Great British Railway Journeys

Comment from John Hewett
Time January 29, 2010 at 2:19 pm

I would just like to say how much I am enjoying this wonderful series, it is so relaxing to watch because it does not employ all the glitzy camera gimmicks that so many other programmes seem to use in profusion, I like the way it’s filmed, the lovely background sound, the presenter Michael, in fact it’s all good including the titles, the only thing I don’t like is that it ends all too quickly!

I am looking forward to a second series.

A very satisfied viewer

John.

Comment from Mrs J Hargrave
Time January 29, 2010 at 3:35 pm

This series was a real delight, I really hope that there will be another series. Why not come to Kent? Plenty of history here, in Canterbury, Margate and Deal for instance.

How about Wales, and East Anglia too?

Comment from fred
Time January 29, 2010 at 4:46 pm

it’d be nice if he did more scenic journeys like the Settle to Carlisly, like the West coast of Scotland, Fort William to Mallaig, Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, and the one along the Cumbrian coast, where he nearly went! It’d be nice if he did more Heritage steam railways too…

Comment from fred
Time January 29, 2010 at 4:51 pm

Carlisle, I meant!

I’ve watched every single one of these and enjoyed them all despite my moaning about the lack of steam trains – I certainly hope he will be back soon. I’d love to see more detailed route maps (and be able to buy a Rover to follow his journeys?) – maybe they’ll be in the book?

Comment from Mr D F Dyball
Time January 29, 2010 at 8:26 pm

As a labour supporter, I stayed up to watch the election when Micheal Portillo lost his seat and cheared, I am also not a train spotter. In stateing this I found the program one of the most interesting on television, not only that but I also found Micheal most interesting and a great story teller.I would love to watch a future program about the great railway journey in AUSTRALIA or CANADA, and I am certain that Micheal would make it interesting to us none train spotters.

Comment from Anthony Smith
Time January 30, 2010 at 12:18 am

I totally agree with Fred’s views regarding the scenic and heritage railway locations for future visits by Mr. Portillo and ‘crew’….that could, if possible, be even better than the most excellent series that has regretfully come to an end this evening.

Superb TV and my thanks and congratulations to all involved….well done!!

Comment from TREEZ
Time February 1, 2010 at 8:18 am

loved the series pls say thell be a second and even a third so much to see in our own country — also any chance of this being on DVD as a whole ?

Comment from Liam Griffiths
Time February 2, 2010 at 12:15 pm

I have enjoyed your railway journeys series and am very pleased there will be another series.

Comment from Jacqui Partington
Time February 3, 2010 at 9:43 pm

Absolutely loved the series. A quality programme and the quickest 1/2 hour of the day.
Please cometo North Wales!

Comment from Mrs Joan Taylor
Time February 5, 2010 at 6:32 pm

Fantastic series. Very informative as well as relaxing and beautiful to watch. Would love there to be a book about the series as well as reprints of Bradshaw’s Guide itself.

Comment from Chris Bollard
Time February 28, 2010 at 11:11 am

Please bring the series out on Blu-Ray. So many excellent series on the BBC have only been sold as DVD. I have watched Michael’s excellent series ( including him interviewing my daughter’s history teacher – the relative of Cheddar man ) on BBC HD on Sky and it made all the difference having the enhanced quality. PLEASE !!

Comment from Mike Cranke
Time March 9, 2010 at 11:53 am

I agree with all the wonderful comments already posted. I really enjoyed the series though unfortunately missed several. BBC please release this series on DVD, Michael Portillo has really found his new career in presenting TV. Exploring the delights of our beautiful countryside, can only do good for the B&Bs and Hotels let alone all the various railway companies as shown on the programme. I look forward to the next (as promised) series.

Comment from diane
Time March 19, 2010 at 6:43 pm

what a great series. michael portillo was a great person to do it. would like it out on dvd to be able to watch again and again. hope next series as interesting as this one

Comment from Ritch
Time March 21, 2010 at 12:58 am

I think the whole point of the shows was to demonstrate how much is out there on your doorstep to be discovered that is not particularly seen as tourist like, I accept that scenic lines and touristy bits would make great television but these areas are generally already available on many DVDs, and travel programmes, It was nice to see real trains, real places and real people, and as several people have noted already I was never a Portillo fan BUT this series has really made the guy ‘human’

More of the same formula would be great

Comment from D Jones
Time April 3, 2010 at 3:21 pm

Loved the series, how about West Wales the 125 from London to Fishguard and not forgetting pretty Tenby. Lots of history down this way.

Comment from Thomas Cook
Time April 19, 2010 at 9:36 pm

Is there any chance this will be released onto DVD?

Comment from David Hall
Time April 22, 2010 at 1:09 am

I agree: I would love to own the series on Blu Ray.

I look forward to the second series – and the book(s).

Comment from Jaycee
Time May 1, 2010 at 2:25 pm

I too would love to know when this fabulous series will be released on DVD.

Comment from Brian Russell
Time May 8, 2010 at 2:44 pm

As one who took part in one of the episodes, forgive me if I appear biased! Here are a three suggestions to include in a new series.
1. The Wrexham to Bidston line runs through a mixture of fine countryside and former industrial areas along the NE Wales border then along the Wirral side of the Dee estuary. Once closed by Beeching for passenger use, but fortunately now revived. Lots of fascinating history along the route.
2. Two trains a day run between Shrewsbury and Swansea via Llandridnod Wells through the heart of Wales. Stunning scenery through remote countryside.
3. A new one I like. Marylebone to Wrexham, a great alternative route without going dizzy from trying to look out of the window. A gentle plod through the Chilterns and an intersting detour around Birmingham in renovated comfortable coaches. Not everyone wants to travel at the speed of light.

Comment from Jonathan Lilley
Time May 19, 2010 at 3:08 pm

Although a programme was made by the late Sir John Betjeman in 1973 entilted Metroland, it would be more than relevant and interesting for Michael to revisit life and living in Metroland. The journey from Aldgate through to stations beyond Aylesbury would be of interest to many people.

Comment from John Worrall
Time May 23, 2010 at 1:36 pm

It would be nice if the BBC would re-run the series.
I discovered it late, and despite feeling triumphant on finding the showing of Episode 1 on BBC Ireland, no more have followed.
Do I detect a DVD set on the way, or am I being (over) cynical………..?

Comment from brian
Time June 9, 2010 at 8:33 pm

Did i see micheal filming in llandudno for series 2?