1. Free VPN Services

One method to access BBC iPlayer from the outside UK is to use a VPN service that provides UK IP addresses. Unfortunately, there are not many UK VPN services that are free. One of them is TheFreeVPN [No longer available]. You could also get a free UK VPN from HideIpVPN.

2. Commercial VPN Services

There are plenty of commercial UK VPN services that will enable BBC iPlayer in every corner of the world. Here are several that I have tried and that offer good speed and reasonable prices:

• HideMyAss – from $11.32/month
• NordVPN – from $11.95/month
• ibVPN – $4.95/month

3. Using Tor

Another option is by using Tor. The advantage of this option is that it is free, the disadvantage that you can never be sure what you get. It might work or not.

Here is a complete tutorial on how to watch Formula One live online using Tor [via HubPages.com]:

1. Download and install the latest version of Firefox.

2. Open Firefox, use Firefox to visit and install the Flash plugin for Firefox.

3. Visit the Tor Project.

4. Download and install the “Installation Bundle,” which includes Tor, Privoxy, Vidalia, and Firefox Plugin. (Direct download.)

5. Restart Firefox, you should now see a Tor Disabled in red at the bottom right corner of Firefox.

6. Open the Tor config file by clicking: Start Button -> Programs -> Vidalia Bundle -> Tor -> Torrc

7. Once the Torrc text file is opened, add the following at the end of the file:

StrictExitNodes 1
ExitNodes {gb}

8. Save the file then close it.

9. Start (or close it and restart if it’s already running) the Vidalia program at Start Button -> Programs -> Vidalia Bundle -> Vidalia, look at the onion icon near your clock, wait for the icon to switch from yellow to green.

10. Go back to Firefox, right click on the Tor Disabled text located at the bottom right corner of Firefox, then click Preferences.

11. A window name Torbutton Preferences will pop up, click on the Security Settings tab

12. Untick the Disable plugins during Tor usage box (You need this unticked to use Flash under Tor).

13. Next, click OK to close the Torbutton Preferences window.

14. Click once on the Tor Disabled text at the bottom right corner of Firefox; it will turn green and become Tor Enabled.

15. At this point, all the connections you make in Firefox will go through the tor network. (and automatically uses a UK IP as the last exit point because that’s what you put in the config earlier)

16. Finally, visit BBC’s iPlayer site and enjoy the show.

Important Notes:

Your connection will be much slower than usual.  If it lags way too much (over 20 seconds) or it shows errors when browsing through Tor, that means you’re on a slow or broken circuit; you can switch to another circuit by:
1. Double click on the onion icon near your clock.
2. The “Vidalia Control Panel” pops up, click the Use a New Identity button.
3. Visit the BBC iPlayer site again.
4. Repeat the above if necessary.

Do you know other methods to unblock BBC iPlayer and watch Formula One live online?

UK VPN services provide your computer with a “virtual” connection to a VPN server, and it then behaves exactly as it would if you were actually in the United Kingdom.

What is a VPN with a UK IP address?

If you are traveling outside the UK or you are a UK expat, you may still get access to British TV shows that are streamed online even if they are geo-restricted. By subscribing to a VPN service (yes, you will need a VPN) and connecting to a server located in the UK. Such a server usually exposes a UK IP address, and it is seen as a regular UK Internet user. The good news is that most VPN providers offer access to UK servers. Take a look below at an extensive list of important description details about each provider.

What you can do with a VPN

With a VPN account, you can enjoy a vast array of services with your active VPN subscription; you can easily access Hulu, Netflix, or even use BBC iPlayer wherever you may be in the world! VPN for the UK will readily accept payments in pounds, use Paypal, or even credit card payments for your convenience.

Moreover, you do not need to be an internet geek to configure a VPN service online and unblock British TV. The VPN service provider will give you a step-by-step guideline for you to set up your VPN connection, and you will have your PC connect to any website you wish (including blocked sites), in as little as 5 minutes!

Besides unblocking streaming channels a VPN (Virtual Private Network) also provides increased online security, will protect you from ISP (Internet Service Provider) tracking, will help you stay secure while using public Wi-fi networks, will hide your online activities. Thus, using a VPN is a must these-days. But also keep in mind the VPN disadvantages.

