Top railway programmes on TV

For all you train spotters and railway enthusiasts out there, we’ve got your TV plans sorted. From steam trains to scenic railways, we’ve put together a list of the top railway programmes, train documentaries and the top train travel TV to watch right now. The best bit? They’re all free to watch on Freesat, so save this article to stay up to date with what railway themed telly will be hitting your screens. All aboard! 🚂

20/02/2023

The Architecture the Railways Built, S4

Watch on UKTV Play

tim dunn the architecture the railways built

This exciting new series explores some of the UK and Europe’s most stunning architecture lining the railway network. Transport historian and architecture enthusiast, Tim Dunn, guides you through capital cities and small rural stations to look at some of the more unique and radically designed station buildings across Europe. Watch series 1-4 now on UKTV Play, plus read our exclusive interview with Tim Dunn to find out more about the show!

Secrets of the London Underground, S1-2

Watch on UKTV Play

siddy holloway and tim dunn in a tube carriage in secrets of the london underground

Tim Dunn and Siddy Holloway present this fantastic series that delves into the many hidden secrets and fascinating history of the London Underground. From ghost stations to the new Elizabeth Line, watch both seasons on UKTV Play, or tune into Yesterday on Friday nights.

Train Truckers

Watch on UKTV Play

This documentary series follows a family-run crew of haulage specialists who take on the many challenges that come with transporting the heaviest and most precious locomotives around the world. That’s right, its trains on trucks! Watch Train Truckers now on UKTV Play.

Great British Railway Journeys

BBC Four + BBC iPlayer, Mondays at 7pm

Armed with an Edwardian Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo follows the train guide around Britain to explore fascinating sites along the railway lines.

Great Continental Railway Journeys

UKTV Play + Yesterday, Weeknights at 8pm

michael portillo leading out of train with mountains in background

Following his 1913 Bradshaw railway guide, join Michael Portillo as he travels across Europe by rail, from Rome to North Africa and beyond. Watch on weeknights at 6pm or on UKTV Play.

World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys

Watch on My5

village on cliff in italy

Tune in as Bill Nighy narrates epic train journeys across some of the world’s most beautiful and extreme terrains. From the mountains of Canada to Lapland’s Northern lights, Scotland’s highlands and Sri Lanka’s Victorian railways, view the world by train on My5.

Chris Tarrant: Extreme Railways

Watch on UKTV Play

chris tarrant on a train

Follow Chris Tarrant on trips by rail through some of the world’s most challenging terrains. From the Congo to Transylvania, war zones, mountains and jungles, discover the history of these unique journeys by rail. Now on its sixth season, you can jump aboard on weekdays on UKTV Play.

Walking Britain’s Lost Railways with Rob Bell

Watch on My5

rob bell beside train

Join Rob Bell for a whole new season of Walking Britain’s Lost Railways as he follows the hidden and abandoned railway lines which once connected the country and made Britain a hub of industry. Walk the railways with Rob Bell on My5.

Railway Murders

Watch on UKTV Play

steam train going over bridge

This documentary series investigates some of the most notorious and surprising murders taking place on the British railways. From a wealthy banker in 1864 to a police officer murdered in the line of duty and a Polish Countess attacked at Gloucester Road Tube station, this series explores historical murders going as far back as the mid-1800s. Watch Railway Murders on UKTV Play.

If you’re as interested in true crime as you are railways, check out our best crime series on now.