Great British Journeys

Great British Journeys (2007)

EndedDocumentary showNature, Travel, History

In this fascinating series, Nick Crane investigates eight epic and challenging journeys, following in the footsteps of our greatest indigenous explorers. From the 12th century to the 20th, from major cities to the wilds of the Hebrides, Nick pieces together how the map of Britain took shape. And, in the process, discovers something about who we are.

Network
Scheduleevery Tuesday at 20:00 (60 min)

Last Episode

HV Morton
Season 1Episode 860 min

HV Morton

HV Morton toured Scotland in the 1920 and 30s, driving a Bullnose Morris, from south to north and east to west. At the time, Scotland still had the feeling of wild unexplored lands – and the motor car the novelty of a new form of transport that could open such places up. Morton tried to capture this spirit with his writing, and in doing so struck a popular chord with the middle classes of his day. But there are layers beneath what initially appears an unashamedly picturesque meander through Scotland. For example, did Morton really believe the car was the ultimate mode of travel? What was he really looking for? Did he embellish his account at all? And how much has Scotland changed in the 70-odd years since? Who was HV Morton? The wonderfully-named Henry Canova Vollam Morton was born in Lancashire in 1892. At 17, he joined the paper his father edited: The Birmingham Gazette. This led to The Daily Express, where he made his name covering the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Despite his English birth, Morton’s Scottish mother had filled his childhood with tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie, William Wallace and Rob Roy. It was inevitable he’d leap at The Daily Express’s request for a series of articles on driving round Scotland. It led to two books: In Search of Scotland (1929) and In Scotland Again (1933). They are two of the earliest and best books from a 60-year career in travel writing, that also covered Europe, Africa and the Middle East. They’re escapist classics, a romantic blend of landscape, history and colourful characters, with nothing reserved about the style. If anything, Morton runs out superlatives too soon, but this weakness can also be a strength of great travel writing: it truly makes you wish you were there.
Oct 2, 2007

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E08HV MortonOct 2, 2007
S01E07John LelandSep 25, 2007
S01E06Daniel DefoeSep 18, 2007
S01E05Gerald of WalesSep 11, 2007
S01E04William CobbettSep 4, 2007
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did Great British Journeys premiere?

Great British Journeys premiered on January 2, 2007.

Who was the host of Great British Journeys?

The show was hosted by Nicholas Crane.

What was the format of Great British Journeys?

Great British Journeys followed host Nicholas Crane as he explored the history and geography of the British Isles.

What locations were featured in the first season of Great British Journeys?

The first season featured journeys to Cornwall, Wales, London, Scotland, the Lake District, and the Pennines.

What was the main focus of the episode about Cornwall in Great British Journeys?

The Cornwall episode focused on the history of smuggling and the mining industry in the region.

In the episode about Wales in Great British Journeys, what aspects of Welsh history and culture were explored?

The Wales episode explored Welsh poetry, the slate industry, and the country's industrial heritage.

What landmarks did the episode about London in Great British Journeys showcase?

The London episode showcased landmarks such as the Thames River and the city's historical architecture.

How did the Scotland episode in Great British Journeys delve into the country's past?

The Scotland episode delved into the country's geological history, including its volcanic origins.

What was the focus of the Lake District episode in Great British Journeys?

The Lake District episode focused on the region's association with the Romantic poets, such as Wordsworth and Coleridge.

What historical events were highlighted in the episode about the Pennines in Great British Journeys?

The Pennines episode highlighted the Industrial Revolution and the impact it had on the region.

Who were the guest experts featured in Great British Journeys?

The show featured guest experts such as historians, geologists, and local residents who provided insights into the featured locations.

What was the reception of Great British Journeys by audiences and critics?

Great British Journeys was well-received for its informative and picturesque exploration of the British Isles.

Did Great British Journeys incorporate any interactive elements for viewers?

Yes, the show included interactive maps and additional online content for viewers to explore the locations further.

How did Great British Journeys contribute to the travel and exploration genre of television?

Great British Journeys provided a unique blend of history, geography, and storytelling, contributing to the genre's appeal to audiences.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Matlock
Running

Matlock

After achieving success in her younger years, the brilliant septuagenarian Madeline Matlock rejoins the work force at a prestigious law firm where she uses her unassuming demeanor and wily tactics to win cases and expose corruption from within.

Outlander
Running

Outlander

Outlander follows the story of Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743, where she is immediately thrown into an unknown world where her life is threatened. When she is forced to marry Jamie, a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, a passionate affair is ignited that tears Claire's heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

The Outlander series, adapted from Diana Gabaldon's international best-selling books, spans the genres of romance, science fiction, history and adventure into one epic tale.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
Running

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters

After surviving Godzilla's attack on San Francisco, Cate is shaken yet again by a shocking secret. Amid monstrous threats, she embarks on a globetrotting adventure to learn the truth about her family—and the mysterious organization known as Monarch.

Fire Country
Running

Fire Country

In Fire Country, seeking redemption and a shortened prison sentence, young convict Bode Donovan joins a firefighting program that returns him to his small Northern California hometown, where he and other inmates work alongside elite firefighters to extinguish massive blazes across the region.

American Masters
Running

American Masters

Now in its 30th year, American Masters has produced an exceptional library of more than 160 television programs, bringing unique originality and perspective to exploring the lives and illuminating the creative journeys of our most enduring writers, musicians, visual and performing artists, dramatists and filmmakers – those who have "left an indelible impression on our cultural landscape". Balancing a broad cast of characters and artistic approaches, while preserving historical authenticity and intellectual integrity, these portraits resonate the attention, style and substance each subject deserves. American Masters sustains high audience awareness and loyalty, averaging 2-to-5 million viewers per program.

GenreMusic