United Kingdom VPN downsides

You may have imagined yourself watching UK TV shows or programs on the web from a remote country in the world, and you think to yourself this is just impossible! Currently, you can do that, but there are several downsides, which in mind aren’t that burdensome. They are as follows:

• Buffering. You will experience video buffering half-way through your streaming. This is normal, however, if it persists try contacting your VPN service provider and ask for a new IP address on a new server that has a faster connection.
• Connection dropping. If you happen to encounter an abrupt stop on your internet connection, reconnect your VPN, or refresh your connection. It may happen occasionally, but you should not worry about it as you can always contact your VPN service provider for technical support.

Although these are not somewhat technical problems, you can somehow carry on with your viewing and ignore such temporary nuances from time to time. Imagine all the amazing benefits you will get if you can conveniently access British TV shows and programs wherever you are? It is reason enough to continue and persist with your VPN monthly subscription account.

What channels can you access using UK VPN services?

It is very probable that you already know what site you want to unlock. Anyway, I am going to list several of the channels that I follow. If you know others that worth mentioning, please share them in the comments.

• BBC iPlayer – Great for watching Formula 1, Master Chef, EastEnders, Louis Theroux, Poldark, Ordinary Lies, and many more.
• ITV – Champions League, Saturday Night Takeaway, Emmerdale, Coronation Street, TOWIE, etc.
• Sky Go – Arrow, Game of Thrones, Blacklist, and many more.
• UTV – Britain’s Got Talent, Big American Food Trip, Vera, etc.
• Channel 4 – Indian Summers, The 100, Supernatural, PokerStars.com, Raised by Wolves, Gogglebox, etc.
• BlinkBox – Latest movies: Paddington, Interstellar, The Hobbit, Better Call Saul, etc.
• Wuaki TV –  The most popular UK TV series, and the best films from independent filmmakers.
• 4Music – For thosewho love music and pop culture.
• AbsoluteRadio – Live music, Rock ‘N’ Roll Football.

List of VPNs with UK servers

After some extensive search, I have found 15 good United Kingdom VPN services (probably the best VPNs) that offer UK IP addresses. If you are interested, take a look below and don’t forget to share your experience with us after you try one.

1. NordVPN – Probably the best VPN on the market with plenty of server locations. It is fast, reliable, and it offers great value for the money. Additionally, you may benefit from the 30-day money-back guarantee policy.
2. HMA –It provides access to over 800 servers in 300+ locations in 182 countries. More, HMA VPN offers over 113,309 VPN IPs, keeps changing between them, and you need never appear in the same place for long. For only $11.32 per month. About 100 servers in the UK.
3. ibVPN – One of my favorite VPN providers (take a look at my extensive ibVPN review)., probably the best VPN for torrenting. The guys that handle the support are very friendly and helpful. You may try the service for 24 hours for free (no credit card required) and, even after you subscribe, you benefit from 15 days money-back guarantee. Prices start from $4.95 per month and offer access to about 10 servers located in the UK. More than that the service includes Smart DNS access, advanced technology for unblocking websites, including the ones mentioned above. Also, you may benefit from 5 simultaneous connections, DNS leak protection, WebRTC leak protection, Stealth VPN, Double VPN, and Tor over VPN.
4. PureVPN – Great VPN provider with a lot of servers and many add-ons that can help you do a lot of VPN related stuff. There are plenty of UK servers to choose from and 5 simultaneous connections. Thus the access to UK channels is ensured. The starting price is $9.95/month with lower rates for annual and semi-annual plans. You may choose from various payment options.
5. StrongVPN – One of the oldest players in the VPN market, provides access to hundreds of servers all over the World and more than 20 in the UK. StrongVPN is somehow expensive, starting from $15/month.
6. HideIPVPN – HideIPVPN is a smaller provider, with a limited number of servers and locations. But it provides excellent access to UK servers for $5.99 per month. Also, Smart DNS is included in more expensive plans. The support is excellent and the server speed is quite good.
7. VyprVPN – It is one of the biggest VPNs, advertised as the World’s fastest VPN. With 700+ servers and 200,000+ global IPs, connections are always available. Prices start at $6.67/month. It may be a good choice for those looking for a specific location for their UK server.
8. TunnelBear – Probably the nicest VPN service with great design and wonderful site. Simply great! It is built with love for those that prefer a very friendly and funny service. The apps are so easy to use that even computer illiterates are capable of using them without any issues. No much to say about the number of servers, as you are only allowed to choose the country, not the exact server location. You can even get a free (but limited) version of the service, but the premium packages start at $4.99/month. Highly recommended for those looking for an ON/OFF VPN button.
9. IPVanish – With 10 VPN servers in the UK you can surely access the sites you want. IPVanish offers access to the Tier-1 VPN network, and the server speed is excellent. They provide access to hundreds of servers all over the World. All for $10/month.
10. BoxPN – BoxPN is a good provider, with a limited number of UK IP servers. From $9.99/month.
11. ExpressVPN – Important VPN service with a high number of servers. High speed, ultra-secure, and easy to use. Instant setup. 30 Day Money Back Guarantee. It starts at $12.95/month.
12. Witopia – It can bypass blocks from UK content providers, but they only offer annual plans for $49.99.
13. CyberGhost VPN – Very modern provider with excellent looking applications, good servers, and great support. CyberGhost VPN also offers free access to traffic limitations. Premium subscriptions are available starting at $6.99/month. Highly recommended for German speakers.
14. Private Internet Access – Another big player (take a look at my PrivateInternetAccess review), with several unique payment methods like Ripple, Stellar, Gift Cards. The PIA VPN apps are user-friendly and offer strong encryption. It is quite popular these days. Available for $6.95/month.
15. VPN Tunnel – The Swedish VPN is an excellent provider with several servers in the UK. The accessing price starts at 9.99 Euro per month.

