michael portillo railway journeys 2022

Thu 18 Apr 2024

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Michael Portillo on the significance of his new Great Coastal Railway Journeys series

For his latest tv series, michael portillo celebrates britain’s coastal railways. he tells claire webb why they are so magnificent, and of such personal importance.

As a boy, Michael Portillo used to catch the sleeper train from London to Scotland when he visited his grandparents, and can still recall the thrill of those journeys.

“In those days some of the trains were still pulled by steam engines and I remember being terrified by these enormous panting monsters of locomotives”, chuckles the former MP. “We travelled sitting bolt upright [in chairs] all night.”

The most exciting moment of those childhood trips from King’s Cross to Kirkcaldy, on Fife’s coast, was puffing across the iconic Forth Bridge after passing through Edinburgh.

“You see the huge, rust-coloured struts of iron and steel that hold the whole thing together.” He recalls once waking up at a station in the middle of the night; he could see “York” written on a pillar and peered around for the word “New”.

“My mother said, ‘You cannot possibly believe that New York is situated between London and Edinburgh.’ I was slightly ignorant of geography.”

If his mother had gazed into a crystal ball that night, she might have been surprised to see that her son would one day be Britain’s Defence Secretary and, after he retired from politics, would enjoy a second career presenting popular travel documentaries. For the past 13 years, Portillo has chugged around railways both at home and abroad.

The pandemic has barely slowed him down, but it has emptied trains. “It has produced a real crisis in rail travel,” he muses. “It’s not for me to advise people what level of risk they want to take. I would just say that I have travelled consistently on public transport through the pandemic and I’m here to tell the story.”

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In his latest TV series, Great Coastal Railway Journeys, he meanders along the shores of Scotland, Wales and England, and is struck by their conservation.

“Much of the British Isles’ coastlines are pristine by comparison with Britain’s towns, villages and cities, which are awfully cluttered by traffic, parked vehicles and signage.”

Sea birds on bass rock

His first journey took him back to Scotland’s craggy east coast, from the historic harbour town of Dunbar to the busy fishing port of Peterhead via Edinburgh, Stirling, St Andrew’s, Dundee, Aberdeen and the Forth Bridge, which is still a personal thrill. However, the highlight was a boat trip from North Berwick to the world’s largest colony of northern gannets: Bass Rock, a 100-metre lump of jagged white rock floating in the Firth of Forth.

The Scottish Seabird Centre organises boat tours, including landing trips when the sea is calm enough. “At the time that I visited it was the gathering point for 150,000 gannets,” says Portillo, who’s a keen bird-watcher.

“The northern gannet is very large and rather beautiful, with a yellow shadow all around its blue eye. Most of them were breeding; the couples engage in courting behaviour – they cross their bills and do a sort of dance. In 13 years of making these programmes, I’ve never filmed anything quite like that. I’ve been back since because I wanted to show my family.”

He also explored the Scottish Isles. “This series probably has as many boats in it as trains. We went to Staffa, Mull, Iona, Skye and Harris and Lewis, and the Orkney Islands.”

As well as lovely sandy beaches and wide-open coastal vistas, Orkney has an especially fascinating history. “There are Iron Age settlements and a Norwegian-built medieval cathedral of some grandeur. It’s a reminder that Orkney stood as the very important entrepot between the British Isles and Scandinavia, and it was in fact Norwegian territory until relatively recently.

There’s also a gorgeous Nissen hut painted by an Italian prisoner of war during the Second World War with trompe l’oeil features, to create the impression of a Renaissance chapel.”

Back on the rails, a surprise highlight was the Cumbrian Coast Line, which meanders from the shipbuilding town of Barrow-in-Furness to Carlisle via the shimmering mudflats of Morecambe Bay, the Lake District’s wild dunes and never-ending golden beaches.

“The railway runs along the water most of the way, and crosses lots of estuaries and inlets on little causeways and viaducts. As the tide goes in and out, the scene that you’re looking out on changes dramatically, and there are extensive sand and mudflats that are as spectacular as looking out at the sea”, he tells i .

All aboard the Hogwarts Express

Sixty years after Portillo was awestruck by the roaring locomotives at King’s Cross, he took a seat on the UK’s most popular steam train, It didn’t disappoint. The Jacobite operates on the West Highland Line between Fort William and the fishing town of Mallaig from May to October, and is better known as the Hogwarts Express thanks to its cameo in the Harry Potter films.

Skirting freshwater and sea lochs, the West Highland Line has been voted the world’s best train journey. For Portillo, the high point was crossing the 100ft, 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct.

