentaries then Travel Man is the British documentary series for you. It features presenter Richard Ayoade , travelling to a different location each episode with a celebrity guest. Ayoade takes a ruthless approach to getting the maximum from each city break. Cramming as much as he possibly can in 48 fast and funny hours. His unique presenting style has us laughing through every episode.

Charley Boorman by Any Means

By Any Means , also known as Ireland to Sydney by Any Means , is a television series following Long Way Round star Charley Boorman . Travelling from Wicklow , Ireland, to Sydney , New South Wales, Australia, it features him completing the journey using 112 modes of transport and only travelling by plane when absolutely necessary. A real epic adventure!

Joanna Lumley’s Trans-Siberian Adventure

Joanna Lumley embarks on the world’s greatest train journey for this three-part documentary series. Travelling from East to West, she departs from Hong Kong across 5,777 miles of both Asia and Europe. Joanna travels through seven time zones, taking in an immense panorama of vistas and cultures, people and places, before her final arrival in Moscow.

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Simon Reeve (II)

IMDbPro Starmeter See rank

• Contact info

• 2021 • 4 eps

• 2017 • 1 ep

• In-development projects at IMDbPro

Personal details

• Official Site
• 6′ 3″ (1.91 m)
• July 21 , 1972
• Hammersmith, London, England, UK
• Anya Court ? - present (1 child)
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70+ Delightful British Travel Shows on Amazon Prime Video

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Last Updated on December 18, 2020 by Stefanie Hutson

Whether you're a long-time travel show fan or just someone looking for a travel substitute while the world remains in lockdown, Amazon's Prime Video service has tons of videos to help with your unfulfilled travel urges. Of course, this being a British TV site, we're focused on those with a British connection – either a British presenter or something filmed in the British Isles (for the purposes of this post, we're including Ireland). 

We found 72 travel programmes available with your Prime Video or Amazon Prime membership – so grab a notebook for recording any future travel ideas, and dig in!

Note: This listings are accurate for the US at time of publication. Some may be available on Amazon in other countries, but we can't make any promises about that. While we make every effort to keep things updated, the offerings of streaming services change almost daily, so you may find some that become unavailable in the coming months.

***Special note for our American readers : If you want a guide to more British TV shows on both Amazon and other streaming services, check out our British TV Streaming Guide . It's a handy printed guide to roughly 2000 British TV shows across 19 different US streaming services – including an index in the back for looking up the appropriate streaming services by show name.

70+ British Travel Shows on Amazon's Prime Video (US)

Bath, England – Date Unknown – This extremely short 4-part series offers excellent views of Bath, and would be perfect for anyone who is considering including it on an upcoming trip.

Battle Castle – 2012 – Historian Dan Snow takes us to six of the world's most important castles and tells their stories. Two of them are British.

Britain’s Best Drives – 2009 – Richard Wilson ( One Foot in the Grave ) celebrates the 50th anniversary of Britain’s first motorway with a trip around the country in six classic cars.

Crown and Country – 1998 to 2007 – Edward Windsor (son of Queen Elizabeth II) takes us on a tour of some of Britain's most famous landmarks. 

Daniel & Majella's B&B Road Trip – 2016 – This show offers a delightful journey through some of the loveliest B&Bs in Ireland.

Dan Snow’s Norman Walks – 2010 – Presenter Dan Snow walks us through some of the areas of Britain with significant Norman history.

Derek Acorah’s Ghost Towns – 2013 – This paranormal investigation show takes you around England with host Derek Acorah.

Discover England – 2004 – With 13 episodes on different regions of England, this series is a wonderful way to experience England when you can’t actually be there.

Discover Ireland – 2000 – Once you've watched Discover England and Discover Scotland, why not check out Discover Ireland? Sadly, there is no Discover Wales or Discover Northern Ireland.

Discover Scotland – 2004 – Heavy on the history, this series offers four 1-hour episodes that take you around Scotland.

Edinburgh: More than Words – 2019 – This brief programme takes you on a quick tour through the streets of Edinburgh.

Galway, Ireland: Busy Streets and Irish Music in the Pubs – 2018 – This series looks around Galway, Ireland.

Great Estates of Scotland  – This four-part series includes episodes on locations around Scotland, including Rosslyn Chapel (perhaps best known because of the Da Vinci Code).

Grand Tours of Scotland's Lochs – 2017 – Historian Paul Murton takes us on an incredibly scenic journey around some of Scotland's most beautiful lochs.

Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands – 2013 to 2016 – Paul Murton guides us around some of Scotland's most beautiful islands.

Great Irish Journeys with Martha Kearney – 2015 – Martha Kearney follows in the footsteps of Irish geologist and artists George Victor Du Noyer in this four-part series. The series focuses on how Ireland looked during the early 19th century, and the close relationships its inhabitants had with the land.

Great Lighthouses of Ireland – 2019 – With gorgeous coastal footage, this series gives you a mix of history, science, and scenery – along with plenty of stories from lighthouse keepers of today and yesterday.

Guardians of the Night – 2007 – This series offers a look at the history of lighthouses, with on-location footage from lighthouses around the world.

Hairy Bikers: Pubs that Built Britain  – David and Si travel around Britain, visiting the island's best pubs.

Highlands and Islands: Where Scotland’s Heart Beats Loudest – 2016 – Travel journalist Erik Peters visits the Scottish Highlands and islands.

Inside the Merchant  –  This series takes a behind-the-scenes look at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Ireland: Coast to Coast – 2016 – Travel presenter Joseph Rosendo takes us on a tour of Ireland – including Dublin, Belfast, and the Wild Atlantic Way.

Ireland: The West is Best – Travel guide Joseph Rosendo begins in the town of Shannon and takes you down to the Dingle Peninsula.

Ireland with Ardal O'Hanlon – 2017 – This three-part series is a quick romp around Ireland with famed comedian Ardal O'Hanlon ( Death in Paradise, Father Ted ).

Ireland’s Wild River – 2014 – Follow the River Shannon as it passes through the beautiful rural landscapes of Ireland.

Isle of Man: From the Air – 2014 – Between Great Britain and Ireland, you’ll find the Isle of Man. This series take a look at the lovely island from above.

London: A City in Time – 2015 – This programme mixes live footage with historical documents and photos to tell the story of London. Though listed as 2015 on Amazon, it feels significantly older so that date may not be accurate.

London: A Tale of Two Cities – 2015 – This hour-long documentary looks at the highs and lows London has faced over the years.

London Guide: Roberts London – 2017 to 2018 – Originally produced as a YouTube series, these videos take you on a tour of England's capital city. 

Love London – 2015 – A London taxi driver and a young Londoner travel the city to learn its secrets.

Lyndey Milan's Taste of Ireland – 2012 – Food and wine expert Lyndey Milan tastes her way around Ireland.

Memories of Scotland – Date Unknown – This 48-minute program focuses on the major tourist attractions in Scotland.

Mysterious Places of Scotland and Ireland: Swans of Loch Lomond – 2007 – No dialogue, just scenery. Enjoy the views.

On the Ballykissangel Trail – 2007 – This short documentary discusses the making of Ballykissangel , along with a tour of the area. Though dated, it's a must-watch for any fans of the series. 

On the Whisky Trail: The History of Scotland’s Famous Drink – 2003 – Learn more about the history of whisky and how it’s made.

Over Ireland – 1998 – This video tour offers a look at some of Ireland's most famous landmarks and landscapes.

Oxford Street – 2017 – This series takes an in-depth look at one of Europe’s largest shopping districts and its day-to-day activities.

Richard Wilson On the Road – 2014 – Richard Wilson ( One Foot in the Grave ) takes a trip around Britain with only his antique Shell travel guides to help him.

Rick Steves's Europe – 2000 to 2019 – Seasons 7 to 10 of this popular series are offered on Amazon. Of interest to Anglophiles will be: 7-8, London, 7-9 Northern England, 9-8 Western England, 9-9 Southeast England, 9-10 Cornwall, 10-1 Heart of England, 10-10 Scotland's Highlands, 10-11 Scotland's Islands, and 10-12 Glasgow.

Secrets of the Irish Landscape – Ireland – 2018 – Presenter Derek Mooney travels around Ireland and Europe to piece together the history of Ireland’s landscape and how it came to be.

The Shelbourne Hotel – Ireland – 2016 to 2017 – This reality show takes us behind the scenes at one of Dublin's poshest hotels.

