September 2025 will be a significant milestone. It marks 200 years since the inaugural steam-hauled passenger train journeyed on a public railway. This journey was from Stockton to Darlington in 1825.
To celebrate this remarkable event, Michael Portillo will guide viewers through history. This will be in a two-part series titled 200 Years of The Railways. It is set to debut on BBC Two later this year.
The series is produced by Naked West, a Fremantle brand. It consists of two one-hour episodes. In these episodes, Portillo travels by train to the Northeast and Northwest of England. He will examine the impact of railways over the past two centuries and consider their potential future roles.
This special comes alongside the return of two new series. They are Great Continental Railway Journeys and Great British Railway Journeys. Both series start on BBC Two from 10 March.
In Great Continental Railway Journeys, Michael Portillo will explore some of Europe’s most stunning and historic areas. These locations range from Switzerland to Croatia, Bosnia, Norway, Denmark, Normandy, and Brittany. He will discover how nature and history influence life in these beautiful locations.
Great British Railway Journeys will feature Michael Portillo traveling through some of Britain’s most picturesque and fascinating regions. These include Epping Forest, the Black Country, the Lake District, and the Weald. Viewers will enjoy a historical journey that showcases the charm of Britain, all accessible by train.
Michael Portillo expressed his pride in producing the new series. He stated that his adventures are enriched by the diverse characters he meets. He also highlighted the upcoming special to celebrate 200 years of railways in Britain. Additionally, he mentioned celebrations globally. He thanked viewers for their support.
John Comerford is the Head of Naked West and Co-Executive Producer. He remarked on the significance of the 200th anniversary of the first steam-hauled passenger train. The company is excited to celebrate this historical moment. They will do so through the new series. They are also bringing back Great Continental Railway Journeys and Great British Railway Journeys.
Alex McLeod, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime, noted the importance of railways in British heritage. He praised Michael Portillo for his enthusiasm for trains. He believes the specials will both entertain and educate audiences, appealing to everyone.
The Railway series are commissioned for BBC Two and iPlayer by Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime. Alex McLeod is the Commissioning Editor. Alison Kreps and John Comerford are Executive Producers for 200 Years of the Railways. Kreps and Comerford also Executive Produce Great British Railway Journeys and Great Continental Railway Journeys for Naked West.