London to Antwerp 2

A journey around the edge of the British Isles and beyond to see how shared seas unite Britain with its European neighbours.

This episode begins in the historic heart of London and continues along the south coast of England and out across the Channel to explore the curious coast of Belgium. Nick Crane discovers why the world's biggest cargo ships are on course for London as he joins the struggle to construct a new mega-port as a gateway to the capital. Nick's voyage then takes a strange turn as he visits Belgium. He rides one of the longest tramways in the world, the Kusttram (or Coast Tram) which runs the entire length of Belgium's coastline. Nick also hunts down a forgotten masterpiece of surreal artist Rene Magritte, whose 'fish-headed woman' is just one of the extraordinary figures hidden away inside a grand casino on the Belgian coast.

Alice Roberts uncovers the surprising story behind the rise and fall of the seaside landlady, formidable female pioneers who began businesses long before women had the vote. In Margate, Alice learns the secrets of being a successful landlady from women who together have over a hundred years' experience in ruling the roost.

In the fabulously preserved medieval city of Bruges, Mark Horton unearths why our ancestors came there 700 years ago to rediscover the forgotten art of making bricks, skills that were lost to Britain for centuries after the Romans left these shores.