Skye’s the Limit – 2017 – Follow one woman as she circumnavigates the Isle of Skye on a stand-up paddleboard.

Smart Travels with Rudy Maxa – 2002 to 2006 – Although not exclusively about Great Britain, this series includes episodes in London, the London countryside, Dublin, Ireland’s West Coast, Bath, South Wales, Edinburgh, and St. Andrews (not to mention a lot of other lovely cities around the world).

The Spirit of England: Part 1 – 2009 – This travel series takes you on a tour of some of the most popular tourist sites in England. Sites visited include Stonehenge, Rievaulx Abbey, and Dover Castle.

The Spirit of England: Part 2 – 2009 – This edition visits another set of tourist spots in England, including Framlingham Castle, Kenilworth Castle, and the Charles Darwin house.

Stephen Tompkinson's Australian Balloon Adventure – 2010 – Stephen Tompkinson ( Ballykissangel, DCI Banks ) stars in this three-part travel series checking out Australia by balloon.

The Story of London – 2014 – Six episodes walk us through different sites in London.

Terry Jones' Great Map Mystery – 2008 – Monty Python star Terry Jones travels around Britain to see if it's still possible to follow the earliest roadmaps of Wales.

Travel Scotland with James McCreadie – 2018 to 2019 – This half-hour special has James McCreadie taking you on a journey through the Trossachs.

Treyvaud Travels – 2015 – Paul Treyvaud travels around Ireland over the course of nine half-hour episodes.

Trolley Dollies – 2002 – This docu-soap features the lives of a charter flight crew that travels to some of the most popular vacation destinations in the world.

Visit Wales with Rachel Hicks – 2009 – This hour-long travel show explores a variety of locations around Wales.

Walking Through History – 2013 to 2015 – Tony Robinson selects long walks around Britain for their combined scenery and historic merits.

Walks Around Britain – 2016 to 2019 – Britain is one of the greatest places in the world to go walking, and Amazon Prime lets you enjoy two series of short scenic walks around the countryside.

Walks Around Britain: The Great Glen Way – 2016 – This 48-minute programme shows rambler Andrew White walking The Great Glen Way from Fort William to Inverness. If you enjoy this one, also check out Footloose in Scotland: The West Highland Way . Together, the two journeys represent a walk all the way from Glasgow to Inverness.

My Welsh Sheepdog – 2016 – BBC presenter Kate Humble travels around Wales with her dog Teg to learn more about the rare Welsh sheepdog breed.

Whistlestop Edinburgh: Scotland’s Beautiful Capital – 2014 – Tour guide Liam Dale leads us around some of Edinburgh’s most interesting sites.

York, UK – 2016 – Tour guide Dennis Callan offers bite-sized videos taken around the city of York.

The Footloose Series

This series of travel videos features a British couple as they travel around Europe. We've only listed the episodes pertaining to the British Isles, but there are others set in mainland Europe if you search for them. They're great because instead of rushing through each bit and showing only the highlights, their videos are long and in-depth. Filming dates range from 1998 to present.

Footloose in the Cotswolds, Part 1 – UK filmmakers Debra and David Rixon visit Stow, Chipping Camden, Broadway, and the gardens of Kiftsgate and Hidcote.

Footloose in the Cotswolds, Part 2 – UK filmmakers Debra and David Rixon visit Cheltenham, Painswick, Tetbury, and the City of Bath.

Footloose in England: Along the Ridgeway – This two-hour walking film takes you along southern England’s oldest green road. The 85-mile walk includes stone circles, hill forts, villages, and more.

Footloose in London: All the Best Sights of our Capital – UK filmmakers Debra and David Rixon offer budget-minded tips for visiting London and viewing its best sites.

Footloose in London: Undiscovered and Unusual – This episode takes a look at some of London's less conventional attractions and sites.

A Classic Tour of Scotland: Footloose Special – UK filmmakers Debra and David Rixon travel Scotland in an Airstream trailer, stopping off to visit locations like the Isle of Skye, Glasgow, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh, and Inverness.

Footloose in Scotland: The West Highland Way – This two hour programme follows David and Debra as they walk the 95-mile West Highland Way from Glasgow to Fort William.

Footloose in Ireland – This nearly two-hour programme sees David and Debra travling both Dublin and the Dingle Way.

British Shows About Narrowboats & Canals

Britain by Narrowboat – 2020 – Colin and his partner Shaun quit their jobs, sell their home, and start up life aboard a narrowboat.

Britain’s Best Canals – 2015 to 2016 – BBC presenter John Sergeant takes us on a different canal journey with each episode.

British Inland Waterways – Date Unknown – If you’ve ever dreamed of lazily floating along the beautiful canals of England and Scotland, this series will be sure to delight.

Cruising the Cut – 2019 to present – This is another series about a different British man who quit his job to go live on the canals and travel.

Narrowboat Houseboating Through the English Countryside – 2001 – This instruction-oriented programme shows you what it takes to make the most of your houseboating adventure.

Travels by Narrowboat – 2018 to presents – Newer than many of the other narrowboating shows on Amazon, this one follows Kevin as he quits his job and embarks on a new life on the canals.

What's Your Favourite British Travel Series on Prime Video?

Have we missed any great British travel shows on Prime Video? What's your favourite? Do you have a favourite destination or area of the country? Let us know what you think in the comments!

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After founding I Heart British TV in 2016 as a resource for her granny, Stefanie has grown I Heart British TV into a resource that serves millions of British TV fans every year. When not writing posts or editing contributions to the site, you can probably find her working on the latest print edition of the British TV Streaming Guide .

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23 Binge-worthy Travel Documentaries on Netflix (2024)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 14, 2024

If you enjoy watching travel shows (whether for inspiration or research) you are in for a treat with this selection of the best travel documentaries on Netflix in 202 4

This eclectic list of Netflix travel documentaries and series will take you across every continent to meet the people, cultures, history and geography, natural wonders and wildlife that make up our beautiful planet.

Chosen by travel bloggers this is a selection of the best travel documentaries available on Netflix around the world.

Please bear in mind that not all these shows may be available on Netflix in your location ! If you would like unrestricted access to 15 Netflix libraries around the world (including Germany/USA/UK) we recommend Surfshark VPN. You only need 1 subscription to cover every gadget in your house. Click here for more information about Surfshark

Taco Chronicles

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• Chef's Table

Somebody Feed Phil

Extreme engagement.

• Joanna Lumley's India

Chasing Coral

Magical andes, cuba and the cameraman, jack whitehall travels with my father, restaurants on the edge, tales by light, christiane amanpour: sex & love around the world, the serpent, the dawn wall, my octopus teacher, anthony bourdain: parts unknown, street food series (latin america and asia), more tv shows & movies from countries around the world, 23 best travel documentaries on netflix.

If you didn’t love the idea of eating tacos in Mexico City already, Taco Chronicles will make sure you do! In fact, you’ll discover that there’s even more to authentic Mexican tacos than you ever knew about.

In Taco Chronicles, you’ll go on a taco journey to Mexico City and beyond, to discover the unique types of tacos eaten in Mexico’s various regions and states. The show does start off in Mexico City, with the king of Mexican tacos — the taco al pastor.

From Mexico City, enjoy a virtual Mexican culinary food tour to its neighbouring state of Hidalgo, home of barbacoa (BBQ) tacos. Beyond Central Mexico, this food and travel documentary takes you all over Mexico.

In subsequent episodes of this two-season show, you’ll discover cochinita pibil (slow-roasted suckling pig) tacos in the Yucatan Peninsula, fried fish tacos in Baja California state on the west coast, cabrito (goat) tacos in Northern Mexico, and more.

Places/countries featured – Mexico

Chosen by Shelley of Travel Mexico Solo

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Over recent years, the public’s fascination with dark tourism destinations has boomed. Sites such as Chernobyl and Auschwitz draw in thousands of tourists every year. With so many of the population sharing a fascination for dark history, it is no wonder that so many have tuned into Netflix’s ‘Dark Tourist. 

The show follows journalist David Farrier as he travels around hoping to experience the most macabre destinations that the world has to offer. Farrier’s quest to unearth the morbid takes him to several high profile dark tourism destinations, including the site of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, on a JFK assassination tour and he even witnesses an exorcism in Mexico City.  

Although Farrier sometimes comes across as a mediocre Louis Theroux, this thought-provoking travel show succeeds in its aim and transports you into the unknown. The result is an interesting series that explores the darker side of life (and death).

