Michael Portillo Celebrates 200 Years of Railways in New BBC Documentary
To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, Michael Portillo, a railway enthusiast and former politician, is hosting a two-part documentary series on BBC Two titled "Michael Portillo's 200 Years of the Railways." The series explores the profound impact of the railways on Britain, beginning with the pioneering Stockton and Darlington Railway.
How to Watch the Documentary
The series premiered on September 16, 2025, on BBC Two. You can watch it online via BBC iPlayer if you have a valid UK TV license.
For viewers in Canada, accessing the documentary on BBC iPlayer requires a VPN connected to a UK server. Ensure you have a valid UK TV license when using BBC iPlayer for legal access.
Here's a step-by-step guide for Canadian viewers:
- Subscribe to a trusted VPN service like NordVPN.
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a UK-based server.
- Visit the BBC iPlayer website or launch the app.
- Sign in or create a new BBC account.
- Use an online UK postcode generator if needed during registration.
- Start watching "Michael Portillo’s 200 Years of the Railways."
Documentary Plot Overview
The documentary begins in northeast England, tracing the route of the groundbreaking Stockton and Darlington Railway. Portillo demonstrates how steam power transformed commerce and daily life. He drives a replica of Locomotion No.1 and attends anniversary celebrations.
The second part focuses on the Liverpool–Manchester Railway, highlighting its connection to the cotton trade and industrial growth. Portillo also explores the railway's influence on football, literature, and British identity, capturing two centuries of railway history.
Episodes
The series consists of two episodes:
- Episode 1: The Day That Changed the World (Released September 16, 2025) - Focuses on the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
- Episode 2: How the Railways Changed Britain (Released September 23, 2025) - Explores the Liverpool–Manchester Railway and its wider impact.
Key Personnel
The series is presented by:
- Michael Portillo – Self / Presenter
New Metro Trains Feature
The documentary also features new Metro trains in the North East. Portillo visits Tyneside to experience the new Swiss-built Stadler trains and the state-of-the-art Metro driver training simulator. The new trains, which entered service in December 2024, represent a significant upgrade, although initial issues were addressed as a precaution.
| Episode | Focus | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1: The Day That Changed the World | Stockton and Darlington Railway | September 16, 2025 |
| Episode 2: How the Railways Changed Britain | Liverpool–Manchester Railway | September 23, 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Michael Portillo the only presenter and cast member?
Yes, Michael Portillo is the host and narrator, guiding viewers through Britain’s railway history.
What types of locations does Portillo visit in the series?
Key locations include the original tracks of Stockton & Darlington, Shildon, Bishop Auckland, places related to the Liverpool-Manchester line, Rainhill, Quarry Bank Mill, Chat Moss, and gatherings of locomotives and heritage rail institutions.
How long is each episode?
Each episode runs for approximately one hour.
Who produced the series?
The series is produced by Naked West, a label of Fremantle.
