Michael Portillo in Sussex for BBC Great Coastal Railway Journeys

Rail fan and former MP Michael Portillo recently visited Sussex as part of his BBC show exploring the coastal railways of Britain.

The broadcaster travels from Fishbourne Roman Palace, near Chichester, to Seaford in the latest episode of Great Coastal Railway Journeys on BBC2.

It is the final leg of his 20-episode journey around the country, which started on the Isle of Man.

He has toured around the country using his trusty Bradshaw's Railway Guide, stopping off in Cumbria, Northern Ireland and Dorset among other destinations.

Michael at the palace (Image: BBC)

His journey started in a roman palace in Fishbourne, an archaelogical site and museum which offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of Romans from centuries ago.

Leanne O’Boyle, executive director of The Sussex Archaeological Society, which owns Fishbourne Roman Palace said: "The remains of the Roman palace at Fishbourne are a hugely important part of our county’s history.

"The largest palace north of the Alps, these extraordinary archaeological remains were a gateway to the Roman empire, with ships bringing new ways of doing things, as well as exotic goods and luxuries from around the Roman world.

"We are so thrilled to welcome Michael Portillo to Fishbourne and to share this remarkable place with BBC viewers."

The TV personality also toured Brighton Beach, where he discovered the city's subculture of mods and rockers in the mid 1960s.

Portillo trying wine at the estate (Image: BBC)

He then hopped on a train to Seaford, where he visited the Rathfinny Wine Estate near Alfriston to discover the region's burgeoning wine industry.

Michael said: "The Romans made wine in Britain and now that temperatures are climbing, the sap is rising in the vine again, and I am effervescent with excitement."

You can tune in to watch his adventure on BBC2 at 6.30pm this evening.