Of course, there are several free VPN providers that also offer access to servers in the United Kingdom. However, most free VPNs are already blocked by popular streaming channels. So, they are of no use when it comes to watching your favorite streaming website.

Conclusion

To sum up, most of the sites that stream British shows can be unblocked from the outside UK using United Kingdom VPNs. The only condition is to choose a provider that offers servers located in the UK. Further, if you are not happy with the speed provided by the VPNs, you may also consider a SmartDNS service like the one offered extra by ibVPN, PureVPN, or HideIPVPN.

Enjoy!

StrongVPN is one of the best and reliable VPN services on the market. American based company, established in 1995, StrongVPN ensures your VPN service is fast wherever you are in the world.

Why should you consider a VPN when hiding your IP address?

• You get full anonymity
• Unlike a proxy, you get secured connection for all programs you are using, (e.g ICQ, Email, FTP, News and anything that uses an Internet Connection)
• Fast internet connection
• You are protected against your ISP

If you consider trying a VPN service, Strong VPN is a good choice. Besides the speed that is impressive, StrongVPN steps out of the line with the various locations of the servers. There are 264 servers in 19 countries around the world.

More than that, the service guarantees:

• 99% service uptime
• Complete anonymity
• High-speed connection
• No bandwidth limitation 1 Gbit/s Connection
• 24x7x365 Live Help, Skype, Help Desk, and Phone Support by quality technicians

The prices for the premium packages start from $4.58/month.

Most of the VPN providers offer a small range of IPs and servers, but if you are in need of more, StrongVPN is the real solution. With over 3835 IPs on 92 servers in 12 countries, StrongVPN is, at this time, unbeatable! Learn about the StrongVPN plans and packages.

StrongVPN plans

Strong VPN offers a number of plans with different pricing based on how many cities/country you want access to and provide two types of accounts:

• PPTP accounts – give you access to only their PPTP/L2TP servers
• OpenVPN accounts – give you access to both PPTP/L2TP and OpenVPN servers.

The difference between PPTP and OpenVPN is that PPTP accounts are easier to set up and costs less. But some ISPs block PPTP. In that case, you will need an OpenVPN account. OpenVPN is also more secure compared to PPTP.

Every VPN account from StrongVPN has a number of free “switching” included. These switchings allow you to change the VPN server you are using. For example, if your account comes with US and UK VPN servers and your account is on a US server now, using a “switching” quota you can change your access to a UK server. Beyond a fixed free switching quota, you can have more switches for additional payment.

StrongVPN plans – “PREMIUM” package

Another package called “PREMIUM” at $30/mo gives you access to all their servers. It includes US VPN, UK VPN, Netherlands VPN, Canada VPN, Germany VPN, Hong Kong VPN, Switzerland VPN, Norway VPN, Russia VPN, Luxembourg VPN, France VPN, and Malaysia VPN. You do need to utilize the “switching” quota to switch between the VPNs though.

