Watch Harbour Lives

Harbour Lives is a captivating documentary series that offers viewers an intimate look into the lives of the people who work and live in some of the UK's most beautiful and bustling harbour towns. Presented by Ben Fogle, this series takes a deeper dive into the stories and emotions of those who call these places home.

Over the course of the show's episodes, viewers are taken on a tour of some of the UK's most picturesque coastal towns and ports. From Newlyn in Cornwall to the Isle of Wight, from the Shetland Islands to the South Coast, this series explores the unique features of each place and the people who make it special.

One of the most impressive things about Harbour Lives is how the show strikes a balance between sweeping camera work that captures each location's beauty and close-up interviews that reveal the human stories behind the scenery. Together, this approach effectively immerses the viewer in the world of the harbour town.

The show's subjects range from fishermen and boat builders to artists and entrepreneurs. Each person we meet has a unique perspective on their community and plays a role in keeping the town vibrant and alive. One example is the first episode, which follows the life of three generations of fishermen in Newlyn, a town with a long and proud history of fishing. Harbour Lives highlights the difficulties that fishermen face in the changing modern world, from regulations to a dwindling industry. But it also showcases the deep connection that these people have with their work and their town.

Another episode takes us to Portsmouth, where we meet people who work in the harbour in a variety of capacities. Viewers see how the harbour plays a pivotal role in the UK's defence strategy and how this has impacted the town's growth and development. Harbour Lives also explores the creative and cultural aspects of the harbour town. An episode focused on St. Ives, Cornwall, looks at the thriving arts community that has grown in the town and the role art plays in shaping its identity.

One of the most refreshing things about Harbour Lives is that it avoids the cliches often associated with reality television. The show does not rely on manufactured drama or contrived situations. Instead, the focus is on the authenticity of the people and places visited. The show is fascinating because the producers of the show take the time to find interesting people with engaging stories from each community. The result is a show that feels both intimate and honest.

The cinematography of Harbour Lives is also noteworthy. The camera work captures everything from sweeping shots of the sea and sky to close-ups with the locals, adding an unmistakable sense of grandeur to the show's overall vision. The use of aerial photography gives viewers a bird's eye view of the landscape, allowing them to appreciate the beauty of each harbour town from a completely new perspective.

Harbour Lives is also great for those who are interested in maritime history. The show's subjects reveal the impact that the sea has had on the UK's cultural and economic development, from the humble fishing villages to the bustling ports that serve as gateways to foreign lands. The series takes it upon itself to examine how each harbour town has developed over time, and how it continues to evolve as situations and technology change in the modern era.

Overall, Harbour Lives is a fascinating series that showcases the incredible diversity and richness of the UK's harbour towns. By highlighting the people and their daily lives, the producers invite viewers into the communities they visit. The show is a beautiful portrait of a side of the UK that is often overlooked in mainstream media, and it is both informative and entertaining. For viewers who want to learn about the UK's coastal towns and the people who give it character, Harbour Lives is an excellent place to start.

Harbour Lives is a series that ran for 2 seasons (16 episodes) between June 13, 2013 and on Best of British Television