“It was the first concrete viaduct and overlooks the spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed from France in order to lead the Jacobite rebellion, which of course ended in disaster from the Jacobite point of view.”

He also bedded down on the night train from London Euston to Inverness, but this time in style: he booked a cabin on the recently scrubbed-up Caledonian Sleeper. “I went in the poshest cabin, so I had a little bathroom with shower and loo, and a large and comfortable bed. A terrific way to travel.”

‘Great Coastal Railway Journeys’ is on weekdays at 6.30pm, BBC Two

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Great Coastal Railway Journeys

An epic stretch of Scottish coastline is the first stop for Michael Portillo. Siccar Point, close to Dunbar on the Firth of Forth, was the site of an extraordinary 18th-century discovery and is today a place of pilgrimage for earth scientists.

Michael Portillo continues his 300-mile Scottish coastal journey along the Firth of Forth at the railway engineering icon for which it is famous throughout the world: the Forth Bridge.

Michael Portillo begins this leg of his Scottish railway journey in the beautiful medieval city of Stirling. Michael learns it was a strategic city, situated where the Lowlands meet the Highlands at the lowest bridging point of the River Forth.

Michael Portillo visits St Andrews, home to Scotland's oldest university, in eastern Fife, before heading to the vibrant city of Dundee and the harbour town of Stonehaven.

Michael Portillo's Scottish railway journey reaches Aberdeen, from which he heads to the wild and beautiful Forvie National Nature Reserve and Scotland's most easterly town, Peterhead.

Michael Portillo crosses the Culloden Viaduct aboard the Caledonian Sleeper to arrive bright and early in the coastal city of Inverness, from which he heads north on a scenic adventure to the Orkney archipelago. On boggy moorland overlooking the Moray Firth near Inverness, Michael explores the battlefield at Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army fought British government troops in 1746.

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Michael Portillo

Ben Rowland

Tom Richardson

John Comerford

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22 new reasons to get excited about train travel in 2022

• Post author By vickymayer100
• Post date 3rd January 2022

From a new Italian luxury train to Brad Pitt on a bullet train and the TV return of Michael Portillo, Vicky Mayer discover 22 new reasons to get excited about train travel in 2022

Travel with Belmond and Wes Anderson

Celebrated Film Director Wes Anderson has teamed up with Belmond to recreate the Cygnus carriage aboard the British Pullman . The American Director is known for his love of trains and vintage architecture, which is apparent in his quirky films including The Darjeeling Limited and The Grand Budapest Hotel.

The redesigned carriage is instantly recognisable as a Wes Anderson design with symmetrical lines, unique colour palettes and art nouveau style. Even better, guests can enjoy a truly luxurious experience with two new private coupés in the carriage.

Paris to Vienna by night train

Look out for a new night train journey from Paris to Vienna in 2022. OBB has added a new Nightjet train to its existing network and now guests can travel from Paris Gare de l’Est in the early evening, arriving just after 10am in Vienna. The journey takes between 14 to 15 hours, running from Paris on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. It returns from Vienna on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. One-way fares in a couchette start from €59.50 or in a sleeper from €94.90.

Michael Portillo back on TV

Watch out for a new series of Great British Railway Journeys in 2022. At the end of 2021 the show’s popular host Michael Portillo was spotted filming in Rothbury, Amble, Morpeth, Bedlington Station and Vindolanda on Hadrian’s Wall. He will also be taking a look at Cragside, the National Trust property created by Victorian industrialist Lord Armstrong.

Brad Pitt & Sandra Bullock ride the Bullet Train

Bullet Train, the eagerly awaited new action film starring Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock, will be released in July 2022. The film follows five assassins who find themselves on a fast-moving bullet train. Bit by bit, they realise their individual assignments are connected to each other. And so begins the adventure…

Northern Belle heads to Llandudno

2021 was a tough year for luxury British train operator Northern Belle . But bookings for 2022 are promising and we love the look of a new day journey, the Llandudno & Victorian Experience. Departing from York, Doncaster and Sheffield stations, guests will get to enjoy a round-trip trip to this popular North Wales seaside town. Tickets from £325 pp included a lavish five-course lunch.

Secrets of the Underground is back

Great news for London Underground fans – Secrets of the London Underground is set to return in 2022 for a second series. The first series, presented by Tim Dunn and Siddy Holloway , launched with a record-breaking 659k audience. And the second series, which will be shown again on the Yesterday channel, promises to explore unseen areas of London’s Underground network.