So, if you are looking for a “truly” strong VPN service then StrongVPN is the solution.

StrongVPN Windows VPN Client – Main features

StrongVPN has announced its Windows VPN client that would help users connect easier and faster. The application is long waited by the StrongVPN users, as most of the other VPN providers have one (take HideMyAss for example). Learn about the StrongVPN Windows VPN Client.

The StrongVPN Dialer is very straightforward with few options and no unnecessary settings. Just enter your login info, choose one server from the server list and connect. That’s it!

A nice feature of the dialer is the Switcher that tests several servers (available for your subscription) and allows you to switch to the fastest. It is worth noting that StrongVPN limits the number of free switches.

You can download the StrongVPN client from their website. It’s still in beta, so it may not work 100% accurate and also other features may be added to the final version.

How to setup StrongVPN with OpenVPN on Linksys WRT54GL + DD-WRT Firmware

This tutorial shows how to setup StrongVPN on a Linksys WRT54GL router with DD-WRT firmware. Step by step StrongVPN DD-WRT tutorial.

Three steps are needed before starting: you must download both software and a file.

1. Download NotePad + + => more convenient than the Windows Notepad, more ergonomic.
2. Download Putty => Will not connect via SSH to your router and install the file.
3. Ask the support of  StrongVPN ovpn.sh file to configure a router with  DD-WRT firmware => This file installs the OpenVPN on your router.

Router Configuration

Log into your router (192.168.1.1) with your Login and Password.  In the Services tab / / Services, Secure Shell and System log must be enabled (Enabled).

Then in the Administration tab // Management, you enable SSH Management and reboot the router.

Configuration via Putty

After installing Putty, in Host Name, put your local address of the router.  Here it is 192.168.1.1.

Then click Open, a security window will open, and then you click YES. A DOS window opens it and puts your login and password for the router.

Then copy & paste this famous ovpn.sh file.  Confirm with Enter.  Close the window, reboot your router.

In order to stop OpenVPN copy this script: killall openvpn in your command line (Administration tab // Commands).

It is quick and easy to configure, the speed and configuration are stable. StrongVPN through their script provides a simple and effective solution.  If you want a router with DD-WRT firmware in OpenVPN, enjoy StrongVPN and its OpenVPN offer to $ 10 per month (less than $ 100 for the year).

StrongVPN alternatives

Even if StrongVPN is one of the top VPN providers you may have your reasons to leave StrongVPN and search for other VPN providers. Some users complain about the support. The response time is long and some questions are never answered. If you do look for alternatives, take a look at 7 Good StrongVPN Alternatives post.

Have you tried the new StrongVPN Windows VPN Client? Did you find it useful? let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you tried it? What do you think of it? Let us know!

>> StrongVPN

What is a UK IP address?

A UK IP address is an IP that is assigned to an ISP or hosting provider that provides Internet services in United Kingdom. The most common UK IPs have the following format:

• 25.0.0.0 to 25.255.255.255
• 31.64.0.0 to 31.95.255.255
• 31.96.0.0 to 31.127.255.255
• 2.216.0.0 to 2.223.255.255
• 5.64.0.0 to 5.71.255.255

You may find more info regarding the UK IP blocks by checking this post.

3 Ways to get a UK IP address

1. Use Web Proxies

Web proxies are the most simple way to change your IP address. But, the main advantage of a web proxy is the fact that you don’t have to install anything. Just visit the proxy, type in the desired URL and press the Go or Submit button. Thus, the site will be loaded from the IP of the proxy, not from your IP address.

I have gathered here a list of several web proxies that are now functional and that are hosted on UK servers. It may change in the future. As you probably know web proxies have a short life.

1. Change IP Country (cIPC) – It is an anonymizer program which acts as an HTTP or FTP proxy. Through it, you can retrieve any resource that is accessible from the server this runs on. It is useful when your access is limited, but you can reach a server that can, in turn, reach others that you can’t.
2. JustProxy
3. WebProxy.uk.com

Must read: Risks of using a proxy site.

2. Manually change your IP using paid or open proxies

Another option to consider is to change the public IP of your computer/device manually. Next, go to sites that list proxies like XRoxy, find a proxy server from the United Kingdom and then change your browser’s settings to use that proxy.

