As part of his “Great British Railway Journeys” series, he visited various historic sites across the Braintree district.
The episode “Chelmsford to Tollesbury” will be aired on BBC Two on April 30 at 6.30pm.
It will be followed by “Witham to Saffron Walden” on May 1 and “Colchester to Chappel and Wakes Colne” on May 2.
The presenter began his journey on the outskirts of London and travelled to different locations in the county.
He started at Epping Forest, where he admired the ancient woodland with its gnarled hornbeams and beeches.
At Epping, he visited a historic London Transport signal cabin preserved by railway enthusiasts.
He then guided an Underground train into the station using a simulator.
In Harlow, Mr Portillo visited the house and garden of the town’s chief architect, Sir Frederick Gibberd, where he learned about Gibberd’s plans for the new town and his love of art and sculpture.
Finally, at Audley End, he visited a miniature railway that recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.
He also learned about Audley End House’s role as a secret wartime military school.
The episode will capture all these visits, providing viewers with an interesting insight into Essex’s rich history.
