Michael Portillo discovers the history behind the Pavilion at Brighton and learns that Queen Victoria was not an admirer of the Prince Regent's taste.

Michael Portillo heads for Dover, little more than 25 miles from the historic enemy, the French. Here he uncovers one of Dover's best kept secrets.

Michael Portillo heads along the Essex bank of the Thames before crossing the river into the Garden of England, Kent. He begins this leg at Barkingside.

Michael Portillo continues his journey from the east coast to the south coast beginning in the port of Ipswich, capital of the farming county of Suffolk.

Michael Portillo explores Norwich's medieval heart. In the city's Norman castle he uncovers the Victorian public's gory fascination with crime and punishment.

Michael Portillo joins battle re-enactors in Tewkesbury before reaching his destination of Wolverhampton.

Michael Portillo's journey to Wolverhampton continues. He visits Clifton Zoo in Bristol and finds out why Gloucester station became known for lost luggage.

On the third leg of his journey, Michael Portillo learns how demand from rail commuters fuelled the development of the modern printing press.

Michael Portillo's journey continues in a military vein, as he views the Duke of Wellington's funeral carriage and visits the army camp at Aldershot.

Michael Portillo embarks on a journey from Southampton to Wolverhampton. He learns to set the table aboard a luxury liner before heading to Basingstoke.

Michael Portillo reaches the end of the first intercity line from London, visiting Mansfield, Worksop and Doncaster before auditioning at a Leeds music hall.

Michael Portillo's journey from London to Leeds continues. He learns about the discovery of Richard III's remains in Leicester and travels to Loughborough.

Michael Portillo's journey from London to Leeds continues. He stops off in Northampton, the town of shoemakers, before visiting Rugby, Coventry and Nuneaton.

Michael Portillo's journey from London to Leeds continues. He explores the first purpose-built railway town at Wolverton and learns to make vellum.

Michael Portillo begins a journey from London to Leeds. He learns about the Euston Arch before heading to Cheddington, scene of the Great Train Robbery.

Michael completes the last leg of his journey from Manchester to Chesterfield at one of the first stately homes to welcome visitors by rail - Chatsworth.

Michael Portillo begins this leg of his journey from Manchester to Chesterfield at the home of the three Bronte sisters in Worth Valley, Yorkshire.

Michael Portillo continues his journey through the north west. He learns about the Preston Guild, and in Rochdale, discovers a pioneering movement for workers.

Michael Portillo continues his journey through the north west. He begins in the Lancashire resort of Southport and also stops off in Wigan, Bolton and Leyland.

On the first leg of a journey from Manchester to Chesterfield, Michael Portillo finds out how Manchester gave birth to a revolutionary political movement.