Great Coastal Railway Journeys season 3 guide: episodes, destinations and everything you need to know

Michael Portillo at Coastguard Cottages Cuckmere Haven for Great Coastal Railway Journeys season 3
(Image credit: BBC/Naked West/Fremantle)

Great Coastal Railway Journeys season 3 sees Michael Portillo heading off on another railway adventure along the shores of the British Isles. The series has now aired, but you can catch up with Portillo's travels on BBC iPlayer.

This third installment of Michael's coastal journeys saw the TV host weaving his way through charming seaside towns, visiting historical landmarks and local natural wonders as he explored the communities that are connected by these railway tracks. 

Talking about the series ahead of its debut, Michael said: "I am delighted to present a third series of Great Coastal Railway Journeys. I hugely enjoyed meeting inspiring people and hearing the history and legends of our coastline". 

Here's everything you need to know about Great Coastal Railway Journeys series 3. 

Great Coastal Railway Journeys season 3 release date

Great Coastal Railway Journeys series 3 began airing at 6.30 pm on BBC Two on Monday, April 8. New episodes continued to air on weekdays through to the show's conclusion on May 3.

The series is available to stream for a period of time on BBC iPlayer, where you can catch up on Portillo's previous adventures like Great British Railway Journeys and Great Continental Railway Journeys. And if you need more recommendations, check out our guides to the best BBC dramas and the best BBC comedies we think you should be streaming.

Where does Michael travel to in Great Coastal Railway Journeys series 3?

Michael Portillo stands in a harbour in Great Coastal Railway Journeys series 3

Where is Michael Portillo travelling this time?  (Image credit: BBC/Naked West/Fremantle)

Unsurprisingly, Great Coastal Railway Journeys series 3 once again saw Michael Portillo exploring the various shores of the British Isles. He also went a little further afield, hopping on the Eurostar and across the English Channel and to explore the coastal Pas de Calais in Northern France.

His first journey took the host from the Jurassic Coast in southern England to the tip of the Lizard Peninsula and beyond to the Isles of Scilly. Along the way, he stopped off in Exeter and learned about the city's cathedral, paid a visit to Tintagel Castle and even took to the skies in a helicopter ride to the island of Tresco!

In week two, he embarked on a trip around the Welsh coast. That journey took him from Aberystwyth and included stops at Cardigan Bay — where he learned about the bottlenose dolphins from the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Center — and a visit to Anglesey's Sea Zoo, en route to Colwyn Bay. 

Following those adventures, he explored the English Channel and the Thames and Medway estuaries, with stops in Eastbourne, Dover, the Isle of Thanet, and a trip out on the last sailing barge to work on the Thames. He followed that adventure with a trip along England's east coast, including taking on a rafting challenge with sea scouts at Woodbridge, a visit to Burgh Castle Roman Fort in Great Yarmouth, and a trip on the smallest public railway in the world, the Wells and Walsingham line. 

Is there a Great Coastal Railway Journeys series 3 trailer? 

Whilst the BBC didn't release a full trailer for the series, the broadcaster did release a series of clips from the new installment of Great Coastal Railway Journeys so you can sample Michael Portillo's latest odyssey. 

Below, you can see one of these clips, which shows Michael enjoying the scenery of Snowdonia National Park aboard the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway. 

What else is there to know about Great Coastal Railway Journeys series 3?

Talking about the show, Alex McLeod, Commissiong Editor for BBC Daytime, said: "Great Coastal Railway Journeys is a brilliant example of what makes our Daytime and Early Peak shows so appealing. Michael is a wonderfully knowledgeable and trusted guide as he showcases beautifully scenic travel routes in the UK and beyond, which audiences can enjoy from the comfort of their own homes."

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Martin Shore
Staff Writer at WhatToWatch.com

Martin was a Staff Writer with WhatToWatch.com, where he produced a variety of articles focused on the latest and greatest films and TV shows. Now he works for our sister site Tom's Guide in the same role.

Some of his favorite shows are What We Do In The Shadows, Bridgerton, Gangs of London, The Witcher, Doctor Who, and Ghosts. When he’s not watching TV or at the movies, Martin’s probably still in front of a screen playing the latest video games, reading, or watching the NFL.