Barging Round Britain with John Sergeant
Season 1
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 Barging Round Britain with John Sergeant • Season 1
8 Episodes
- Leeds and Liverpool
E1Leeds and LiverpoolThe broadcaster explores some of Britain's best canals and delves into their history. He begins with a voyage along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the nation's longest at 127 miles. After being measured up for a suit in Leeds and encountering an unfriendly alpaca on a farm in Saltaire, he successfully crosses the Pennines on his barge, heading via Burnley and Blackburn toward the famous Liverpool docks. - Llangollen
E2LlangollenThe broadcaster crosses the England-Wales border as he explores the Llangollen Canal. Along the way, he gets his fingers burnt attempting to become a blacksmith, travels over a terrifyingly high aqueduct and receives a shock on spotting some racy artwork in a fellow narrowboat. - Aire and Calder
E3Aire and CalderThe broadcaster explores the 34-mile Aire and Calder Navigation, built to connect the industrial cities of north-east England with the east coast. Along the way, he learns how to stone-grind flour in Castleford, tries his hand at aerobics on the edge of a lock in Woodlesford near Leeds, and samples Yorkshire's answer to champagne. - Caledonian
E4CaledonianThe broadcaster continues his exploration of some of Britain's best canals and their history. This week, he crosses Scotland on the Caledonian, which stretches 60 miles from coast to coast, on a journey taking him through spectacular scenery and lochs, and the occasional whisky distillery - much to his delight. - Trent and Mersey
E5Trent and MerseyThe broadcaster journeys along the Trent and Mersey in the Midlands as his exploration of some of Britain's best canals and their history continues. As he travels through the Potteries, managing to smash his fair share of ceramics, he encounters a frightening, ghostly tunnel and takes up the challenge of a blind beer-tasting competition. - Kennet and Avon
E6Kennet and AvonThe broadcaster navigates the Kennet and Avon Canal from Bath toward London, as his exploration of some of Britain's best waterways and their history continues. Along the way, he proves hopeless at making beer barrels, a little better at stoking steam engines, and a real natural with Freddy the narrowboat horse. - Birmingham
E7BirminghamOn the penultimate leg of his voyage exploring some of Britain's best waterways, the broadcaster heads into Birmingham, a city with more canals than Venice. Along the way, he delves into the history of Cadbury in Bournville, enjoys a refreshing pint, finds out why Birmingham is the nation's curry capital - and tries to buy a gun.
