CRITICS' CHOICE

HISTORY LESSON Secrets Of Great British Castles, 8pm, Ch5

BUILT by William the Conqueror in the heart of one of Britain’s most ancient cities, York Castle has witnessed all manner of ‘malice and mayhem’ during its tumultuous history. For episode three of his illuminating series, Dan Jones explores this unique fortress, ‘packed with thrilling stories’ going back nearly 1,000 years.

SEA AIR Coastal Path, 8.30pm, BBC2

IN THIS new, five-part series (shown earlier this year in the South-West), the intrepid explorer Paul Rose takes on a fairly sedate challenge as he tells the story of the South West Coast Path. At 630 miles, it’s England’s longest national trail and one of the world’s best-loved walks.

NORDIC FARE Rick Stein’s Long Weekends, 9pm, BBC2

THIS week, Rick (pictured) is in Copenhagen, which is making a name for itself as the home of so-called ‘new Nordic’ cuisine. Happily, he finds that traditional food continues to flourish, too — there’s little to beat open sandwiches on rye bread and a Danish pastry . . . or two.

TYNE CROSSING Britain’s Greatest Bridges, 9pm, Ch5

DOMINATING the skyline of Newcastle and Gateshead for nearly 90 years, the sweeping Tyne Bridge is a symbol of Tyneside’s industrial past. Rob Bell explores the history of this magnificent construction, built to keep shipbuilders’ skills alive during the Twenties recession and revered by Geordies to this day.

FILM CHOICES Road to Christmas, 3.15pm, Ch5

REAL-LIFE husband and wife Jennifer Grey and Clark Gregg star in this TV-movie romcom. She’s the bride-to-be whose flight

to her wedding is grounded by a snowstorm. He’s the man who comes to her rescue, driving her all the way to Aspen with his daughter. It’s a journey that will change their lives forever.

Playing For Keeps, 2.05am, Ch4

GERARD BUTLER (pictured with Jessica Biel) is the washed-up professional footballer who is in America to try to be a better father to his son — and the local soccer moms can’t keep away from him in this wishywashy romcom.