Barging Round Britain with John Sergeant
Season 2
Britains canal network is a true national treasure. Forged in the fire of world-changing historic events - yet set within gorgeous scenery - its bursting with undiscovered history and home to a vibrant community rooted in a unique way of life. In this definitive and comprehensive series, John Sergeant sets off on a rich and colourful voyage along the eight best canal journeys Britain has to offer, unpicking each stage of their extraordinary story as he goes. Its a waterway journey from top to toe of our beautiful country: from the gentle downs of Somerset in the south, via the breathtaking countryside and engineering of the Welsh Llangollen, to the dramatic splendor of the spectacular coast to coast Caledonian Canal in the north of Scotland. Crucially, at every step of the way, John immerses himself in living history, bringing the past to life by rolling up his sleeves, getting stuck in and having a go at canal practices past and present.
Where to Watch Season 2
6 Episodes
- Peak Forest Canal
E1Peak Forest CanalThe series starts with John navigating the Peak Forest Canal, which runs through stunning countryside from Buxworth in Derbyshire to Ashton-under-Lyne. Along the way, in Hyde he meets former boxer Ricky Hatton, who discusses his plans to revitalise the area and offer new opportunities to local youngsters, and joins a team of junior archaeologists at Mellor Mill, who are attempting to unearth the remains of what was once one of the world's largest mills. - Rochdale Canal
E2Rochdale CanalThe broadcaster leaves central Manchester, heading east along the Rochdale Canal. Not long into his journey, John finds himself struggling to contend with 19th-century technology at a cotton works. Further up the canal, he helps out members of an conservation group clearing the waterway of dumped supermarket trollies. After passing into West Yorkshire, it's on to Hebden Bridge, famous for the hard-wearing material corduroy, before John tries his hand at clog-making in one of Britain's few remaining factories dedicated to the craft. - Lancaster Canal
E3Lancaster CanalThe broadcaster takes in the delights of the Lancaster Canal, setting out from Tewitfield. As he meanders down the waterway, John cannot resist visiting Carnforth railway station, where he re-enacts his favourite scene from the classic film Brief Encounter, some of which was filmed there. After Carnforth, the canal crosses the River Lune on its way to Lancaster, where the veteran journalist marvels at the engineering of the Lune Aqueduct. Later, he heads south to Garstang, famous for its cheeses, and finally on towards Preston. - Regent's Canal
E6Regent's CanalThe Regent's Canal runs through the heart of London linking the docks with the rest of Britain. John navigates the history-filled route, finding the East End's haunted Ragged School, and making and sampling a bottle or two of `mother's ruin' along the way. The veteran broadcaster even finds time to stop off to feed the giraffes at London Zoo. Last in the series.
