BBC Two look at 200 Years of The Railways

BBC Two is on the right tracks…

September 2025 marks 200 years since the first steam-hauled passenger train ran on a public railway, from Stockton to Darlington, in 1825. To celebrate this incredible anniversary, Michael Portillo is set to take audiences on a journey through time with a two-part series: 200 Years of The Railways which will air on BBC Two later this year.

Michael Portillo:

“I am proud of having made new series of Great Continental Railway Journeys and Great British Railway Journeys. As ever, my adventures are brought alive by the wonderful characters whom I encounter along the way.  This year we shall also produce a special series to celebrate the 200 years of railways in Britain and the world. I thank our viewers warmly for their commitment to these programmes.”

Produced by Naked West, a Fremantle label, the two one-hour specials will see Michael Portillo travel by train to the Northeast and Northwest of England and investigate what the railways have done for us over the past 200 years and explore what the railways’ role could be in the future.

The special comes as two brand new series – Great Continental Railway Journeys and Great British Railway Journeys – return to screens on BBC Two from 10th March.

Alex McLeod, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime:

“The railways have been a rich part of our British heritage since they started, and who better to celebrate this momentous anniversary with but Michael Portillo, whose passion for trains is undisputed and infectious. The specials will entertain and educate and there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Great Continental Railway Journeys will see Michael embark on a new journey, exploring some of Europe’s most beautiful and historic regions, from Switzerland to Croatia and Bosnia, Norway and Denmark to Normandy and Brittany as he uncovers how nature and history have shaped life in some of the most enchanting settings on the continent.

Great British Railway Journeys will follow Michael as he takes to the rails to explore some of Britain’s most scenic and intriguing settings. From Epping Forest to the Black Country, the Lake District to the Weald, this series takes viewers on a journey through history as Michael discovers the beauty of Britain, all accessible by train.

John Comerford, Head of Naked West, a Fremantle label and Co-Executive producer:

“This year marks a momentous anniversary of the first steam-hauled passenger train. We are delighted to be celebrating this extraordinarily significant moment in history, not only with a brand-new commission, 200 Years of the Railways, but also with the return of Great Continental Railway Journeys and Great British Railway Journeys”

R200 Locomotive 910 / Science Museum Group