Chosen by Sheree   of Winging the World

In the Netflix series Down To Earth , actor Zac Efron and wellness author Darin Olien travel across the globe learning about the wellness and sustainability efforts being made in numerous destinations.

Each of the eight episodes focuses on a different location and aspect of sustainability or personal wellness.

In the first episode, you’ll learn all about harnessing the earth’s energy in Iceland. From there, travel to Paris to see their efforts to reduce bottled water impacts, learn about sustainability in Costa Rica, and nutrition in Sardinia.

Also included in the series are food education in Lima, post-hurricane sustainability in Puerto Rico, London pollution reduction efforts, and Iquitos wellness in the Peruvian Amazon.

In one of the most intriguing segments, they learn about tap water differences from a water sommelier. The series lends a glimpse into some beautiful destinations and what locals are doing to keep them beautiful for decades to come.

Chosen by Samantha of PAonPause.com

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Historian and film-maker Paul Murton brings you on a fascinating journey to many Scottish islands over four seasons. He meets with locals; finds hidden gems; and explores the rich, unique, and sometimes tragic history of each of the islands. 

You may be surprised to find yourself binge-watching this relaxing travel documentary series. You will get caught up in Murton’s contagious curiosity about its people and his great admiration for its beauty. Every episode is filled with stunning scenery. The high production quality and engaging soundtrack heighten the enjoyment of the show. Fans can follow this up with his three other Scottish travel series.  

Queue up, Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands to enjoy some dreamy armchair travel or to gain a deeper understanding of the islands as you plan your trip to Scotland .  

Places featured: Isle of Skye , Islands of Loch Lomond, Hebridean Islands, Orkney Islands, and many more

Contributed by Erica at Trip Scholars

Expedition Happiness is a home movie/travelogue that follows the story of a German couple as they give up their life in Germany to do an epic road trip in the Americas with their dog Rudi.

The couple, whose names are Selima and Felix, purchased a yellow school bus in Florida for 9500 USD. After working on it for three months, they transformed it into their “Loft on Wheel”, a comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped adventure bus. 

The itinerary was to start in Alaska near Denali National Park , drive all the way down to Central America, cross over to South America, and finish in Argentina.

On their adventure, they documented all the incredible landscapes they saw, the people they met, and more.

Whether they were able to finish their epic adventure or not, you will have to find out on Netflix! 

Chosen by Sean of Living out Lau

Chef’s Table

Even if you’re not a foodie but love to travel, be sure to watch Chef’s Table on Netflix. This documentary series features renowned Chefs from around the world who are creating inspired culinary experiences.

Now in its 6th season with 30 episodes, the series doesn’t just showcase a chef’s creations, but takes you on a journey through each of their personal stories that has led to their creativity.

World renowned chefs like Italy’s Massimo Bottura will inspire you with how he came from humble beginnings to being on the world culinary stage. But one chef in particular has inspired us to travel for her food — Chef Ana Rôs, owner of  Hiša Franko restaurant  in Kobarid, Slovenia. 

After initially pursuing a career track in business, she spent years honing her craft and experimenting with the local foods of her native Slovenia. Today, she is now one of the top chefs in the world, Hiša Franko is one of the 50 Best Restaurants in the World and newly Michelin-rated — and our dinner there on my birthday might possibly be the best meal of my life.

Watch the series and decide where your next culinary adventure will be.

Chosen by Lori of travlinmad.com

In “Somebody Feel Phil”, the creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Phil Rosenthal, travels the world to indulge in the scrumptious local cuisine and to learn more about the culture of these destinations.

There are currently four seasons on Netflix and each episode features a different city around the world. This documentary does a great job of portraying local customs and traditions and viewers will feel like they’re actually in that city with the locals.

Phil has a childlike wonder to him when he’s learning about the different cultures and he answers basically any potential questions the viewers could have about the destination. One of the best parts about the documentary is watching Phil turn the strangers he meets into his family. 

Places featured – Bangkok, Saigon, Tel Aviv, Lisbon, New Orleans, Mexico City, Venice , Dublin, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Cape Town, New York City, Marrakesh, Chicago, London, Seoul, Montreal, Rio De Janeiro, San Francisco, Singapore, the Mississippi Delta, and Hawaii. 

Chosen by Disha of Disha Discovers

While most people get engaged and then begin planning their perfect wedding, Tim and PJ, stars of the Netflix show Extreme Engagement, do anything but that. Instead, Tim and PJ get engaged and then set out on a worldwide exploration of marital traditions around the world. 

The couple journeys to places such as Mongolia, Brazil, China, Nigeria, and Papua New Guinea facing challenging experiences along the way that has them questioning their relationship and each other. 

You get to see a glimpse inside the cross-cultural challenges associated with a new romance along with an interesting insight into how other cultures celebrate love and marriage. 

Chosen by Michelle Snell from That Texas Couple

International travellers Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach cross the world and push their limits on an expedition to find genuine, unforgettable experiences.

DEPARTURES is an international award-winning and inspiring television travel series that will take you on the journey of a lifetime and beyond. From epic landscapes to unforgettable culture, learn what it takes to make it all happen through personal successes, crushing disappointments and memorable new friendships that could only be made by travelling abroad.

With two episodes for every continent, DEPARTURES will arm and reassure your wanderlust with hours of riveting programming that captures the beauty, drama, wonder and humor of taking a leap abroad.

DEPARTURES covers every aspect of world travel, showing you exactly what to expect at destinations around the globe. From beaches in Bali and cruising in the South Pacific Islands, to trekking on Mt Kilimanjaro and sailing up icebergs off Greenland, DEPARTURES takes you straight into a location’s unique atmosphere… giving viewers insight into a whole new way of life.

Places featured – Nearly 30 countries around the world including Japan, New Zealand and Russia

Chosen by Casandra of Karpiak Caravan Adventure Family Travel

Joanna Lumley’s India

Joanna Lumley is a British actress probably most well-known for her role as the outrageous Patsy of Absolutely Fabulous. What is perhaps less known about her is that she was born in Kashmir, India, in 1946, and the descendent of British colonists in India going back to 1777.

Originally aired in 2017 with three episodes, Joanna Lumley’s India takes viewers on a personal trip across the country where she explores modern India and finds connections to members of her own family and the experience of being and speaking English in India .

Lumley has also hosted travel shows on Japan, the Silk Road, the Caribbean, and the Trans-Siberia express train.

Places featured:  Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Gujarat, Mumbai, Ranthambhore National Park, Delhi, and Srinagar, Kashmir.

Chosen by Mariellen of Breathedreamgo

Chasing Coral is a fascinating documentary about the disappearance of coral around the world. In this chasing coral, a team of divers, researchers and photographers set out on an ocean adventure to document the bleaching of Coral in warming seas. This phenomenon is when corals lose their beautiful and vibrant colors to become white, dying shortly after. 

The point of this documentary is to show that the coral’s death is the result of climate change and the rise in temperatures that are absorbed by the oceans. 

The documentary takes us to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world such as the Florida Keys, Hawaii and the Bahamas. More than that, this documentary also shows the important damage climate change has done to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. 

I definitely recommend this documentary to anyone who wants to really understand the impact of human activity on the ocean’s ecosystem. 

Chosen by Camille from Everything Yoga Retreat

Magical Andes is one of the best travel documentaries on Netflix if you are looking to learn about the natural gems of South America. When searching amongst the 100’s of other documentaries you’ll find this particular docuseries created by Luis Ara and Alexandra Hardorf concentrates solely on the magical landscape of the Andes mountain range. 

This docuseries not only shows you all about the longest continental mountain range in the world, but talks about the wildlife, lakes, and forests, deserts, volcanoes, and other Mother Earth creations that exist in that region. 

Magical Andes focuses on truly stunning imagery and gives you a look into some of the  best places to visit in South America  that you simply wouldn’t see passing through in a car.

Places featured  – In season one, the Netflix documentary features spectacular views from Argentina and Chile. Then from the Aconcagua desert in Bolivia over to some of the more ancient cultures in Peru. The lush mountain of Colombia and Ecuador are also featured.

Chosen by Daniel of LayerCulture.com

If you’ve ever thought of visiting Cuba there are many Cuban movies and documentaries to help you to research your trip, but none are as epic as this one. 

Many people believe that Cuba is a country frozen in time, but this Netflix documentary features Jon Alpert’s travels to Cuba over a span of nearly five decades. 

