Great Canal Journeys

Timothy West and Prunella Scales set off to discover the slowly winding Naviglio Grande Canal in Italy. As they make their way along the waterway, they take time to soak in the scenery and share observations, turning the journey into a relaxed exploration of the region’s charm. The pair’s itinerary includes a stop in the peaceful Swiss lakeside town of Locarno, where they wander the waterfront quietly before continuing onward. Their route also brings them to the beautiful gardens of Isola Bella, allowing them to admire the landscaped grounds before moving on to the next segment later of the canal.

Timothy West and Prunella Scales set off to discover the waterways that lace North‑West England. Their journey starts in the suburbs of Manchester, where the pair navigate the region’s network of canals and rivers, taking in the scenery as they've moved away from the city centre. The episode's shows how the canals link the urban fringe with the surrounding rural landscape. From there they follow the historic route of Britain’s first purpose‑built canal, tracing its course through the countryside before arriving at the bustling port of Ellesmere. The final stop at Ellesmere highlights the continuity from inland waterways to coastal trade routes. The journey underscores the link between inland navigation and the port’s maritime activity.

Timothy West and Prunella Scales set off to discover the waterways that lace North‑West England. Their journey starts in the suburbs of Manchester, where the pair navigate the region’s network of canals and rivers, taking in the scenery as they've moved away from the city centre. The episode's shows how the canals link the urban fringe with the surrounding rural landscape. From there they follow the historic route of Britain’s first purpose‑built canal, tracing its course through the countryside before arriving at the bustling port of Ellesmere. The final stop at Ellesmere highlights the continuity from inland waterways to coastal trade routes. The journey underscores the link between inland navigation and the port’s maritime activity.

In this episode, veteran actors Timothy West and Prunella Scales take to the Argentine waterways aboard a classic cargo vessel, setting out to discover the region’s intricate network of canals and rivers. The journey sees them gliding through the verdant jungle that lies beyond the outskirts of Buenos Aires, where the watercourses twist and turn like a maze. As they navigate the winding channels, West and Scales experience the unique character of these remote waterways, observing the surrounding flora and the quiet rhythm of life along the banks. Their passage offers a gentle insight into the tranquil environment that defines this lesser‑known part of Argentina’s landscape.

In this episode, veteran actors Timothy West and Prunella Scales take to the Argentine waterways aboard a classic cargo vessel, setting out to discover the region’s intricate network of canals and rivers. The journey sees them gliding through the verdant jungle that lies beyond the outskirts of Buenos Aires, where the watercourses twist and turn like a maze. As they navigate the winding channels, West and Scales experience the unique character of these remote waterways, observing the surrounding flora and the quiet rhythm of life along the banks. Their passage offers a gentle insight into the tranquil environment that defines this lesser‑known part of Argentina’s landscape.

Timothy West and Prunella Scales set out to explore the Lancaster Canal, observing the landscape that lines its banks. As they travel, Prunella – known as Pru – returns to the Lakeland village of Near Sawrey, where her family lived during the Second World War. The episode follows their journey down the canal and records Pru’s reflections as she revisits the place that holds wartime family memories. West accompanies her, providing a companion’s perspective as the pair navigate the waterway. The programme captures the canal’s atmosphere and the nostalgic tone of the visit, giving viewers a glimpse of both the scenery and Pru’s connection to her past.

Timothy West and Prunella Scales set out to explore the Lancaster Canal, observing the landscape that lines its banks. As they travel, Prunella – known as Pru – returns to the Lakeland village of Near Sawrey, where her family lived during the Second World War. The episode follows their journey down the canal and records Pru’s reflections as she revisits the place that holds wartime family memories. West accompanies her, providing a companion’s perspective as the pair navigate the waterway. The programme captures the canal’s atmosphere and the nostalgic tone of the visit, giving viewers a glimpse of both the scenery and Pru’s connection to her past.