Rail Heaven in the UAE

2022 looks set to be an exciting year for the UAE Rail Programme. This impressive project aims to create a new system for transporting passengers and goods across the UAE in the coming years. The rail network will link the emirates and the key cities of the country. The first phase of the Etihad Rail has been fully operational since 2016 and progress is being made fast on a new cross-country rail network.

The return of the Railway Children

It won’t be long now before we get to see the sequel to the famous Railway Children. Set for a spring launch, The Railway Children Return has been written by acclaimed children’s author Jacqueline Wilson. The film stars Jenny Agutter, Sheridan Smith, Tom Courtenay and John Bradley.

Fast trains heading to the US

The USA has famously been slow to run high-speed trains. But the good news is that in 2022 Amtrak will be running a new set of hgh-speed Acela trains in the Northwest Corridor. As well as faster journey times, these trains boast 25% more seats, free WiFi, USB ports and great onboard food and drink.

The Orient Express Heads for Italy

Luxury train lovers will be able to book a cabin on the new Orient Express La Dolce Vita route. The first journeys on 6 new trains will begin in 2023 with various iconic itineraries through Italy. Guests will enjoy travelling in beautifully designed trains from Northern to Southern Italy, across 14 regions.

The journeys will also take them on to 3 international destinations from Rome to Paris, Istanbul and Split. Look out too for the first Orient Express Hotel, Minerva in Rome. This is scheduled to open in 2024.

Enjoy the sights from Stuttgart to Vienna

If you’ve got the time, OBB ‘s new Railjet service from Stuttgart to Vienna looks great. On a leisurely journey, you’ll get to see Lake Constance, Innsbruck, Bavaria and Salzburg. The journey takes 9 hours, 45 minutes so it’s worth treating yourself to a €15 upgrade to business class and enjoying a long leisurely lunch on board. Fares start from €37.90 second class; €56.90 first class; €71.90 business class .

Griff heads to Canada

Popular British TV presenter Griff Rhys Jones has a new C4 travel series airing in 2022. In his new documentary, Rhys explores the culture and traditions of Canada. As well as travelling by train, he will also use seaplane, cargo boat, dogsled and monster truck.

Go interrailing in style

Interrailing in 2022 looks set to be a glam affair. Cool hotel chain, Hoxton Hotels , is promoting its ‘Travel Pledge’. For £2,000 this gives interrailing guests the chance to stay in 10 Hoxton hotels anywhere in Europe. You’ll find hip Hoxton hotels in London, Berlin, Barcelona, Rome and more. Interrailing passes start at £139 pp.

Spain’s trains get faster

Spain’s high speed continues a pace in 2022. From January you will be able to travel by high-speed train from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela in only 3 hours 20 minutes. The new trains travel from Madrid Chamartin to Santiago de Compostela. Remembering this journey used to take seven hours a decade ago, this is a major achievement.  And even better, the fares are very reasonably priced too from €20.65 standard class, €36.60 comfort class. See more at acprail.com .

Amtrak goes upmarket

Great news for US citizens and those visiting the US too. In 2022 Amtrak ‘s interstate trains will be more upmarket so expect fresh meals served on linen tablecloths with local wines. There will also be dedicated lounges for premium passengers at major city stations.

Sightseeing in Japan in style

Launching on 9 th April 2022, new luxury sightseeing train the Kintetsu Aoniyoshi express will run between Osaka, Nara and Kyoto. The elegant 4-carriage train will have comfortable lounge seats, picture windows and a stylish restaurant and bar.

The Aoniyoshi train will have 84 seats (all of which require prior reservation) and run as a limited express from Osaka Namba Station to Kyoto via Kintetsu Nara Station. Tickets are expected to cost ¥2,000 per person and the journey will take 80 minutes. See more at kintetsu.co.jp

All you need to know about the Trans-Siberian

Want to know more about the world’s longest railway, the Trans- Siberian ? Then head to Yorkshire’s National Railway Museum this year where you’ll discover some amazing facts about the railway that spans 5,772 miles and covers seven time zones.

As well as the history of the train, look out for exhibits including a famous Great Siberian Railway Fabergé Easter egg plus model carriages of a Trans-Siberian Express train.

Order before you board with Lumo

Passengers using the new Lumo service between London’s King’s Cross and Edinburgh Waverley will be able to order meals for their journey before they travel.

Using Lumo’s website to access the LumoEats option, a digital menu allows passengers to pre-order meals for their journey. You can order from brands including The Pasty Shop and Upper Crust, with more brands on their way. You can also buy drinks and food on board from the trolley service.

