Coastal Railways With Julie Walters

Watch Coastal Railways With Julie Walters

  • 2017
  • 1 Season
  • 7.5  (73)

Coastal Railways with Julie Walters is a delightful travel documentary that takes the viewer on an adventure along some of the most breathtaking and scenic coastal train routes in the UK. Hosted by the legendary British actress, Julie Walters, the show explores the history, culture, landscape, and people of these coastal regions, while reaching out to the emotions of the viewers with her captivating narration, witty anecdotes, and infectious enthusiasm.

The show features four hour-long episodes, each dedicated to a different railway journey along the coast. In the first episode, Julie takes us on a journey along the Cornish coast, from St. Erth to St. Ives, on the scenic St. Ives Bay Line. The journey is characterized by stunning vistas of rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and shimmering waters, as well as stops at historic towns and villages, such as Hayle, Carbis Bay, and Lelant. Along the way, Julie meets and interviews a variety of local characters, including artists, fishermen, surfers, and conservationists, who share their stories and insights about life in this unique corner of England.

In the second episode, the journey takes us to the Welsh coast, along the Cambrian Coast Line, from Machynlleth to Pwllheli. This journey is all about the stunning natural beauty of the Welsh coastline, which is characterized by dramatic cliffs, rugged mountains, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches. Julie visits historic towns and villages, such as Aberdovey, Harlech, and Criccieth, and meets local people who are passionate about their culture and heritage, such as a choir who perform a traditional Welsh tune in a train station, and a famous harpist who performs on top of a mountain.

In the third episode, we are taken to the Scottish coast, along the West Highland Line, from Fort William to Mallaig. This journey is considered one of the most scenic railway routes in the world, with awe-inspiring views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, ancient castles, deep lochs, and wild islands. Julie explores the rich history and culture of this region, including the Jacobite rebellion, the Highland clearances, and the decline of the fishing industry. She also meets a variety of Scottish personalities, such as a traditional bagpipe player, a whisky distiller, and a retired train driver who shares his memories of working on this legendary line.

In the final episode, Julie takes us on a journey along the Northumberland coast, from Newcastle to Lindisfarne. This journey is characterized by medieval castles, rugged cliffs, and wild dunes, as well as a sense of spiritual tranquility, due to the presence of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, where Saint Aidan introduced Christianity to Britain in the 7th century. Julie meets local characters, such as a castle historian, a sand sculptor, and a wildlife photographer, who all share their unique perspectives on life in this fascinating region.

Overall, Coastal Railways with Julie Walters is a charming and engaging travelogue that captures the essence of coastal Britain in a unique and unforgettable way. Whether you are a fan of Julie Walters, a lover of trains and travel, or simply a curious soul who wants to discover the beauty and culture of the UK's coastal regions, this show is a must-see.

Coastal Railways With Julie Walters
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Seasons
North Wales
4. North Wales
December 17, 2017
Julie's journey from Cardigan Bay to Liverpool begins in Aberystwyth, Wales, where she was once "banned from every pub" in the town, so she heads off! Travelling north she arrives at Tywyn - famous for its heritage steam railway and the inspiration behind Thomas the Tank Engine.Next, Llwyngwril, where the tiny community is literally trying to knit itself famous by "yarn bombing" the whole village. Then on over the beautiful Barmouth Bridge to Boston Lodge, home of the oldest working locomotive builders in the world. She tries her hand at carriage painting before catching the famous Ffestiniog railway through Snowdonia National Park.Julie takes a trip on the fastest zip wire in Europe, based in a huge, semi abandoned, slate quarry. Then on to Llandudno to meet sheep farmer Dan Jones who 'won' his million pound coastal hillside farm for a pound a year rent. It's tupping time and Julie must help prepare the rams for breeding.Before Liverpool there is time to drop off at Flint and the largest pet cemetery in Europe. Sceptical at first Julie is won over by the sheer attachment people have for their animals. Final stop Liverpool, where Julie first started her acting career and time for that drink she was denied in Aberystwyth!
Devon and Cornwall
3. Devon and Cornwall
December 10, 2017
Julie is on the famous Great Western Railway heading down to Cornwall and first arrives at the English Riviera town of Torquay, where she revels in the memorable, if damp, beach holidays of her childhood. She meets eccentric Lionel Digby - famed for bringing Rock and Roll rock to the South West.At Paignton Julie boards the heritage steam line to Kingswear. Building this line was a labour of love by its creator, who also converted the tiny coastal Kingswear Castle into his summer residence. Julie is meant to stay there but is scared it is haunted.Next day she rides back, on the footplate this time, and catches the mainline towards Polperro. The cute fishing village is full of smugglers tales and Julie sets out to get to the facts behind the fables. At St Ives Julie joins the RNLI on a practice, only to return as seasick as a dog!In Penzance there's just time to meet extraordinary cake makers at Peboroyon Cakes. Their amazing creations can cost thousands and, thanks to the overnight train to Paddington, can arrive fresh and safely next morning in London.And finally, Julie catches the night sleeper back to "The Smoke"...
The East Coast Line
2. The East Coast Line
December 3, 2017
In this episode, Julie leaves Newcastle and the city's famous brown ale, for a high-speed train to Edinburgh. She stops at the beautiful coastal town of Alnmouth and visits the disused station at Alnwick, where the 'Keep Calm and Carry On' craze started. Julie heads for Berwick and goes out to sea with a lobster breeder, visiting the biggest gannet colony on Earth. In Edinburgh, Julie explores the intriguing connections between the railway and the famous Balmoral Hotel's palm court and clock tower.
The West Highlands
1. The West Highlands
November 26, 2017
In the first episode, Julie rides the West Highland Railway in Scotland, on board the famous Jacobite steam train, memorable for its starring role in the Harry Potter films. She gets some practical training in blowing up railway lines at Arisaig House, home to the Special Operations Executive from the Second World War. There's also herring gutting in Mallaig; a traditional Scottish storyteller on Skye; and cattle wrangling at Duirinish.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    November 26, 2017
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (73)