Michael Portillo

Former British Secretary of State for Defence Michael Portillo visits abandoned, iconic locations around the UK that were at the centre of relatively unknown historical events but which are not open to the public.

Join Michael Portillo as he celebrates Andalucía, one of Spain's most interesting and diverse regions. It's an area Michael knows and loves, as well as one where he lives for part of his year. Now, he takes us to six of his favourite spots and reveals what makes them so special. Each episode focuses on a different main location where Michael meets local people who have a particular connection to that place and who introduce Michael to something they're passionate about, whether it's cooking and eating a local delicacy, practising arts and crafts, or delving into Andalucía's rich history.

Discover the hidden history of Britain through the stories of its 'lost' or abandoned places and buildings.

Michael Portillo tells the story of how a small island on the edge of Europe built the biggest empire the world has ever seen.

Michael Portillo travels to Spain and France to examine the life and work of Pablo Picasso, and reveals how his love of Picasso's art was influenced by his own father, a Spanish republican exile. Michael travels to Malaga, birthplace of the genius, and visits the bullring which inspired some of his greatest works. In the Paris studio where the famous Guernica was painted, he meets Picasso's granddaughter Diana. Salvador Farelo, one of Malaga's greatest bullfighters, tells Michael why bullfighting is so important in Spanish culture, explaining that it is in itself a pure form of art.

Michael Portillo travels to Spain and France to examine the life and work of Pablo Picasso, and reveals how his love of Picasso's art was influenced by his own father, a Spanish republican exile. Michael travels to Malaga, birthplace of the genius, and visits the bullring which inspired some of his greatest works. In the Paris studio where the famous Guernica was painted, he meets Picasso's granddaughter Diana. Salvador Farelo, one of Malaga's greatest bullfighters, tells Michael why bullfighting is so important in Spanish culture, explaining that it is in itself a pure form of art.

Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with a copy of George Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guidebook. He travels the length and breadth of the country to see how the railways changed us, and what of Bradshaw's Britain remains.

Great British Railway Journeys is a documentary television series on BBC Two hosted by Michael Portillo, where he travels around the United Kingdom, with a primary emphasis on Great Britain. This season, its 7th, features 20 episodes total, 30 minutes each. A higher quality version may also be made available, for those who prefer that.