And while the relationships between the United States and Cuba has been fragmented at times, he visited each time as an American journalist. It starts in 1970s, just over a decade since the Cuban revolution when the country was thriving. 

Instead of giving his perspective on Cuba, he interviews three families who share their own stories of every day life. He continues to visit Cuba to find these families to update their stories. Over the decades the political situation and relationship with the United States changes quite dramatically.

And while he also interviews Fidel Castro, most of the film is really about everyday Cubans and their highs and lows.

Chosen by Ayngelina of Baconismagic.ca

Jack Whitehall is a British comedian who attended private school and has a somewhat disjointed relationship with his father Michael because of this. Jack also never got to take a gap year before going to university so season one of Travels with my Father is all about Jack finally embarking on a traditional ‘gap year’ trip to Southeast Asia. The twist is he takes his father with him so they can strengthen their bond.

The series takes place in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and highlights some of the gap year activities that can be done including full moon parties on the beach and visiting Angkor Wat. By the end of their travels, they reflect on what they have learned about each other and themselves.

The show continues in a similar fashion in the subsequent seasons where Michael takes Jack on a culture and history tour around Europe, Jack shows Michael everything the US has to offer, and both his mother and father join him for a road trip in Australia.

Chosen by Steph from Book It Let’s Go!

If you love travel, design and food, Restaurants on the Edge needs to be on your Netflix list. In each episode, the show highlights a restaurant in a stunning location. 

The restaurants get a makeover from a design expert and the menu often gets an upgrade from the show’s chef, the goal is to take struggling restaurants and make them sustainable for the business owners. 

There are currently two seasons of Restaurants on the Edge on Netflix, with locations throughout the world. 

In season one, you’ll be treated to beautiful ocean views in Malta, as well as stunning architecture. The views continue with a cliff side restaurant in Costa Rica. 

Season two will take you around the world again, with restaurants in Finland, St. Croix and Arizona. 

Not only is it fun to see the upgrades these restaurants go through, but it’s also inspiring to see the impact the changes have on each person’s life making this show a must-watch. 

Chosen by Alenis of seasaltandfog.com  

If you are a fan of Italy, Italian art and History, then watch the gorgeous and surprisingly brutal history of the famous Medici’s of Florence.

The Netflix show is so well done with gorgeous cinematography, beautiful costumes and stage settings. The show includes all the surrounding countryside and historic sites that document the Medici Family and their major influence on Florence, Venice, and even Rome (two popes were related to the Medici family).

It also showcases early Catholic power and greed. The Pope had absolute power and a religious mission that seemed corrupt whichever person was Pope and ruler. 

The Medici focus really hits the major sites of the city and also the start of the Renaissance period in Italy. The crowning of the main dome in the cathedral was a major achievement during this time frame and it was really fascinating to see how this was depicted and shown in development and the struggles of the Medici family to get this undertaking done.

Also, it was interesting to see how easy it was during that time frame to create wealth and also lose it depending on your affiliations and business relationships with the pope and other influential rulers of that time.

Watch the Medici’s on Netflix and if you visit Florence, you’ll gain a better understanding of the Medici fame and fortune in the area.

Chosen by Noel of Oahu Travel Now

Below Deck is a series of reality TV shows. Each show is set on a luxury yacht which is rented out by wealthy charter guests, but the real action is with the young yacht crew, or yachties, who serve them, the characterful captains who lead them and the stunning locations. The original Below Deck was so successful that it rapidly gained two spin offs, Below Deck Mediterranean and Below Deck Sailing Yacht.

The original Below Deck saw the crew sail around Sint Maarten in the Caribbean, followed by seasons in the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, Tahiti, Thailand and Antigua.

Below Deck Mediterranean’s locations have included Mykonos in the Greek Islands, Split and Cavtat in Croatia, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, the Cote d’Azur in the south of France and Mallorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands. Below Deck, Sailing Yacht has only had one series, set in Corfu.

Contributed by Helen of HelenOnHerHolidays.com

The documentary series “Tales by Light” follows renowned professional filmmakers and photographers as they visit worldwide destinations and capture fascinating content which highlights different features of the natural world. 

Every episode focuses on a different subject such as wildlife, the oceans, landscapes, adventure activities, or cultural practices and traditions. The distinct approaches of the featured photographers really help to bring the stories to life and this program presents many less well-known countries and regions in a compelling way using panoramic landscapes and stunning visuals. 

The first season explores multiple destinations per episode, with visits to Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Alaska and Colorado in the United States, Vanuatu, the Himalayas, Antarctica, Ethiopia and Uganda.

The second season covers Kenya, Norway, Brazil, the Bahamas, India and Namibia, and the third season highlights Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Australia.

This series presents a journey across the globe and is sure to inspire travellers who are looking for their next adventure.

Contributed by Claire from  Claire Pins Travel  

In this cultural travel show, CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour (who in the past has covered major stories from countries like  Iran , Rwanda, and Pakistan) travels to six different cities around the world to explore women’s love lives across multiple cultures. She talks to experts in the field as well as everyday people — revealing facts and details that give a very insightful glimpse into the culture and values of women around the world. 

Christiane is a natural at asking just the right questions and at shining a spotlight on the stories of the women in each city.

While this show focuses heavily on love and sex, viewers will get to learn a whole lot about the overall mentality and life approach of each country — making this a perfect travel show that fosters deeper cultural appreciation.

Places featured – Tokyo (Japan), Delhi (India), Beirut (Lebanon), Berlin (Germany), Accra (Ghana), Shanghai (China)

Chosen by Jiayi of The Diary of A Nomad

Released at the beginning of 2021, The Serpent is not a travel show in and of itself, but it will inevitably allure travelers into visiting the many places explored by the main characters.

Aired on Netflix, the series tells the real story of Charles Sobhraj, a French serial killer of Indian and Vietnamese origins who in the mid-1970s drugged, robbed and killed a large number of backpackers travelling between Thailand, India and Nepal. 

Sobhraj and his Quebecoise girlfriend Marie-Andrée Leclerc were finally identified as the authors of the crimes thanks to the work of Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg, who, albeit the many reservations of the Dutch ambassador to Thailand, set to investigate the disappearance of a Dutch couple and through a series of lead eventually managed to uncover the culprits.

Places featured: Over the course of 8 episodes you will be taken to Bangkok, the coast of Thailand, the peaks of Nepal, the streets of several Indian cities and even to Paris .

Chosen by Claudia Tavani of My Adventures Across The World

When Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson free climbed the Great Wall of the El Capitan rock face in the Yosemite National Park in 2018, the news spread like wildfire.

Dawn Wall is a US documentary about this story of perseverance and adventure.

Cameras follow these legendary free climbers as they undertake this nearly impossible task. It took Cadwell 7 years to reach the goal and we are given a detailed look into the events that led to this decision and the struggles that were involved throughout the journey.

There’s one constant theme that runs throughout the story and that is the strength of the human spirit.

This captivating documentary with great visuals should not be missed. The documentary is in English, but subtitles are available in different languages that include Spanish, French, and Chinese. 

Places featured : Yosemite National Park

Chosen by Rai from A Rai of Light

My Octopus Teacher is an award-winning and very heart-touching documentary on Netflix that covers how a filmmaker spent a year trying to capture a wild octopus on camera and also form a friendship with it. 

For about a year, Craig Foster films a wild octopus he came across while trying out free-diving through an underwater kelp forest in South Africa.

Over the period, Craig and the octopus develop a bond with the octopus almost showing Craig around and not being uninhibited by his presence as he follows it.

Craig watches as it protects itself, loses an arm to an attack and then regrows it too. At the end of the documentary, the octopus naturally passes away after mating and trying to protect its eggs. 

Filmed entirely near Cape Peninsula in South Africa, this beautiful documentary is not to be missed as it covers an offbeat relationship between man and nature. 

Places featured – A kelp forest off False Bay near Simon’s Town in South Africa

Chosen by Lavinia of Continent Hop

For the foodies of the world, who travel the world, and are strident realists about the world, “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” is an absolute must-watch.

Rugged, painfully honest, internationally renowned chef Anthony Bourdain travelled the globe in search of authentic food, people and life experiences. With no time for nonsense and all the time in the world for simple food done to perfection, he takes the viewer to eating establishments from tiny street food stalls to the finest of fine dining.

In his search for amazing food in amazing places, he guides you from the brutality of the Bornean jungle to the madness of Seoul’s foodie nightlife and the pure joy of a perfectly cooked steak in an Argentinian steakhouse accompanied by a glass of locally bottled Malbec. 

