After Dinner SpeakersCharley Boorman is the epitome of the modern-day adventurer.
His charismatic “let’s just do it” approach to challenges has won him over to a massive TV and literary audience.
Boorman has certainly carved an impressive and successful career for himself, but what most people like about him is his ‘one of the boys’ attitude.
Cheeky, energetic and entertaining – he’s always fun to be around.
Charley, the son of film director John Boorman, first appeared on the silver screen in Deliverance. Further roles followed in films, including:
- Excalibur
- The Emerald Forest
- The Serpent’s Kiss
- The Bunker
Charley Boorman – Motorcycle Adventurer
In 1997, he met actor and fellow motorcycle enthusiast Ewan McGregor, who was to become his co-adventurer.
In 2004, Ewan and Charley took part in Long Way Round. Riding motorcycles from London to New York via Europe and Asia, the journey became an iconic television series.
It was shown worldwide and became a bestseller. At this time, Charley also became involved with UNICEF as an ambassador and visited many of its projects during his travels, most of which were integrated into his TV programs.
Race to Dakar
In 2006, Charley competed in the famous Dakar Rally, which was filmed and then became the Race to Dakar TV series.
Injuring both his arms during the event meant that he didn’t cross the finish line. However, the show continued with Charley becoming the team manager on the ground and getting his teammate Simon Pavey to the end.
Long Way Down
2007 saw the 2nd journey with Ewan McGregor, which was televised, called Long Way Down. The motorcycle adventurers rode from John O’Groats in Scotland to Cape Town this time.
By Any Means
In 2008, Charley Boorman took a solo adventure around the world—By Any Means. It began in his hometown of Wicklow and ended in Sydney, Australia.
He set out with the intention of making the journey “by any means” of local transport available—a mishmash of boats, bikes, elephants—you name it, Charley used it!
In 2009, the second part of By Any Means took place, but this time, it had a stronger focus on one of Charley’s loves—motorbikes. Departing from Sydney in mid-May, he arrived on Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo in August, having travelled the Pacific Rim.
An open invitation was issued to any biker who wanted to join him for the first leg up the coast of NSW, and over 1500 riders took part!
Long Way Up
In 2020, Charley and Ewan returned to our screens with Long Way Up. Broadcast on Apple TV+, the motorcycle-riding duo travelled across South and Central America on prototype electric Harley-Davidsons.
Long Way Home
In 2025, Ewan and Charley returned to Apple TV+ riding refurbished vintage motorbikes from Ewan’s home in Scotland to Charley’s in England. But instead of taking the direct route, they opted for a grand adventure. Their path took them across the North Sea to Scandinavia, up beyond the Arctic Circle, then down through the Baltic and across continental Europe, before finally crossing the English Channel two months later.
Charley Boorman – Guest Speaker
Presented in a fireside chat format, Charley Boorman creates an atmosphere that’s part intimate storytelling, part gritty adventure log. These conversations are informal yet compelling. Charley draws from decades of globe-spanning expeditions to create a deeply personal connection, like settling around a fire with a friend and swapping stories.
Whether joking about mishaps or reflecting on serious injuries, Charley speaks candidly and authentically.
Charley’s fireside chats aren’t just for petrol heads or motorcycle enthusiasts —they’re for anyone drawn to adventure, human connection, and the resilience of the spirit. He weaves his own life into broader reflections on wellness, exploration, technology, and the sheer joy of hitting the road.
