How to Stream Your Favourite UK TV Shows While Travelling Abroad

Introduction: The Popularity of UK TV

Is there anything better than unwinding with your favourite British TV shows after a long day? I mean sitting relaxed on your sofa and watching shows like The Crown, Peaky Blinders, Doctor Who and having the time of your life. These shows have a way of making us feel right at home, no matter where we are.

But why is it that the moment you leave the UK, watching them becomes a challenge? Why should enjoying BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, or My5 feel impossible just because you’ve crossed a border?

The answer? Geo-blocking. The digital gatekeeper checks your location and decides what you can or cannot watch. Sounds frustrating, doesn’t it? After all, in a world where the internet connects us all, why should where you are stop you from enjoying the shows you love?

Let’s go through this blog and understand how we can overcome this problem so that watching our favorite shows is as easy as searching for them online.

Overcoming Geo-Restrictions with a VPN

Travellers like you and me can quickly and effectively circumvent these annoying location blocks by using a VPN.

A VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and it hides your location by sending your internet connection through a server in the UK. This will make it look like you’re browsing from the UK, but you’ll be elsewhere.

So when you use a VPN, streaming services you use think you’re in the UK and let you watch all your favourite British shows, no matter where you are. It’s a simple trick that gives you full access, like at home.

Important Considerations and Tips

Hey, here’s a quick heads-up! Before you use a VPN abroad, make sure it’s legal in the country you’re going to. Some places are excellent with it, but others have strict rules, and the last thing you want is to get in trouble just for trying to watch Peaky Blinders, right?”

And another thing: Are you using a VPN to get around those messages that say ‘This content isn’t available in your region’? Technically, it goes against the terms of service for most streaming platforms. Now, don’t worry. They’re not going to sue you or anything. But they can block your VPN if they catch it.

That’s why I always say, if you use a VPN, go with a premium VPN provider. The good ones are way more reliable, better at staying under the radar, and less likely to run into issues while streaming.

Popular UK Streaming Platforms

Understanding the services you might want to access abroad is crucial:

• BBC iPlayer: You know BBC iPlayer. It’s where you find all the top British stuff- like excellent dramas, documentaries, the news, and entertainment shows. I usually go there to watch Sherlock or Line of Duty. Honestly, it’s packed with quality content.
• ITVX: And then there’s ITVX. If you’re into classic British soaps like Coronation Street or Emmerdale, that’s the place. They’ve also got a bunch of reality shows and even some new dramas you can’t find anywhere else.
• Channel 4 (All 4): Channel 4, or All 4, is where things get more quirky and fun. They’ve got edgier stuff like Derry Girls or The IT Crowd. I love how different their shows feel compared to the usual.
• My5: My5 is a mix. It includes not just UK shows but also international stuff, including documentaries, dramas, and even some movies. It’s perfect when you just want to scroll through and see what catches your eye.

Direct access to these platforms is appealing as local international options often have limited UK-specific content and can lack recent episodes or seasons.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

There is no doubt that a VPN is all cool and impressive, but there are some issues you can encounter while using a VPN. Let me tell you what these problems are, and how to overcome them:

• VPN Detection: Sometimes, the streaming site might catch on to the fact that you’re using a VPN. Annoying, I know. But it’s usually an easy fix. Just switch to another UK server in your VPN app. And if that doesn’t work right away, try clearing your cookies or opening the site in incognito mode. That usually does the trick.
• Slow Streaming Speeds: Have you ever had the video stop buffering right when something exciting is about to happen? It’s the worst. If that happens, I usually change to a UK server closer to where I am. It helps with speed. Also, closing extra apps or tabs can free up your internet and make things run smoothly.
• Regional Errors: If you’re still getting messages saying a show isn’t available, your device might be giving away your actual location. Just turn off location services and clear your cache and cookies, and you should be good. Oh, and using a solid VPN that’s made for streaming helps a lot, too.

So, just remember these things and be cautious while using your VPN, and you’ll be good to go.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Favourite UK Shows Anywhere

Catching up on your favourite UK telly while trotting the globe doesn’t have to be a drama (leave that to the shows). Whether jet-setting across time zones or just sunbathing somewhere fabulous, staying plugged into The Crown, Peaky Blinders, or Doctor Who is doable.

You’ve got options! Fancy a quick fix? A trusty VPN can sneak you past those digital bouncers. Bottom line? With some prep and the right tools, you’ll never miss a plot twist, punchline, or pub scene, no matter where your travels take you. Cheerio, buffering!

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