PREVIEW: Sandi Toksvig's Extraordinary Escapes, Channel 4

In this brand-new series, broadcaster and national treasure Sandi Toksvig explores the delights of the UK's wildest, most remote and beautifully designed holiday digs, accompanied by some of the nation's most fascinating and funny women who she's been longing to spend quality time with. Sandi's given the keys to some of the very best staycation spots for her and her guests - all awe-inspiring properties built to make the most of the stunning landscape around them.

From a lighthouse cottage on a private island near the Isle of Skye and a stunning tree house in the Wye Valley, to the only nature reserve in England in which you can stay, every episode visits a different region and promises hidden away places offering glorious sanctuary.

In this first episode, Sandi Toksvig's joined by legendary actor Alison Steadman in the wilds of Suffolk. Sandi discovers that the Gavin and Stacey and Pride and Prejudice star is also a passionate nature lover and seeks out some extraordinary escapes in the wilds of Suffolk. Starting on the Heritage Coast, they discover the imposing 19th-century Martello Tower.

Once a wreck, this unique building has been lovingly transformed into an architecturally stunning home for guests that makes the most of the panoramic views and remote beach on its doorstep. It's the perfect escape for Alison to indulge in her passion for cloud watching and for Sandi to reveal some fascinating facts about Napoleon's penis.

Amid a 5000-acre estate devoted to wildlife conservation, Sandi and Alison reconnect with nature during their stay at a rebuilt 17th-century thatched cottage with a difference - it has its very own moat - and Alison reveals her penchant for fungi spotting. And deep in the country, they discover that the gatehouse of an 11th-century priory has been offering hospitality to visitors for hundreds of years and still offers a sense of sanctuary to guests today. During their travels, Sandi also takes time to explore Alison's loves, life and acting career.

The whole series will be available to stream or download for free on All 4 following the transmission of this episode, on Wednesday 10 February.