Britain and the Sea

David Dimbleby sails the most beautiful coastlines of Devon and Cornwall, delving into maritime history, art and architecture as he goes. He braves some stormy weather to uncover the stories of a fantastic array of adventurers, explorers, pirates and smugglers. David also gingerly submits himself to one of the oldest maritime art forms of all - the art of the tattoo!

Sailing the southern shore of England from Hampshire to Kent, David Dimbleby explores how Britain’s seas have protected against threat from abroad throughout history. David abseils the great iron side of the HMS Warrior to take in the engineering might of one of the most powerful battleships of its day. He also reveals the surreal ‘Dazzle Painting’ applied to British ships to distract enemies as they took aim.

Joined by his son Fred, David follows the trade routes of the west coast of Scotland along the monumental channels that cut through the Romantic Highlands and brought wealth and prosperity to the heart of Scotland. The journey starts at Craobh Haven and takes David along the Crinan Canal and up the River Clyde towards Glasgow, charting the crucial importance of the sea to Britain’s trade.

Starting at Gorleston-on-Sea, David explores the creation of a seaside holiday culture that remains uniquely British to this day. Sailing the Rocket down the Suffolk and Essex coasts and into the Thames, he explains how after centuries of protecting and providing for Britain, the sea - and seaside - became a playground for the nation, a place of pleasure and relaxation.