Ashford to Sevenoaks
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 begins a new journey through the home counties in Ashford, Kent, lending a hand at a state-of-the-art train maintenance plant, home to the High Speed 1 rolling stock - a modern railway hub in a Victorian railway town. A visit to a historic make-up brand reveals the foundations of the Victorian cosmetics industry.
Taking the tracks east to Marden, Michael is moved by music played on Queen Victoria's personal piano before ending his journey in Sevenoaks at Knole House, seat of the Sackville-West family, where he learns of its colourful history.
Last on
Steam railway programmes on BBC iPlayer
A collection of programmes from the BBC archives on the beauty of steam locomotives.
