Best VPN for UK IP Address: Watch BBC iPlayer Abroad (2025)
The Winner
After testing 20 providers from Spain, France, and the USA, NordVPN is the best choice for a UK IP address. It has over 440 servers in London, Manchester, and Glasgow that reliably unlock BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Sky Go.
In This Guide
There is nothing worse than arriving at your holiday villa, settling down to watch the latest episode of your favourite show, and seeing the dreaded error message: "This content is not available in your location."
Whether you are an expat living permanently overseas or just on a two week holiday, losing access to home services is frustrating. It is not just about TV either. Online banking apps (like Lloyds or Barclays) often trigger fraud alerts if they see you logging in from a foreign country.
The solution is simple: Get a UK IP address. By using a VPN, you can digitally teleport your phone or laptop back to Britain.
Why most VPNs fail with UK TV
Streaming services like the BBC and ITV have become very smart. They actively block IP addresses that belong to known VPN companies. If you use a cheap or free VPN, you will likely still get blocked because their servers have already been blacklisted.
To successfully watch UK TV from abroad in 2025, you need a "Premium" VPN that refreshes its IP addresses regularly to stay one step ahead of the blocks.
The Top 3 VPNs for UK Expats
We tested these providers by connecting to them from outside the UK and attempting to stream HD video on BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and Sky Go.
1. NordVPN (Best Overall)
Editor's ChoiceNordVPN is the powerhouse for UK streaming. It has over 440 servers in the UK alone. During our tests, it was the only provider that unlocked Sky Go consistently.
- 440+ Servers in London, Manchester, Glasgow
- Fastest speeds for 4K streaming (NordLynx)
- Works with BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, Sky Go
2. Surfshark (Best Value)
Best ValueIf you are travelling with family, Surfshark is essential because it allows unlimited devices. You can have the kids watching CBeebies on an iPad while you watch the news on your laptop, all on one account.
- Servers in London, Manchester, Glasgow
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Very cheap 24 month plans
3. ExpressVPN (Most Reliable)
ExpressVPN is more expensive, but it is incredibly simple to use. It has servers in London, East London, Midlands, and Wembley. It is a great choice for non technical users who just want to click one button and connect.
View ExpressVPN DealStep by Step: How to Watch UK TV Abroad
- Install the VPN: Download the app to your phone, tablet, or laptop before you travel if possible (some countries block VPN websites).
- Select the UK: Open the server list and tap "United Kingdom". For the best speed, choose "London".
- Check your IP: The app should turn green and say "Connected". You now have a British digital identity.
- Open iPlayer: Go to the BBC iPlayer app or website. It will now work exactly as if you were sitting in your living room in Britain.
Troubleshooting: "Something Went Wrong"
If you are connected to the VPN but iPlayer still blocks you, try these fixes:
- Clear your Cache: Your browser might have remembered your old "foreign" location. Clear your cookies and refresh the page.
- Incognito Mode: Open a private window (Incognito) and log in there. This usually solves the problem.
- Switch City: Disconnect from "London" and try "Manchester" or "Glasgow". This gives you a fresh IP address that might not be blocked.
