How to watch Countryfile anywhere
David
David has been watching TV outside of his home country for over 12 years. In addition to his streaming expertise, he has a wealth of experience in watching sports and documentaries, having spent many years following these genres. He is an avid fan of The Detectorists and Blue Planet, and also has a keen interest in English football.
Countryfile, the beloved television program, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions with its immersive exploration of the British countryside and rural pursuits.
From rolling hills to quaint villages and from fascinating wildlife to the latest farming practices, this long-running series provides a delightful window into the natural wonders and rural communities that make up the diverse tapestry of the United Kingdom.
However, for those living outside the UK or travelling abroad, accessing and enjoying the comforting episodes of Countryfile, which bring a glimpse of the green, green grass of home, can be a challenge. Having lived abroad, I know what a warm glow this show can bring to an ex-pat.
Geo-restrictions and limited availability can make it hard for viewers to watch Countryfile outside the UK.
Thankfully, there are now ways to watch Countryfile from virtually anywhere in the world.
Whether you’re an ex-pat longing for a taste of home or an international viewer eager to delve into the natural beauty of the British countryside, this article will guide you through everything you need to immerse yourself in the charm of Countryfile, no matter where you are.
Where is Countryfile being shown?
Countryfile is broadcast on BBC One in the United Kingdom, where it has become a staple of Sunday evening television for many British viewers.
Many Countryfile episodes can also be accessed on-demand through the BBC iPlayer, allowing viewers to catch up on missed episodes or relive their favourite moments at their convenience.
But for many ex-pats and overseas viewers, the BBC iPlayer is not accessible where you are. That’s where you need a bit of extra help and, trust me, it is well worth the effort.
How do I watch Countryfile where I am?
To watch Countryfile on BBC iPlayer from your current location, you will need to use a VPN.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) works by encrypting your internet connection and redirecting it through a server located in a different region, giving the impression that you are browsing the internet from that specific location.
A VPN connection is particularly useful when it comes to accessing content that may be restricted in your country, such as watching Countryfile live and on-demand on BBC iPlayer.
When using a VPN, you can effortlessly enjoy Countryfile and other UK-based shows no matter where you are in the world. It’s a simple and cost-effective solution, and effortlessly is definitely the word to use.
Where to get a VPN?
While there is a wide range of VPNs available, based on personal experience, we know that some VPNs suffer from slower connection speeds and other issues that can lead to buffering and poor video quality when trying to tune into BBC shows like Countryfile from abroad.
There are also some VPNs that cannot unblock the BBC iPlayer or that have a lack of UK-based servers where you need them.
Recommended VPN for Countryfile Streaming
For a seamless streaming experience when watching Countryfile abroad, I highly recommend ExpressVPN.
This VPN service offers fast connection speeds, a multitude of UK-based servers, and user-friendly apps for all devices. Furthermore, ExpressVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring a risk-free option.
I have used ExpressVPN extensively in numerous locations around the world and can attest to the fact that it works brilliantly with the BBC iPlayer.
But don’t just take my word for it. In our extensive testing, ExpressVPN emerged as the top-performing VPN for unblocking content on BBC iPlayer, making it perfect for watching Countryfile.
If you wish to explore alternative options, NordVPN and CyberGhost VPN are two other VPNs worth considering. Both of these VPN providers offer similar features and also provide a 30-day money-back guarantee.
But we say with confidence that ExpressVPN is the best choice for accessing BBC iPlayer and enjoying Countryfile without any limitations.
30-day money back guarantee
How to stream Countryfile outside the UK
To help you stream Countryfile outside the UK, we’ve prepared an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide to help you access BBC iPlayer and stream Countryfile from wherever you are:
Step 1
Visit the ExpressVPN website and sign up for their annual deal, which includes a 49% discount and an additional three months for free.
Step 2
For security reasons, download and install the ExpressVPN app onto your device either from their website or your device’s app store and nowhere else.
Step 3
Use your newly created account details to log in to the ExpressVPN app.
Step 4
Click on Selected Location within the app, choose a server located in the United Kingdom, and click the Connect button to establish a connection with a UK-based server.
Watch the show anywhere using ExpressVPN.
