Missing British TV?
You've moved to Spain. The weather is better, the food is great, but you really want to watch EastEnders. Or the football. Or that new BBC drama everyone's talking about.
Here's the problem: BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Channel 4, and most UK streaming services are blocked outside the UK. Try to access them from Spain and you'll see an error message about being in the wrong location.
The solution is a VPN.
What's a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) routes your internet connection through a server in another country. When you connect to a UK server, websites think you're in Britain. BBC iPlayer works. ITV Hub works. You can watch whatever you want.
It's legal, safe, and used by millions of expats worldwide.
Which VPN Should You Use?
Not all VPNs work with UK streaming services. The BBC actively blocks known VPN servers. You need a service that regularly updates its UK servers to stay ahead.
NordVPN (Our Recommendation)
NordVPN consistently works with BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Channel 4, and Sky Go. It has 440 UK servers across 4 cities (London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh). When one server gets blocked, there are plenty of alternatives.
Why we recommend it:- Reliable BBC iPlayer access
- Fast speeds, no buffering
- Easy to use apps for phones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Works on up to 10 devices simultaneously
[Try NordVPN →](https://nordvpn.com)
Other Options
ExpressVPN: Premium service, fast speeds. More expensive than NordVPN but equally reliable. Good choice if NordVPN doesn't work for you. Surfshark: Budget-friendly option under €2/month. Unlimited device connections. Works with BBC iPlayer though sometimes less consistently.Setting Up a VPN
Step 1: Sign up for NordVPN (or your chosen provider). Step 2: Download the app on your device. Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Fire TV, and more. Step 3: Open the app and connect to a UK server. NordVPN will choose the best one automatically, or you can pick a specific city. Step 4: Go to BBC iPlayer (or other UK service) and watch normally.That's it. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.
What Can You Watch?
With a UK VPN, you can access:
- **BBC iPlayer:** EastEnders, Line of Duty, Doctor Who, documentaries, news, everything
- **ITVX (formerly ITV Hub):** Coronation Street, I'm a Celebrity, live sport
- **Channel 4:** First Dates, Grand Designs, news
- **My5:** Channel 5 content
- **Sky Go:** If you maintain a UK Sky subscription
- **BT Sport:** If you have a BT subscription
- **Now TV:** With UK account
Do You Still Need a TV Licence?
Technically, yes. If you watch live BBC programming or use BBC iPlayer, you legally need a UK TV licence - even from abroad. Whether this is enforced for overseas viewers is another matter. The licence costs £169.50/year (2025 rate).
Smart TVs and Streaming Devices
VPNs work best on computers and mobile devices. For smart TVs, the setup is more complicated.
Easiest options:- Amazon Fire TV Stick (NordVPN app available)
- Apple TV (use the VPN on your router, or AirPlay from iPhone)
- Cast from your laptop to TV via HDMI
Some routers can run VPN software directly. This protects all devices on your network. More complex to set up but very convenient once done.
Speed and Quality
Modern VPNs are fast enough for HD streaming without buffering. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are particularly good here.
If you experience slow speeds:
- Try a different UK server
- Check your base internet speed (run a speed test without VPN)
- Connect via ethernet rather than WiFi if possible
A Note on Netflix
Netflix has become better at detecting VPNs. While NordVPN often works with UK Netflix, it's not guaranteed. The cat-and-mouse game between VPNs and Netflix continues. For reliable Netflix access, ExpressVPN currently has the edge.