Prague to Brussels by overnight train

Netherlands-based train company European Sleeper  will be launching a new night service in 2022. You’ll be able to leave Brussels at 7pm, stop off in Amsterdam, Antwerp and Dresden before arriving in Prague at 10am. The plan is for the trains to run every other day, moving to daily if there’s demand. Included in the fare is free wi-fi, coffee and breakfast. Tickets for summer 2022 will go on sale in April 2022.

Ski resort visits in Switzerland

Hopping between ski resorts in 2022 will be easier thanks to new service the Goldenpass Express. With new trains with impressive floor-to-ceiling windows, you can now travel easily between Montreux, Gstaad, and Interlaken. And even if you’re not a skier the promise of dramatic views of the Bernese Alps is worth the train fare alone.

Rockies to the Red Rocks

From summer 2022, you can see the vast canyons of the American Southwest from the comfort of a custom-designed glass-domed rail coach. The famous Rocky Mountaineer company is launching a new two-day Rockies to the Red Rocks route that will connect The two-day Rockies to the Red journey will connect Moab, Utah and Denver. You’ll also get to stay overnight in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.  Whisper it, this could be the start of the return of the great American railroad trip.

Travel fast from Genoa to Naples

Jump on one of the new NTV Italo trains from Genoa to Naples and in 6 hours, 40 minutes you’ll be there. The new service offers traveller lots to see on the way of the 590-mile journey including Milan, Florence and Rome. Fares start from €59.90 in Smart; €66.90 in Prima; €116.90 in Club Executive.

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• Tags acprail , amtrak , Belmond British Pullman , brad pitt , Bullet train film , european sleeper trains , fast spanish trains , goldenpass express , Great British Railway Journeys , Griff rhys jones new show , hoxton hotels , interrailing , Jacqueline Wilson , jenny agutter , Kintetsu Aoniyoshi express , lumo train , luxury trains , Michael Portillo TV show , national railway museum , northern belle , NTV Italo , OBB , OBB NightJet , orient express , orient express la dolce vita , paris by train , paris sleeper train , rockies to the red rocks , rocky mountaineer , sandra bullock , secrets of the london underground , Siddy Holloway , The Railway Children , the railway children return , Tim Dunn , UAE trains , vienna sleeper train , wes anderson , yesterday TV

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Announcements, local businesses, north wales to feature on bbc's great coastal railway journeys - when to watch, bbc great coastal railway journeys in conwy - how to watch.

Conwy, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno are all set to feature on BBC's Great Coastal Railway Journeys on Friday (April 19).

Great Coastal Railway Journeys, which features Michael Portillo as host, is into its third series having begun back in 2022.

So far this series he has already visited other Welsh locations including Anglesey, Porthmadog and Cardigan Bay.

Conwy county to feature on BBC's Great Coastal Railway Journeys

This week viewers will see Portillo explore areas within the Conwy county and Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park in a new episode of Great Coastal Railway Journeys.

Michael Portillo will visit Conwy Castle during this week's episode of Great Coastal Railway Journeys on BBC Two and iPlayer. (Image: BBC/Naked West/Fremantle)

The episode, which is set to air on BBC Two on Friday (April 19), will feature the likes of the Conwy Castle, Llandudno's Great Orme (and the Great Orme Mines) and Colwyn Bay beach.

The show's synopsis on BBC iPlayer reads: "Michael Portillo takes the train to the medieval walled town of Conwy on the last leg of his exploration of the shores of north Wales. 

"On a coastal ridge overlooking the estuary of the River Conwy is the town’s impressive 13th-century castle, built by the conquering English king, Edward I, on the site of the palace of the Welsh prince, Llywelyn. 

"In the foothills of the Carneddau mountain range, Michael enjoys breathtaking views over 27,000 acres of rugged open land.

"The Victorian resort of Llandudno is Michael’s next stop, where he scales the dramatic limestone headland to investigate one of the most important Bronze Age copper mines in Europe. 

"Michael presses east to reach Colwyn Bay. Its long sweeping promenade looks out over Liverpool Bay and the Irish Sea beyond, but alongside the holidaymakers, Michael finds bulldozers and computer-guided earth movers engaged in a transformational project to create a new beach."

Great Orme Mines took to social media pages over the weekend to remind people when to watch the show and adding they were "looking forward to watching it".

When to see Conwy, Llandudno and Colwyn Bay on BBC's Great Coastal Railway Journeys

Series three, episode 10 of BBC's Great Coastal Railway Journeys titled Conwy to Colwyn Bay will air on BBC Two on Friday (April 19) at 6,30pm.

