The Wonder of Britain Episode Rating Graph

In the first programme, Julia Bradbury explores remarkable buildings, from Castle Howard to the Eden Project, Caernarfon Castle to London's `Cheesegrater`, telling the story of those who created them.

Julia Bradbury explores the wonder of the Industrial Revolution, visiting the Pontcysyllte aqueduct, which carries the Llangollen canal over the valley of the River Dee near Wrexham. Completed in 1805, it is the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain and is now categorised as a Grade I listed building. She also boards Brunel's former passenger steamship the SS Great Britain and appreciates the gothic majesty of Manchester Town Hall and the iconic fun of Blackpool Tower.

Julia looks at our coastal story. Britain’s coastline stretches for over 19,000 miles and is longer than that of India. Julia’s list of coastal wonders celebrates everything from our wildlife and scenery, to industry and our coast’s role in keeping Britain safe.

Julia takes a look at the country's Royal story. Britain has had an almost continuous monarchy for around a 1000 years, which give the country a unique royal story that has shaped our national identity. Julia starts by looking at the supposed home of legendary King Arthur at Tintagel. She then pays a visit to the Tower of London where the thick walls have seen over a millennium of royal history, and she looks at out the armour of one of our most well known royals, Henry VIII. Julia also pays a visit to Hampton Court Palace, Brighton’s Royal Pavilion, Kenilworth Castle, Osbourne House and she takes a look behind the scenes at the Household Cavalry.

Julia pays a visit to one of her favourite childhood places, Derbyshire’s Peak District, in the company of her father.