Lands of Adventure at the BBC

Classic adventure stories in far-off lands dramatized by the BBC

1. Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift [1726]

The tale of Lemuel Gulliver’s epic, hilarious, disturbing and profound voyages to lands unknown. Stars Arthur Darvill as Gulliver. Three 60 minute episodes. First broadcast in 2012

2. Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne [1864]

Three intrepid explorers venture into an Icelandic volcano. It’s a dangerous trip but discoveries await. Two 60 minute episodes. First broadcast in 2017

3, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Jules Verne’s science fiction classic brought vividly to life in this thrilling, fast-moving dramatisation, featuring the mysterious Captain Nemo and a ferocious giant squid. Dramatised by Gregory Evans

4, The Mysterious Island

Three very different people escape the American Civil war by stealing a balloon – which crashes near a deserted island. But perhaps it is not quite as deserted as they think it is…

5. King Solomon’s Mines by H. Rider Haggard [1885]

Tim McInnerny stars as intrepid explorer Allan Quatermain in this classic Victorian story – the impossible quest for the fabled King Solomon’s diamond mines, set in a mythical African interior. Two 60 minute episodes. First broadcast in 2017

6. She by H. Rider Haggard [1886]

Ludwig Holly and his ward Leo’s quest for the truth behind legend of Leo’s ancestry takes them to Africa. Here they find Ayesha, 2000 years old but beautiful beyond all description, despotically ruling her secret kingdom. Stars Tim McInnerny. Two 60 minute episodes. First broadcast in 2015

7. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells [1895]

Robert Glenister stars in H.G. Wells’ classic story of a time-traveller’s journey to the far future, where mankind has diverged into two species. One hour Forty minutes. First broadcast in 2009

8. The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle [1912]

Professor Challenger sets out to find a lost race of creatures in the heart of the Amazon. Stars David Robb and Jamie Glover. Two 60 minute episodes. First broadcast in 2011

9. Lost Horizon by James Hilton [1933]

After a plane crash in the Himalayan mountains, English diplomat Hugh Conway claims to have stumbled upon the utopian world of Shangri-La. Starring Derek Jacobi. Three 60 minute episodes. First broadcast in 1981