Sweden and the Baltic

For centuries, Britons have charted a course to the glorious coast of Sweden for its treasure trove of riches. Now for the first time, Coast explores the British connections to this stunning shore on the edge of the Baltic Sea.

Nick Crane's journey starts in one of the most picturesque parts of Sweden, the dramatic peaks of the High Coast are a wonder of the world and, remarkably, the mountains are still growing at the rate of one centimetre every year.

Alice Roberts explores the extraordinary story of how, during the Second World War, Britain's military effort almost ground to a halt. Swedish ball bearings were desperately needed to keep tank and plane parts moving, but the Nazis had Sweden in an air-and-sea stranglehold. Alice reveals how brave British servicemen beat the German blockade.

Dick Strawbridge climbs the rigging of one of the last great commercial sailing ships, known as the Windjammers. As recently as the 1940s, these tall ships managed to give steamships a run for their money. Dick discovers how in the days of Empire, the Windjammers connected Britain to Australia with their legendary 'grain races'.

A stunning shoreline, a myriad of tiny islets and the historic heart of coastal Stockholm combine to make this a journey to savour.