Parts Unknown leaves you an appetite for dinner and a bigger one for travel. Wanderlust is baked into every episode.

Chosen by Rosie of the Flying Fluskeys

The Street Food series is one for foodie lovers around the world to enjoy! Each episode follows the story of a local chef and how they started their now-famous street food shops.

From family restaurants to cultural fusions, you learn about a destination through food from the people who make it possible.

Volume one takes place in various Asian destinations, such as Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Delhi (India), Seoul (South Korea), and others.

The second volume takes place in Latin America, highlighting food in Salvador (Brazil), Bogota (Colombia), Lima (Peru), Oaxaca (Mexico), and more.

It is a delicious docuseries that will keep you salivating and also inspire you to understand how food and travel are one. Street Food will also encourage you to get out of your comfort zone if you normally avoid street food!

It is the ideal blend of travel and food for everyone to indulge in from home.

Chosen by Sojourner of Sojournies.com

📺 If you are looking for more travel inspiration on Netflix check out these posts:

• 39 Very Best Travel Movies to Inspire Your Wanderlust
• Best Spanish Series on Netflix (Binge-worthy TV for 2021)
• 10 best movies about South Africa to watch before you visit
• Best Netflix series set in Denmark
• 15 best Scandinavian & Nordic Noir Netflix series you can’t miss
• Best French series on Netflix

📖 If you enjoy reading about a country before you visit check out these posts

• A Complete Guide to the Best Books from Around the World
• Best books about Croatia (or set in Croatia)

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• Where To Watch

Travel documentaries

Joanna lumley in the kingdom of the thunder dragon.

Bhutan, the beautiful land-locked nation in the Eastern Himalayas, has always been steeped in mystery.

In this revealing BBC travel documentary, Absolutely Fabulous star Joanna Lumley retraces the steps her grandparents took in the country 60 years before. Through her eyes, a world that challenges accepted ideas of wealth and happiness is explored.

But what family secrets will Joanna uncover?

The Silk Road

Covering 5,000 miles, passing through 13 countries and crossing some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet, this is the fascinating story of the lucrative trade route which changed the course of civilization forever.

In this extraordinary documentary series, Dr Sam Willis explores how the fortunes, ideas and history of the West were shaped and exchanged by travelers from the East.

Grand Indian Hotel

Enjoy an exclusive stay at some of the most jaw-dropping hotels in India, run by the award-winning luxury Oberoi Hotel Group, as they open their doors to cameras for the very first time. Witness unprecedented opulence, glamor and the extraordinary lengths hotel staff go to in the name of ‘guest obsession’ which aims to offer the very highest level of personal service.

The Travel Show

Join the Travel Show team on a journey of discovery as they explore new destinations around the globe and uncover hidden sides to some of the world’s favourite vacation hotspots. Encounter unique people, places and cultures and experience stunning landscapes, bustling cities and incredible adventures in the planet’s most fascinating locales.

Inside The Ritz Hotel

The Ritz opens its doors, allowing us to see the workings of one of the world’s most luxurious hotels. For over a century, this rarified London icon has been synonymous with opulence and extravagant cuisine. Celebrities love it, royalty graces its hallowed halls and billionaires frequently drop in. How does one of the most traditional hotels in the world stand out from the rest?

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The 9 Best Travel Documentary Series Worth Watching

I love travelling and I love watching documentaries so put the two together and it’s a match made in heaven. I can be transported away from the comfort of my living room and see places that I hope I will be able to travel to one day! If you want to do the same then carry on reading to discover my best travel documentary series worth watching (and if there’s any others that you’d suggest I watch next, please let me know in the comments!).

The best travel documentary series I would recommend

Dark Tourist – Netflix

I had to include a Dark Tourist review as I love that this series is a new take on travel – it explores the premise of dark tourism, visiting places that are associated with death and/or tragedy (although strangely the theme tune is quite upbeat!). My favourite episode is the one in Japan, where David Ferrier visits areas with high radiation following the Fukushima nuclear disaster, as well as Aokigahara Forest which is a well-documented suicide spot, and the abandoned Hashima Island (pictured above). The whole episode is intriguing and eerie, and the rest of the series is very interesting too. I really enjoyed it and David Ferrier is very likeable, so I can only hope for a Dark Tourist season 2.

Travel Man – Channel 4

What I like about this series is that it focuses on spending 48 hours in a city, so it’s quite fast paced and gives you an oversight of the best things to do if you have a limited amount of time in a location. Richard Ayoade is rather quirky and a bit awkward, and it’s funny watching him interact with a different celebrity guest on each episode. There are 9 series so far and there’s lots of episodes I am yet to see, however all of the episodes I have seen have been based in European cities. I think that is why I enjoy it as I find it quite relatable, I’ve been on several short breaks away in Europe and I like to do my research and get inspiration of places to go in advance, and this gives some great ideas.

Cruising with Jane McDonald – Channel 5

My parents and I love to watch Jane McDonald – she has such a fun and warm personality and some of her reactions to things make us all laugh. In fact we love watching her so much that my Dad will regularly text me to tell me when an episode is about to start! She has made a lot of different programmes, but in my opinion the best travel documentary series by her is Cruising with Jane McDonald. Not only do you get to see all the amazing destinations she goes to, but you get to tour around the different cruise ships as well. I have only been on a cruise ship once, but it was an experience I will never forget. She goes on cruises all over the world, so there’s destinations to suit every viewer’s interests. I recently read that she had left the series but that lockdown has made her re-evaluate and that she will now be making them again – hoping that’s true!

Joanna Lumley’s Japan – ITV / Amazon Prime

Joanna has done a range of different travel series, however I enjoyed Japan the most as it has always been somewhere that has interested me (probably why I loved the Dark Tourist episode on Japan so much too) and she shows rural Japan, not just the well-known places like Tokyo. For me the main draw with her programmes is how she comes across – her soft spoken manner, the way she can romantisise anything – she just seems like a delight to meet and I find her quite mesmorising! Sadly I don’t think this is available on the ITV Hub (some of her other series definitely are though), it is on Amazon now but that does involve paying for it if you’re not a Prime subscriber.

Travels with my Father – Netflix

One of my favourite Netflix series, this sees comedian Jack Whitehall and his dad Michael travel to various places around the world. I was a fan of Jack anyway but I love watching the father and son dynamic between them, and there are lots of laugh out loud moments. There was one episode in Las Vegas which will always stay with me though, where Jack and his dad have a heart to heart and he says to his dad “home is wherever you are” – cue emotional crying from me. Series 4 got released a few weeks ago and has gone straight on my must-watch list (I would have started it sooner but I’m halfway through about four different programmes right now!). Travels with my Father is the perfect mixture of a travel documentary series with comedy and heartfelt family moments thrown in.

Gordon, Gino, and Fred: Road Trip – ITV

For anyone who hasn’t heard of this previously, there are two series so far where chefs Gordon Ramsay and Gino D’Acampo, and French maître d’hôtel, Fred Sirieix, go on road trips together. They all have such different personalities yet somehow make the best of friends and have lots of funny moments. In the first series they go to their home countries of Italy, France and Scotland, and in the second series they go to Mexico and the US. A third series was due this year but has been postponed due to Covid. As they all have jobs related to cooking and hospitality, there is a big focus on them trying out food and drink as well as cooking themselves, so it is a great choice for foodies who like to explore the local cuisines of the places they travel to.

An Idiot Abroad – Sky One / Amazon Prime

These series are quite old now (2010-2012) but are still some of the funniest things I’ve ever watched so I had to include them in my best travel documentary series list. I think at some points I even cried from laughter as I just adore Karl Pilkington and his dry sense of humour so much! They originally aired on Sky, but I think are only available on Amazon now. Series 1 focuses on the seven wonders of the world, Series 2 is about bucket list activities, and Series 3 ‘The Short Way Round’ sees him travelling with Warwick Davis. You get to see lots of well-known destinations, but the uniqueness of An Idiot Abroad is him sharing his blunt opinions, often with a deadpan expression. He has some hilarious catch-ups with Ricky Gervais on the phone too, and all in all, I would just recommend watching anything that features Karl Pilkington!

