Michael begins his journey at a biscuit factory in Carlisle. He heads to a miniature railway display before heading out on Britain's only Via Ferrata, a tightrope challenge 300 feet above the Borrowdale Valley.
Michael continues his journey through the Lake District, were he learns more about the work of Beatrix Potter. He then heads to Brantwood, home to a famous Victorian art critic, before heading to Carnforth.
Michael heads to Preston where he discovers four millers were shot dead by soldiers. In Darwen he traces developments in interior design. Before heading to Kersal Moor were he learns more about the Lancashire dialect.
Michael begins this part of his journey in Merseyside, here he looks at the art of modern glassmaking and explores how buildings like Crystal Palace were constructed.
Michael heads to Ashley to explore villas with multiple chimneys. He then goes to Macclesfield, were he finds the end of the Silk Route. He then heads to Alton Towers to explore the modern theme park.
Michael heads from Dover to Lewes and attends an opera festival in the South Downs.
Michael heads from Newhaven to Worthing and picks some tomatoes.
Michael journeys from Littlehampton to Beaulieu, where he gets the chance to drive the first motor car.
Michael journeys from Lymington Town to Exmouth, where he discovers a forgotten local artist.
Michael journeys from Plymouth to Porthcurno and learns how to make the perfect pasty.
Michael Portillo journeys around Britain. Michael Portillo blasts off from Birmingham's jewellery quarter to the sound of the Acme whistle.
Michael Portillo journeys around Britain. Michael heads for the sharp end of the Victorian industrial revolution at a needle manufactory in Redditch.
Michael Portillo journeys around Britain. Michael takes pot luck on the snooker table as he investigates the Victorian origins of the game.
Michael Portillo journeys around Britain. Michael experiences a Victorian tannery. Reaching Glastonbury, Michael heads for the mystical abbey.
Michael Portillo journeys around Britain. Michael stands trial at the Bloody Assizes in Taunton and gets to grips with a miracle of Victorian engineering.
Michael Portillo journeys around Britain. Michael begins a new journey in Ashford, Kent, lending a hand at a state-of-the-art train maintenance plant.
Michael Portillo journeys around Britain. At East Grinstead, Michael dons a boiler suit and takes to the footplate of a loco on the Bluebell Railway.
Michael Portillo journeys around Britain. Michael uncovers the story of Britain's first purpose-built crematorium, a response to overcrowded cemeteries.
Michael Portillo journeys around Britain. Michael is treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the world's longest vine at Hampton Court Palace.
Michael Portillo journeys around Britain. In Egham, a perfectly preserved, historic steam fair offers the original white-knuckle ride.
