Radio Times: Review by:; Jane Rackham

Despite the title, not every gem in this gently informative series will be a revelation. Osborne House — Queen Victoria’s Italianate family home in the Isle of Wight, through which Paul Martin guides us speaking in hushed tones as if he might disturb a snoozing royal family — is surely familiar to many.

Considerably less well known is Snowshill Manor in Gloucestershire, where the eccentric Charles Paget Wade amassed an extraordinary collection of beautifully crafted objects. “Without him the world be a duller place,” concludes Clare Balding after her visit.

Charlie Luxton explores the ruins of Dalquharran Castle in Ayrshire, while Richard E Grant takes a peek behind the scenes of Pinewood Studios, a place that’s off limits to the likes of you and me — unless you happen to be a film star.

About this programme

1/3. Return of the series exploring places and objects that shed new light on British history. Richard E Grant visits Pinewood Studios and reveals a few cinema secrets, while host Paul Martin takes in Osborne House on the Isle of Wight and uncovers details of Queen Victoria's family life. Gloucestershire's extraordinary Charles Paget Wade collection captures the attention of Clare Balding, and Charlie Luxton examines a Scottish ruin that was once considered an architectural masterpiece.