The Kindness Diaries – Netflix

I have only seen Season 2 of this which starts with Leon Logothetis in Alaska, who has no money and no food, only a VW Beetle. He wants to prove kindness can change the world, by travelling all the way to Argentina with only help from strangers along the way. He also picks someone in each episode who has touched his heart, and rewards them in some way. It is heartwarming to see evidence that there are still nice people in the world, when there is so much negativity. There is definitely more of a focus on human interaction in this, than the actual travel destinations themselves, but it is a good pick-me-up for days when you feel like the human race is doomed.

Down to Earth – Netflix

This series follows Zac Efron and his friend Darin Olien around the world to check out various sustainability initiatives, as well as sustainable restaurants. When I first started watching the series I thought it was a general travel show, but I loved that it had a big focus on sustainability and it opened my eyes to a lot of initiatives around the world that I didn’t know about. I was so interested by it I wrote a blog post about it which gives you more of an idea of what the series covers, if it sounds like it would be of interest! There has since been another season of Down to Earth, set solely in Australia.

Sophie is a Content & Social Media Manager, and the Founder of Britain and Beyond.

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University Apologizes After Presenter Botches Names At Graduation Ceremony In Viral Clip

Thomas Jefferson University has apologized after viral clips showed a presenter mispronouncing several students’ names at a graduation ceremony on Thursday.

Social media videos show the presenter struggling to get graduates’ names right as they walked across the stage — including some who flashed awkward smiles in response — at the College of Nursing’s commencement in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The presenter pronounced names such as Sarah as “Psyear,” Molly Elizabeth as “Maleena Zabeth” and Thomas as “Thamomay.”

“Please tell me how one can be allowed to speak at college commencement and mess up that badly 🫠😬,” wrote TikTok user @colleenb415, whose clip of the botched pronunciations has over 10 million views on the platform.

“My daughters Thomas Jefferson University 2024 Graduation 😂. This announcer was fantastic !!,” joked TikToker @j_mul1013 .

Some social media users compared the presenter’s blunder to the “Substitute Teacher” sketch from “Key and Peele” while others questioned “how on earth” the mispronunciations went on “for so long.”

“A-A-RON” - Thomas Jefferson’s commencement speaker (tt/colleenb415) pic.twitter.com/cWeaBw7GGc — Crossing Broad (@CrossingBroad) May 10, 2024

Thomas Jefferson University later shared its “sincerest apologies” for the mispronunciations in a statement and explained that the speaker made them “due to the way phonetic spellings were presented” on their cards, adding that the presenter apologized during the ceremony.

“This unfortunate error does not reflect the immense respect we have for our graduates and the value we place on their hard-earned accomplishments,” the university said in a statement.

A message to the graduates of the Jefferson College of Nursing. pic.twitter.com/N7u0lhwCOa — Thomas Jefferson University (@JeffersonUniv) May 10, 2024

Flavor Flav Vows To Be 'Biggest' Hype Man For U.S. Women's Water Polo At Paris Olympics

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Social Media Mocks Steve Bannon After Contempt Conviction Is Upheld

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Eurovision 2024 presenters: Who are the confirmed BBC hosts?

Who will be helming the UK's coverage this year?

• Katelyn Mensah
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Europe's biggest music competition has returned, as the 68th Eurovision Song Contest commences tonight!

The first of the semi-finals begins in Malmö, Sweden and will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer , hosted by commentators Scott Mills and Rylan Clark .

Mills and Clark won't be the only one providing fans with some much-needed Eurovision content as Richie Anderson will be leading the commentary on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds for the first time.

In the days leading up to the final, the BBC will be providing non-stop coverage for fans of the competition, up until the Grand Final on Saturday 11th May, in which the new champions will be crowned.

But who is on the UK presenting line-up this year? Here's everything you need to know about the UK Eurovision 2024 presenters.

More like this

Who are the uk eurovision 2024 presenters, richie anderson.

Richie Anderson will be leading the Eurovision commentary on the sound waves for the BBC, and is best known for his work on TV and radio with the broadcaster.

Over the course of his career, Anderson has hosted the weekday mornings travel news on BBC Radio 2. He also took part on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022.

On hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in the UK, Anderson explained that the competition is his "summer Christmas time".

"I spend the first half of the year looking forward to it and counting down the days," he said. "The whole thing just puts a huge smile on my face. I love that it's such an accepting, fun and eccentric event that welcomes everyone no matter what."

Scott Mills

Scott Mills is a radio DJ and presenter, best known for hosting BBC Radio 1 from 2004 to 2022. Nowadays, fans can tune into him on BBC Radio 2.

Mills has appeared as a guest star on the likes of Mastermind, Children in Need and also Strictly Come Dancing, in which he came in 11th place with dance partner Joanne Clifton.

He said it is "super exciting" to be providing the Eurovision commentary with Rylan on BBC One this year and has teased what viewers can expect.

"You are going to get amazing voices, brilliant staging and some of the most ridiculous things you've ever seen all in one show," he said.

"Rylan and I spend a week together every year - we have done since 2017 - and it's always brilliant fun. I've been hosting the semi-finals for 14 years, when very few people knew what they were, mainly because the UK gets an automatic pass through to the final.

"Many countries don't even make it to the final, but they are so much fun, and so I'm really pleased more people know about it and get to see the semi-finals."

Rylan Clark

Rylan is back alongside Scott Mills as a commentator on BBC One and iPlayer this year and has teased that viewers can expect everything they love from him and Scott, but "just in Swedish"!

The 35-year-old shot to fame after appearing on The X Factor in 2012 and then went on to enter Celebrity Big Brother the following year.

Since then, Rylan has become a mainstay on people's TV screens, from appearing as a presenter on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two to hosting Prime Video's reality series, Hot Mess Summer .

Graham Norton

Where Eurovision is, Graham Norton will surely follow! During the Grand Final on Saturday 11th May, the TV host will be commentating live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 8pm.

Best known for his award-winning chat show, The Graham Norton Show, the presenter has been a mainstay on people's TV screens for years. Norton also recently began hosting Wheel of Fortune over on ITV.

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The Eurovision Song Contest has faced significant criticism over its decision to allow Israel to compete in this year’s competition in light of the current situation in Gaza and the Middle East, with some fans and members of the music industry calling for a boycott of the ceremony.

Noel Curran – director general of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises Eurovision – has said in a statement : "We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the current conflict in the Middle East. We can’t fail to be moved by the profound suffering of all those caught up in this terrible war.

"However, the Eurovision Song Contest is a non-political music event and a competition between public service broadcasters who are members of the EBU. It is not a contest between governments.

"As a member-led organisation, our governing bodies – the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group and the Executive Board – did review the participants list for the 2024 Contest and agreed that the Israeli public broadcaster KAN met all the competition rules for this year and can participate as it has for the past 50 years."

The artists taking part in this year's contest have also faced backlash for not pulling out of the ceremony, including the UK's act Olly Alexander, who signed a joint statement alongside other entrants explaining they "do not feel comfortable being silent".

"It is important to us to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and communicate our heartfelt wish for peace, an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and the safe return of all hostages," the statement read. "We stand united against all forms of hate, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

"We firmly believe in the unifying power of music, enabling people to transcend differences and foster meaningful conversations and connections. We feel that it is our duty to create and uphold this space, with a strong hope that it will inspire greater compassion and empathy."

The Eurovision 2024 live final will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 11th May at 8pm.

You can also check out the full list of Eurovision winners and how many times the UK has won Eurovision .

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast .

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15 Best Documentaries About Trains To Watch

• by Jonny Duncan
• December 8, 2023 December 8, 2023

Documentaries about trains offer a captivating journey into the heart of this mode of transportation, delving into their evolution, the communities they have linked, and the stories of those who have dedicated their lives to the rails.

With their rhythmic clatter and hypnotic motion, trains have played a pivotal role in shaping history and connecting distant landscapes.

If you’re wondering what a “Backpacking” website has to do with trains, it’s quite simple, I love travelling by train.

Trains are my favourite mode of transport and I have had some of my best travel experiences on them, from travelling around India by train for several months to taking the Trans-Mongolian Railway, a great train journey is one of the best things you can do.

Documentaries About Trains

Whether documenting the nostalgic era of steam engines or highlighting the cutting-edge technology of modern high-speed trains, these documentaries weave a rich tapestry of human ingenuity and the enduring allure of the railroad.

These films showcase the technical prowess behind locomotives and explore the cultural, social, and economic impact of trains on societies worldwide.

Great Railway Journeys (1980-1999)

I had to include this one first on the list as it’s one of the best documentaries about trains as far as a series goes, and an absolute classic.