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The episode has a running time of approximately 29 minutes and is scheduled to conclude at 7pm.

If you can't wait until Friday to catch a glimpse of the stunning Conwy county in the BBC show, don't worry. 

The latest episode of Great Coastal Railway Journeys - Conwy to Colwyn Bay is available now on BBC iPlayer.

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The Pyrenees with Michael Portillo

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Former British Government Cabinet Minister turned broadcaster Michael Portillo embarks upon a journey of self-discovery as he walks stretches of the Pyrenees mountain range between Spain and... Read all Former British Government Cabinet Minister turned broadcaster Michael Portillo embarks upon a journey of self-discovery as he walks stretches of the Pyrenees mountain range between Spain and France. Former British Government Cabinet Minister turned broadcaster Michael Portillo embarks upon a journey of self-discovery as he walks stretches of the Pyrenees mountain range between Spain and France.

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• August 23, 2022 (United Kingdom)
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Join Michael Portillo on an unforgettable journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Ride in luxury from Venice to Paris and enjoy exclusive events with the broadcaster and rail enthusiast

While there are plenty of unique experiences available, such as an icy expedition to Antarctica and a glamorous trip to Venice with James Martin , anyone in search of one-of-a-kind luxury will want to read all about our exclusive journey on the Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express with Michael Portillo.

On this very special Good Housekeeping tour , taking place in March 2025, you'll start by spending three nights in Venice , immersing yourself in Venetian life and discovering the delights of the city. You might choose to visit famous landmarks like St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace or hidden gems , like the pretty Ponte de Chiodo or the island of San Michele.

You will be joined for parts of the once-in-a-lifetime adventure by journalist, presenter, and former politician Michael Portillo. Michael is passionate about rail travel , and has presented several documentaries for the BBC about train lines all around the world.

For his documentary series Great Continental Railway Journeys, he travelled on parts of the original Orient Express route. This will be his first time travelling on the train itself, and he'll mingle with guests over drinks and canapés, sharing anecdotes about his life and career and his insights on historic rail travel.

Discover Venetian life

With three days in Italy's City of Water, you will have plenty of time to discover all that Venice has to offer.

There will be two full days for you to explore the city at your own pace, wandering alongside its elegant canals and spotting famous landmarks like St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace as gondoliers bob by on the water.

Or perhaps you'll choose to immerse yourself more deeply into Venetian life by visiting a mask atelier or a gondola workshop. The choice is yours on this trip, with no set activities except for a very special event to look forward to on your third evening.

FIND OUT MORE

A rail experience like no other

This trip is the ultimate luxury rail holiday. You'll start your trip in a sumptuous four-star hotel in the centre of Venice, perfectly placed for acquainting yourself with the city's many excellent restaurants and swish bars.

But it's the moment you step on board the exquisite Venice Simplon-Orient-Express that the true five-star experience begins. On this historic train, no detail is overlooked. You'll be greeted by liveried stewards who will show you to your cabin in one of the meticulously restored 1920s carriages.

Later, join Michael and your fellow guests as you take a seat in the plush dining carriage. This is where you will sip on sommelier-selected wines before enjoying a four-course seasonal menu, freshly prepared by expert chefs as the train makes its way through Italy and France .

After dinner, you may choose to gather in Bar Car ‘3674’ for an evening of cocktails and conversation before retiring to your cabin for a night between crisp damask sheets and fine blankets.

Exclusive events with Michael Portillo

Enjoy the company of our very special guest on this tour. On your third night in Venice, you can attend an exclusive talk with Michael Portillo, whose love of railway travel will make for a lively and engaging evening at your hotel.

As you enjoy a drinks reception and a delicious three-course meal with wine, Michael will give his insightful presentation, preparing you for the following day's adventure on board the Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express.

Michael will also join you on the train, mingling with guests during dinner and drinks and sharing more insights about his rail travel experiences.

What's included?

• Flights from London Heathrow to Venice (regional flights available at a supplement)
• Private transfers from the airport to the hotel
• Three nights bed and breakfast at a hotel in Venice
• Drinks reception on the third night
• Three-course set menu group dinner with Michael Portillo with local wine, water and coffee included
• Overnight journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Historic Twin Cabins with all meals, wine with lunch and dinner and dedicated steward service included, upgrades available at a supplement
• Group transfer from Paris Austerlitz to Paris Nord
• Eurostar in Standard Premier Class back to London (flights available on request at a supplement)

Want to ride in luxury from Venice to Paris with Michael Portillo? Visit our holiday website for all the details about Good Housekeeping's exclusive journey on the Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express and information on how to book.

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