Villages By The Sea
Villages By The Sea is a TV show on BBC2. Archaeologist Ben Robinson uncovers the history and heritage of beautiful coastal villages from across the UK, showcasing their often unsung role in the nation's story. The program has been available since 2023. A total of 29 episodes have been broadcast, most recently in November 2024.
Last episode
Villages By The Sea
On a visit to the white cliffs of the Kent coast, Ben Robinson learns how an exclusive retreat for the rich and famous suddenly became 'Hellfire Corner' during World War II.
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Archaeologist Ben Robinson is in North Yorkshire, exploring how idyllic Runswick Bay was once a place of great danger, despite attracting tourists and inspiring artists.
Archaeologist Ben Robinson casts his eye over the village of Seahouses in Northumberland, where he discovers how the lethal rocks offshore have been both a blessing and a curse.
Archaeologist Ben Robinson discovers the surprising story of this former medieval port on the Suffolk coast.
Archaeologist Ben Robinson reveals the story of smuggling intrigue and bravery on the Yorkshire coast.
Archaeologist Ben Robinson discovers the story of the monks and villagers of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, off the Northumberland coast.
Archaeologist Ben Robinson reveals the story of this Devon coastal gem’s transformation from fishing village to romantic Victorian seaside resort.
Series 2
30:00
30:00Archaeologist Ben Robinson visits the picturesque Georgian village of Charlestown on the southwest coast of Cornwall and learns how it was shaped by the vision of one man.
30:00Archaeologist Ben Robinson discovers how traditional boat building shaped the beautifully preserved village of Arnside on the banks of the River Kent in Cumbria.
30:00Archaeologist Ben Robinson visits the village of Staithes in North Yorkshire and unearths its role in kickstarting the chemical industry in the northeast of England.
30:00Archaeologist Ben Robinson visits Alnmouth on England's northeast coast and discovers the village's historical role in feeding the nation.
30:00Archaeologist Ben Robinson uncovers the secrets of the Edwardian settlement of Thorpeness in Suffolk, which was the first purpose-built seaside village in the UK.
30:00Archaeologist Ben Robinson uncovers how the health and fortune of the village of Bamburgh was shaped by those in charge of its famous castle.
Series 1 30:00
30:00Archaeologist Ben Robinson examines the history of Clovelly in Devon, looking at its transformation from fishing harbour to romantic Victorian seaside resort.
30:00Archaeologist Ben Robinson examines the history of the monks and villagers of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, which lies off the Northumberland coast.
30:00
Archaeologist Ben Robinson examines the history of Robin Hood's Bay, a fishing village on the North Yorkshire coast, and reveals tales of smuggling intrigue and bravery.
30:00Ben Robinson examines the history of Walberswick, a former medieval port on the Suffolk coast which is now a favourite retreat for writers, artists and day trippers.
30:00Archaeologist Ben Robinson examines the history of Lancashire village Sunderland Point, which was once a busy port and instrumental in the slave trade.
The quiet village of Ravenglass in the Lake District’s National Park played a strategic role in the Roman empire, as archaeologist Ben Robinson finds out.
Series 4
Ben Robinson travels to Johnshaven, a once-important Scottish fishing village that diversified into the flax and jute trade when its skilled sailors were press-ganged into the Royal Navy.