Step 5
Open the BBC iPlayer website or app and log in to your free account. From there, you can freely stream Countryfile from anywhere in the world. Thanks to ExpressVPN, you can enjoy the show without any geographical restrictions or limitations.
30-day money back guarantee
What is Countryfile all about?
The premise of Countryfile
Countryfile is a popular television program renowned for its captivating exploration of the British countryside.
It specialises in showcasing the natural beauty, wildlife, and rural communities of the United Kingdom.
Countryfile takes viewers on a journey through breathtaking landscapes, picturesque villages, and farming communities and explores the fascinating lives of those who call the countryside their home.
Each episode delves into diverse topics, including agriculture, conservation, environmental issues, and traditional practices, offering a comprehensive and enlightening perspective on the connection between people and nature in the British countryside.
With its heartfelt storytelling and stunning cinematography, Countryfile has become a beloved program that connects audiences with the awe-inspiring landscapes and the rich tapestry of life found in the British countryside.
It is a genuine celebration of rural life and a proper glimpse of home for any British ex-pats pining for a taste of their homeland.
Critical reception of Countryfile
Countryfile’s longevity is a testament to the huge popular and critical acclaim it is held in.
Its ability to capture the beauty and charm of the British countryside, combined with its informative and engaging content, has been widely praised, as has its stunning cinematography, compelling storytelling, and its commitment to raising awareness about rural issues and environmental conservation.
It has come in for some criticism for its perceived woke agenda in more recent times, with pieces suggesting that there is a racial bias in accessing the countryside attracting a lot of criticism.
One comment, quoted in the Mirror, summed up the views of many viewers and critics. It simply said, “What on earth is stopping anyone, regardless of the colour of their skin, enjoying nature? No one is stopping anyone. Utter cobblers.”
Aside from minor issues like this, which tend to affect all BBC programming, not just Countryfile, critical reception of Countryfile remains overwhelmingly positive, solidifying its status as a beloved television programme and something of a national treasure.
Who stars in Countryfile?
Countryfile is a magazine-style programme with reports from a huge variety of different presenters. However, there is a core group of presenters that host the show week after week, which includes:
John Craven
John Craven’s career spans several decades, and he has become a household name and a familiar face to viewers across the United Kingdom.
He gained widespread recognition as the host of the long-running children’s news programme John Craven’s Newsround (now known as Newsround), which provided young audiences with accessible and engaging news coverage.
His deep knowledge and passion for the natural world has made him an ideal Countryfile host and he is now synonymous with the show.
Matt Baker
Matt Baker gained prominence as the co-host of Blue Peter and then The One Show, where he engaged audiences with his affable nature and skilful interviewing style.
He has also showcased his impressive dancing abilities as a participant on the hit show Strictly Come Dancing and hosted live sports and other content on the BBC.
As well as Countryside, he also has his own Channel Four show profiling his family farm in the Yorkshire Dales, helping to establish him as a voice for rural communities as well as a beloved and respected figure in the realm of British television.
Helen Skelton
Helen Skelton also rose to fame as a presenter on Blue Peter, before building a dynamic career that has seen her tackle a variety of roles, including hosting sports events and covering major international competitions, such as the Olympics and Paralympics.
Her passion for outdoor pursuits has been evident in numerous shows, including Countryfile, and she also recently reached the final of Strictly Come Dancing.
Adam Henson
Adam Henson is a farmer himself, and as well as running the hugely popular Cotswold Farm park, he has also carved a niche on TV too.
He is best known for his Countryfile role, where his deep knowledge and passion for agriculture, livestock, and rural life shines through.
Henson’s down-to-earth approach and friendly demeanour make him a relatable and trusted source of information on agricultural practices and the challenges faced by farmers and he both inspires and engages audiences as an influential advocate for the British farming community.
Summary
Countryfile is a national institution in the UK. It is a must-watch show for many Brits and for ex-pats, in particular, it offers a slice of the UK that you just will not find anywhere else.
Fortunately, you can watch Countryfile from anywhere in the world if you use a VPN and following the instructions we have provided in this guide.
Just sign up for ExpressVPN, download the app onto your preferred device, connect to a UK-based server, and then log into the BBC iPlayer as usual.
Once you have done this, your Sunday nights can revert back to the cost comfort of home, with a warm drink and a little slice of something that is uniquely and quintessentially British.
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