Julie Walters invites viewers to take a great escape into our great outdoors. Britain - the majestic isle we call home - is made up of some gloriously varied landscapes. Sitting within those landscapes are the cherished places we never tire of and plenty of hidden gems many of us are yet to discover. For The Love of Britain provides a guide to both, taking us on a journey through all that's truly great about our country. With the help of some familiar faces, the series explores the length and breadth of the nation, with each episode focussing on a different part of the UK. From our lakes, to our peaks and our sweeping coastline, viewers will be guided through our green and pleasant island home... from those who both live in it and love it.
Cornwall And Devon
Dec 1, 2020
In this opening episode we're in Cornwall and Devon, two counties attracting millions of hikers, holidaymakers and surfers every year. Julia Bradbury heads off on one of the nation's best-loved walking trails, the rugged South West Coastal Path. Robson Green takes to the skies for a bird's eye view of Cornwall's St Agnes heritage coast. On the historic St Michael's Mount, Ben Fogle experiences gardening at a whole new level, and Liz Bonnin gets up close to some amazing wildlife in the waters off Devon's Lundy Island.
Lake District
Dec 8, 2020
In this episode we visit Britain’s most popular national park, the Lake District. Julia Bradbury will be hiking up England’s third highest peak, the mighty Helvellyn. Ben Fogle tests his own head for heights with an unusual climbing experience at Honister slate mine. In the wild Borrowdale Valley Ray Mears meets some of Britain’s biggest ants. And Ade Edmondson captains a vintage steamer on the waters of lake Ullswater.
Scotland
Dec 15, 2020
Narrated by Julie Walters, this week the programme explores the magic and mystery of the Islands and highlands of Scotland. Julia Bradbury hikes the West Highland Way, while Robson Green attempts to dive for scallops off the Isle of Skye. At the historic Edinburgh castle local boy Rory Bremner finds an unusual way to set his watch. And in the waters around the Isle of Mull Liz Bonin gets up close with some rare sea creatures.
Yorkshire
Dec 22, 2020
In this episode we visit the place locals call ‘God’s own county’, Yorkshire. Julia Bradbury follows in the footsteps of one of our most famous literary families, the Brontes, exploring the windswept moors. Robson Green sings shanties in the seaside resort of Whitby. Ore Oduba hits the challenging Coast to Coast walking trail near the market town of Richmond. And deep in the Dales, Ade Edmondson will be our guide on the Malham Circuit, one Yorkshire’s best-loved hikes.
Dorset
Mar 2, 2021
Julie Walters presents a guide to some of the most beautiful sights in the Dorset countryside. Sheila Hancock revisits some childhood memories at the Dancing Ledge rock pools, while Martin Kemp visits the fishing village of Mudeford and heads out to sea for a very special catch. Liz Bonnin checks in at Portland Bill, home to millions of migrating birds; and Ben Fogle gets the most spectacular sky-high view of the Jurassic coast.
Wales
Mar 9, 2021
Narrated by Julie Walters, this week we're on an adventure in Wales with its breath-taking landscapes of mountains, valleys, beaches and spectacular coastline. Ben Fogle goes wild swimming in the lakes of Snowdonia. Ray Mears witnesses a rare sight for bird lovers on the banks of the River Wye. Robson Green is paddle-boarding on the Isle of Anglesey, and in beautiful Pembrokeshire, Liz Bonnin takes the plunge with a daring sport.
Norfolk
Mar 16, 2021
Julie Walters presents a guide to some of the most beautiful sights Norfolk has to offer. Ben Fogle takes to the Broads on a traditional Norfolk wherry boat, while in the flat wetlands of the Fens, Liz Bonnin checks out some rare eight-legged wildlife. Elsewhere, Olympian Victoria Pendleton joins the Queens Mounted Regiment on their annual holiday at Holkham beach.
Northumberland
Mar 30, 2021
Julie Walters narrates as we visit rugged Northumberland, the county with England's cleanest rivers, darkest night skies – and more castles than anywhere else in the country. Robson Green tries out a very testing sleepover on the Farne islands, while Denise Welch and Carol McGiffin are walking the Roman Wall. Ade Edmondson heads to sea in search of the treasures of the deep, and Harry Potter star David Bradley returns to Alnwick castle – better known as Hogwarts.
Sussex and Kent
Apr 6, 2021
Julie Walters narrates as we visit the neighbouring counties of Sussex and Kent, consistently named the sunniest areas in the UK. Actor Robert Bathurst is our guide on a walk through Rye to Camber Sands, his home for more than 20 years. Zoe Ball visits Standen House to check out one of the country's most celebrated gardens. The iconic white cliffs of Dover wow Liz Bonnin with a great British view. In Whitstable, Ade Edmondson tastes the local delicacy, oysters.
Peak District
Apr 20, 2021
As the series draws to a close, Julie Walters presents a guide to some of the most beautiful sights the Peak District has to offer. Actor Katherine Kelly heads out on an inspiring hill walk up Mam Tor, while Ben Fogle gets a taste of the special honey produced by peak district bees. Stanage Edge wows Ore Oduba with a stunning view, and Liz Bonnin is at the magnificent Lyme Park Estate to witness an annual wildlife ritual.