Great Railway Journeys is a British television documentary series that originally aired from 1980 to 1999. The show featured various presenters embarking on train journeys around the world, exploring different cultures, landscapes, and historical sites.

Each episode focused on a specific railway journey, offering you a unique perspective on the destinations visited.

Some of the notable presenters from the early years of the series included personalities like Michael Palin, Chris Tarrant, and David Dimbleby. Each presenter brought their own style and perspective to the show, contributing to its popularity.

The series was well-received for its combination of travel, history, and cultural exploration. The presenters often shared personal anecdotes, and historical insights, and interacted with locals along the way.

The journeys covered a wide range of locations, from Europe to Asia, Africa, and the Americas, and is one of the best travelogue-style documentary series about trains to watch.

This is one of the first episodes from 1980 with a young Michael Palin presenting:

Great British Railway Journeys (2010 -)

Great British Railway Journeys is part of several continuations from the original Great Railway Journeys series mentioned earlier. This series follows the presenter, Michael Portillo, a former British politician, as he travels across the United Kingdom by train, exploring the history, culture, and heritage of different regions.

The series, as mentioned, is part of a broader franchise that includes various “Railway Journeys” programs, each focusing on a different country or region.

In “Great British Railway Journeys,” Michael Portillo uses a copy of George Bradshaw’s Victorian railway guidebook to navigate his journeys, comparing historical information with the current state of the railways and the places he visits.

The show often delves into historical events, industrial developments, and social changes associated with the locations featured in each episode. A short clip from the series:

Instead of going into detail about all of the Great Railway Journeys series, I’ll just add them here which ones they are for you to search for if you have an interest in a particular area.

They are all hosted by the same presenter, Michael Portillo, and start from the year 2010 onwards.

Great American Railroad Journeys, Great Continental Railway Journeys, Great Asian Railway Journeys, Great Australian Railway Journeys, Great Indian Railway Journeys, Great Alaskan and Canadian Railroad Journeys, Great Coastal Railway Journeys.

Joanna Lumley’s Trans-Siberian Adventure

Joanna Lumley’s Trans-Siberian Adventure is a British television documentary series that follows the actress and presenter Joanna Lumley as she embarks on a journey along the Trans-Siberian Railway. The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway line in the world, stretching over 5,700 miles from Moscow in Russia to Vladivostok on the Pacific coast.

The series consists of three episodes and captures Lumley’s experiences and encounters as she travels across Russia by train. Throughout the journey, she explores the diverse landscapes, cultures, and people along the route, providing you with insights into the vast and varied country that is Russia.

Lumley’s Trans-Siberian adventure takes her through cities, towns, and remote areas, offering a glimpse into the history, traditions, and contemporary life of Russia.

The documentary combines travelogue elements with Lumley’s engaging personality, making it an entertaining and informative watch for those interested in travel, cultural exploration, and of course, trains.

Joanna Lumley is one of my favourite TV presenters so this is a joy to watch and is one of the best documentaries about trains if you have an interest in the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Watch the full season here:

Rocky Mountain Express (2011)

Rocky Mountain Express explores the construction and operation of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in the early 20th century. The documentary showcases the breathtaking landscapes of the Canadian Rockies and the challenges faced by the engineers and workers who built the railway.

One of the notable aspects of “Rocky Mountain Express” is its use of IMAX technology, which allows for stunning visuals and immersive cinematography. The film takes you on a journey through the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains, highlighting the engineering marvels involved in creating the railway.

The documentary also delves into the history of the CPR, detailing its significance in connecting Canada from east to west and facilitating transportation and trade. It combines historical footage, reenactments, and contemporary cinematography to tell the story of this iconic railway.

Watch it here:

Indian Hill Railways (2010)

Indian Hill Railways is a documentary series that explores the unique and challenging hill railways of India, showcasing the engineering marvels and the breathtaking landscapes through which these railways traverse.

India is home to several hill railways that were built during the British colonial era, and they continue to operate, offering not only transportation but also scenic journeys for passengers.

The series covers various aspects of these hill railways, including their history, construction, significance, and the challenges faced in maintaining and operating them in challenging terrains. These railways are not only functional but also hold cultural and historical value.

This is one of my favourite documentaries about trains series to watch, especially as I’ve been on some of these journeys.

Chris Tarrant: Extreme Railways (2012 -)

Chris Tarrant: Extreme Railways is a television documentary series featuring English broadcaster Chris Tarrant. The series explores some of the world’s most challenging and extreme railway journeys, showcasing not only the breathtaking landscapes but also the history, culture, and engineering marvels associated with each railway.

Chris Tarrant travels to various locations around the globe to experience these extreme railways firsthand. The series typically combines elements of travel, adventure, and history, providing you with insights into the importance and impact of railways in different regions.

India’s Frontier Railways (2015)

This series delves into the challenging and breathtaking train journeys in some of the most remote areas of India. It highlights the incredible engineering feats and the cultural significance of the railways in the country.

You can watch all the episodes for free on YouTube but at a low quality of 360p.

The Flying Scotsman: A Rail Romance (2013)

This documentary tells the story of the famous Flying Scotsman , one of the most iconic steam locomotives in the world. It covers its history, restoration, and its impact on railway enthusiasts.

This is the perfect one out of all these documentaries about trains that explores a classic steam locomotive.

Watch it here in full quality:

You can also watch the full episode for free on YouTube in lower quality:

Railroad Australia (2016-)

Railroad Australia is an Australian train documentary series that focuses on the country’s rail network and the people who work on it. It provides you with an in-depth look at the challenges and operations of Australia’s vast and diverse railway system.

Throughout the series, “Railroad Australia” explores different aspects of the rail industry, from the maintenance of tracks and trains to the logistics of transporting goods across the expansive Australian landscape.

It often features interviews with railway workers, engineers, and other professionals, offering insights into their daily lives and the complexities of running an efficient rail network.

A Train Ride Into Japan’s Past (2021)

This is a great little documentary about train travel on the island of Kyushu in Japan. I found it on YouTube and am adding it here as I travelled all around Kyushu by train and had some very scenic journeys on some historic trains.

That’s me at a historic train station in Kyushu.

Japan has some great train journeys, from old trains to the fast new Shinkansen. It’s a country that loves trains.

Trevor McDonald’s Indian Train Adventure (2019)

Trevor McDonald’s Indian Train Adventure is a documentary presented by Sir Trevor McDonald, a well-known British television presenter and journalist, that explores India’s vast and diverse railway system.

In the documentary, Sir Trevor McDonald likely takes viewers on a journey through various regions of India, showcasing the importance of trains in connecting people, cultures, and landscapes.

India has one of the largest and busiest railway networks in the world, and its trains play a crucial role in the daily lives of millions of people.

It’s one of the best train documentaries about India.

The Great Workhorses: Freight Trains That Move Huge Loads

From the Channel Tunnel to carrying iron ore in the Australian Outback, experts discuss the history and the future of freight trains.

If you have any interest in freight trains in particular then this is one of the best documentaries about trains for you to watch.

Railroad Alaska (2013-)

Railroad Alaska is an American reality television series that aired on the Destination America channel. The series focuses on individuals and communities in Alaska who rely on the Alaska Railroad for transportation and supplies.

The show provides a glimpse into the unique challenges of maintaining and operating a railroad system in the extreme conditions of Alaska, where harsh weather, remote locations, and rugged terrain pose significant obstacles.

Railroad Alaska follows the lives of people living along the railroad tracks, showcasing their day-to-day activities, struggles, and the vital role the railroad plays in their lives.

Watch all the seasons here:

World’s Biggest, Longest Trains

From the Swiss Alps to the steppe of South Africa and to Japan, these are some of the world’s most extraordinary trains.

How The Steam Train Changed The World

A great documentary that takes a look at, as the title says, how the steam train changed the world.

One extra… But not a documentary.

The Great Train Robbery (2013)

This 2 part TV series provides an in-depth look at the infamous Great Train Robbery of 1963 in the United Kingdom. It explores the planning, execution, and aftermath of one of the most famous heists in history.

You can watch both episodes for free on YouTube, although in 720p quality.

These documentaries about trains offer a diverse range of perspectives on covering the history, culture, technology, and more.

Top tip: Take a look at the website seat61 which has so much information about train travel around the world. I use it extensively whenever planning a trip by train.

Whether you’re a train enthusiast or simply curious about the impact of railways on society, you’re likely to find something interesting in these documentaries about trains.

