A CASTLE became the focus of a popular TV show when Michael Portillo’s Great British Railway Journeys steamed through Abergele.

The presenter was taken on a tour of Gwrych Castle during last week’s episode of the BBC Two production.

He travelled from the city of Liverpool, to Maghull, across the Welsh border to Abergele and on to the surfing waves in Dolgarrog.

Stepping off the train at Abergele and Pensarn station, the former Cabinet minister turned broadcaster travelled the short distance to Gwrych Castle site and learned the story of its Welsh countess, Winifred Bamford Hesketh, the sole heiress of the estate.

He was given a tour by Dr Mark Baker, architectural historian and chairman/founder of Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust, who is restoring the estate.

Mr Baker said: “He [Portillo] looked back to 1910, just over 110 years ago when the castle was all up and running as the home of the countess. I gave him a tour. He seemed like really nice guy. I spent about three or four hours with him.

“We talked about the history of the site and I showed him around.

“He was really interested in how the trust came about and that I was only 12 when I took it on. He said this had been his favourite location.

“He got off in Abergele and Pensarn and then as soon as they [the crew] arrived at Gwrych Castle, they turned on the camera and started filming straight away. It was great as Michael Portillo’s reaction was so real and natural.” Using an 1840s copy of Bradshaw’s Guide, Portillo travels around the railway networks of Great Britain and Ireland during the Great British Railway Journeys series and looks how various destinations have changed since Victorian times.

Speaking whilst on his journey to Abergele and Pensarn, he said: “Here in the north on this line we have lost Sandycroft, Queen’s Ferry (sic), Connah’s Quay, Bagillt, Holywell, Mostyn, Talacre and Foryd.”

The presenter described Gwrych Castle as “the most romantic ruin”.

The castle dates back to 1810 although there are parts that go back to about 1485, very late medieval. The house was associated with the Lloyds of Gwrych.

Mr Baker said: “Twenty years ago, when I was 12, I was passing the castle to and from school and I would see the building get more deteriorated and derelict, and so I decided to set up the castle trust. Since then I have been campaigning for the restoration.”

To watch the programme – Series 9; 14 – go online at www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer