Great British Railway Journeys

Michael Portillo's rail exploration of the historic wooded region of south east England, known as the Weald, continues from Tonbridge, at the heart of the area's rail network. Touring hazelnut orchards near Hildenborough, Michael learns about the Kentish cobnut and lends a hand to crack and roast the crop. On the edge of the High Weald at All Saints' Church, Tudeley, he is moved by the tragic story behind its magnificent stained-glass windows, designed by the world-famous Belarusian-Jewish artist, Marc Chagall. An exciting new railway connection is being built to link the Kent and East Sussex Heritage Railway to the main line at Robertsbridge. Michael gets the lowdown on the Rother Valley Railway project and has fun operating their restored turntable.