For more on trains, look at this article about taking the Trans-Mongolian train from Mongolia to Beijing, China .

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Netherlands' Eurovision entry banned from performing after 'breaching rules'

Meghan markle and prince harry at the centre of new german documentary on the royal family.

Watch: Amy Nickell-Turner discuss Harry and Meghan's Netflix deal

By Hannah Ross

Published: 08/05/2024

A German TV production is documenting the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

• The show will be directed by royal journalist Ulrike Grunewald who has released multiple documentaries on the Royal Family
• A royal commentator said that Harry and Meghan will “not welcome” another documentary about their lives
• Have your say: Will you be watching the new documentary on Harry and Meghan? Just click the comment button above now

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will be at the centre of a new German documentary on the Royal Family.

A German TV producer is making a new documentary about the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Ulrike Grunewald, a royal journalist with decades of experience covering the Royal Family, will be directing the production for Germany’s ZDF network.

Grunewald has travelled to California with her team of five including producer Mo Davies from London, to gather insight into life in Montecito.

Harry and Meghan will be at the centre of a German documentary

Meghan and Harry live in Montecito, just north of Hollywood, with their two children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Among those interviewed for the documentary is Richard Mineards, who covered the Royal Family for the Daily Mirror and the Daily Mail before moving to Montecito.

In his latest column, Mineards said: “Los Angeles-based producer, Melanie Hillmann grilled me for two hours on my Riven Rock neighbours, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, under director Ulrike Grunewald. The interview is airing in due course as part of a prime-time documentary on ZDF Royal.”

Grunewald, an esteemed journalist and presenter on the news programme Heute-Journal (Today-Journal) has been reporting since 1987.

A royal commentator said that Harry and Meghan will "not welcome" the new documentary

However, the couple will “not welcome” the new documentary as they are “phobic about their privacy,” according to a royal commentator.

Richard Fitzwilliams told The Mirror: “Having largely controlled Oprah, who was reluctant to interrogate them, having control over their six-hour documentary for Netflix, 'Harry and Meghan' and obviously over Harry’s memoir Spare, the Sussexes would almost certainly not welcome this."

He added: “They are phobic about their privacy and are unlikely to welcome scrutiny.

“To be on the receiving end of a documentary where they have no control over the contents is far from ideal for them, especially as it is being directed by Ulrike Grunewald, a seasoned royal journalist for many years who has a reputation for unravelling concealed facts.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have released memoirs and documentaries about the Royal Family

LATEST ROYAL NEWS:

• Harry waves to crowd as he receives huge cheer during arrival at St Paul's Cathedral
• Prince Harry hit with fresh setback in the US
• Harry suffers brutal snub as Royal Family members join King at Buckingham Palace

Grunewald has previously released documentaries including Princess Diana’s Dangerous Legacy, The Queen and the Power of Images; Fergie! and The Duchess and the Secret of the Windsors.

Last September, Grunewald spoke with Harry in Dusseldorf at the Invictus Games.

She noted after the encounter: “Now that Meghan is here, he is over the moon. They have been holding hands, cheering competitors on at various matches and games.

“They seem intimate and very close. Either that or they are very good actors. From where I've been watching, they seem very in love.”

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Bret Stephens

Sheryl Sandberg Screams Back at the Silence

By Bret Stephens

Opinion Columnist

There is a scene in “ Screams Before Silence ,” the harrowing documentary about the rape and mutilation of Israeli women on Oct. 7, that I can’t get out of my head. It’s an interview that the former Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg, the documentary’s presenter, conducted with Ayelet Levy Sachar, the mother of 19-year-old Naama Levy, whose kidnapping that morning was filmed by Hamas. The sight of her pajama bottoms, drenched in blood at the back, was one of the earliest indications that sexual brutality was part of Hamas’s playbook.

“They’re grabbing her by the hair, and she’s all, like, messed up and like, and I’m thinking of her hair, and like, in my mind I’m stroking her hair, like I’m always doing,” Levy Sachar said of the video of her daughter’s kidnapping. “We would like to think that this couldn’t be possible. That nobody would harm a young girl. But then you just see it there.”

To have a child seized, savaged and paraded this way goes beyond a parent’s worst nightmare. Here it is compounded by an additional horror: the combination of indifference and outright denial with which much of the world has treated these sexual atrocities.

Why? “People are so polarized that they want every fact to fit into a narrative, and if their narrative is resistance, then sexual violence doesn’t fit into that narrative,” Sandberg told me when I met her in New York last Thursday, hours before the documentary’s premiere at The Times Center. “You can believe that Gaza is happening because Israel has no choice; you can believe that Gaza is happening because Israel wants to kill babies. You can hold either one of those thoughts. And you should also be able to hold the thought that sexual violence is unacceptable, no matter what.”

To watch “Screams Before Silence” is to be disabused of any lingering doubts about what Hamas did. The personal testimonies of victims, survivors and witnesses are clear and overpowering, as is the photographic evidence Sandberg was shown of mutilated corpses. And some of them have scarcely been heard about outside Israel.

There is Tali Binner, a partygoer at the Nova music festival who hid in a small camper as other women were raped outside: “I heard a girl that started to yell for a long time. It was like, ‘Please don’t. No, no, stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. No. No. No’. It was like, she was asking someone to stop. What can they stop? Someone is abusing her. Someone touching her. Someone is doing something.”

There is Raz Cohen, who witnessed a rape as he hid with a friend in the brush: “Shoham, who was next to me, said, ‘He’s stabbing her. He’s slaughtering her,’ or something like that, and I didn’t want to look.” Cohen added, in Hebrew: “When I looked again, she was already dead, and he was still at it. He was still raping her after he had slaughtered her.”

There is Rami Davidian, who rushed to help people at the Nova site: “I saw girls tied up with their hands behind them to every tree here. Someone murdered them, raped them and abused them, here on these trees. Their legs were spread. Everyone who sees this knows right away that the girls were abused. Someone stripped them. Someone raped them. They inserted all kinds of things into their intimate organs, like wooden boards, iron rods. Over 30 girls were murdered and raped here.”

There is Amit Soussana , who was kidnapped to Gaza for 55 days and raped by her captor when she was trying to bathe: “He came toward me and just pointed a gun really hard at my forehead, screaming at me, ‘Take it off. Take it off,’ and punching me until I could not hold the towel anymore. And he started touching me, and I resisted, and then he dragged me to the bedroom. And then he forced me to commit a sexual act on him.”

Just to transcribe these quotations is awful. It may also seem gratuitous. But the refusal by so many people to acknowledge what happened, often accompanied by sneering derision, makes it necessary.

It also illustrates some important points about the rapes and mutilations.

One is that the sexual violence appears to have been by design. Terrorists engaged in gigantic killing sprees usually don’t have time to strip and rape their victims. Morgues don’t typically find body after body arriving with bloodied underpants, butchered breasts, mutilated groins. On Oct. 7 and the days that followed, they did, and not just in a few isolated incidents. How did so many of the killers get the same idea?

Another is that the primary purpose of the rapes was not sexual gratification. It was humiliation and terror. “When the body of the woman is violated, it symbolizes the body of the whole nation,” Ruth Halperin-Kaddari, a former vice president of the U.N. Committee on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, observed to Sandberg. And what better way to terrify an enemy than through forms of sexual violence that make the rape scene in “A Clockwork Orange” seem tame by comparison?

A third point that goes beyond Israel: Sexual violence has always been a tool of war. But widespread awareness of it, along with an international determination to stop it, really started only in the 1990s with the horrors in the Balkans and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The giant shrug with which the rape of Israeli women is being met suggests that time may be over. What starts with the Jews, as the saying goes, never ends with the Jews.

Which raises a final point.

“I’ve spent my life, obviously, building businesses,” Sandberg told me toward the end of our interview. “And separately I’ve spent a lot of my life fighting for women. And I never thought I was going to work on antisemitism. I didn’t think it was a problem, and I was absolutely wrong. And I never thought that politics could make any group or feminist leader turn a blind eye to just such clear documentation of sexual violence.”

With “Screams Before Silence,” Sandberg has screamed back at the silence. Is anybody listening?

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An earlier version of this article misstated Rami Davidian’s role at the Nova music festival. He is a local resident who helped people at the site; he is not an emergency medical worker.

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Bret Stephens is an Opinion columnist for The Times, writing about foreign policy, domestic politics and cultural issues. Facebook