Villages by the Sea returns to charm audiences with more coastal adventures

Purple Production’s Villages by The Sea is returning to BBC Two and iPlayer for a fifth series, following the success of the 2023 run, for 6x30 episodes.

Archaeologist Ben Robinson returns to embark on another fascinating journey around the English coastline and delves ever deeper into the local history of the villages he visits.

From St Bees in Cumbria to St Margaret’s Bay in Kent, each episode will offer viewers a different picture of an idyllic coastal village. Each episode goes beyond the postcard image to discover deeper stories about England’s past. Ben will be joined by national experts and local enthusiasts as together they use clues from buildings, street patterns, artefacts and the landscape to unwrap a key moment in the village’s history.

Purple’s Pam Cavannagh said: “We’re so pleased to be bringing Ben and his knowledge and passion back for another series. We’ve uncovered a wealth of incredible stories and hidden treasures in previous series, and we know that this one will bring even more, as we continue to shine a light on the beautiful coastal villages England has to offer.”

Diana Hare, Commissioning Editor, BBC, said: "We’re delighted to be working with Salford based Purple again. This is a celebration of our history and the coastal communities around England. The villages may be small but the stories are big and important to us as a nation. Ben Robinson’s unique touch and knowledge brings them to life."

Villages by The Sea, a 6x30’ for BBC Two and iPlayer was commissioned by Diana Hare. It is executive produced by Pam Cavannagh and Dympna Jackson. Theo Williams is the series producer. It is produced by Purple Productions, part of Objective Media Group, an All3Media Company.