Further, if you don’t know how to change your IP manually you should check these posts:

• Internet Explorer – How To Manually Hide Your IP Using Internet Explorer
• Google Chrome – How To Hide Your IP While Browsing Using Google Chrome
• Firefox: How To Manually Hide Your IP
• Safari – How To Manually Mask Your IP Using Safari
• Microsoft Edge – How to Setup a Proxy for Microsoft Edge

3. Use a VPN service

Also, if you find the proxies slow, an excellent alternative is the VPN services. You may see below a list of VPN services that provide British IP addresses.

What is a UK VPN service?

A UK VPN service is a VPN that offers access to one or more servers located in the United Kingdom. A more extended definition includes the VPN services that change your IP to a UK one, but the actual server is not located in the United Kingdom. They provide primarily the same service.

How to choose a UK VPN provider?

Firstly, take a look at the suggested providers from the list below. Your choice depends on your budget and on what you need.

Secondly, I recommend starting with the VPN services that offer a free trial. You can quickly set up a free account and see how they fit your needs.

List of UK VPN services

Here is a list of several such UK VPN services. They all offer excellent VPN server network, excellent speed, unlimited bandwidth, easy-to-use VPN apps (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android), simultaneous connections, kill switch, various VPN protocols (OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, StealthVPN, Softether), leak protection (including IP leak protection, DNS leak protection and WebRTC leak protection), and money back guarantee.

What you can use a UK VPN for

When one connects to such a server, all the Internet traffic is redirected to that server. There are three obvious reasons for using a UK VPN:

• Unlock geo-restricted sites from outside the UK (sites that are designed and offered to British citizens) like BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, Demand Five.
• Encrypt your Internet traffic and protect yourself from sniffing attacks (this is for UK users that already have access to all the sites mentioned above).
• Protect your online identity while downloading torrents.

UK VPN providers offer a large number of UK server options, with unlimited bandwidth and excellent browsing speed. And, the prices vary from $4 to $15 per month.

How to browse with IP addresses from other countries

• United States: How to browse with US IP
• Netherlands: How to browse with IP address from Netherlands
• Germany: How to browse with an IP address from Germany
• Ireland: How to browse with an IP address from Ireland
• Hungary: How to browse with IP address from Hungary
• Russia: How to browse with Russian IP address
• Denmark: How to browse with Danish IP address
• India: How to browse with Indian IP address
• Thailand – How to Browse with Thai IP address

There are plenty of commercial services that offer UK VPN, but you can also set up your own UK VPN using a VPS (Virtual Private Server). The advantages of having your own VPN servers are that you are no sharing the bandwidth with anyone, getting good browsing speed, and, very important, you can manage the logs as you like (delete them anytime you want).

The following steps guide you on how to set up a UK VPN server using the PPTP protocol, on a VPS located in the UK.

1. Buy a VPS

To start off, you need to buy a VPS and choose to install a CentOS 5.x operating system. It is important to get CentOS as the script you are going to run is suitable for this operating system.

In order to get a UK VPN, you need a VPS from a hosting company located in the UK. I personally recommend UK2.NET, but you can surely find others by searching on Google. 

After you order the VPS you will get the root password that you need for the rest of the process.

2. Connect to your VPS

Install an SSH client (Putty) in order to connect to the VPS. Start Putty, and enter the following command:

ssh root@xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx

Replace “xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx” with your VPS’ IP, such as “68.19.16.213”.

Then you will see the following message:

Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no)?

Enter “yes” and press the “Return” key, then, enter your password and press the “Return” key.

3. Run the installation script

Next, run the installation script (pptpd.sh is hosted on how-to-hide-ip but it was created by Diahosting.com):

wget pptpd.sh

Hit “Enter”. The file will be downloaded on your server. Next, run it:

sh pptpd.sh

The installation will be run and completed automatically, and when it’s done, the VPN username and password will be displayed on your console screen.

4. Change the VPN password

The PPTP VPN account information is stored in the file located at “etc/ppp/chap-secrets”, you can use the command line to edit this file directly:

nano etc/ppp/chap-secrets

All you need to do is to type in the username you want to use, then space and type in “pptpd”, and then space and the password (as VPN password).

You will need restart PPTPD server when changes are made to the following command line:

/etc/init.d/pptpd restart

5. Connect your computer to the UK VPN server

Finally, you need to create a PPTP connection from your computer to the VPN server. The info you are going to use is the IP address of the VPS, the username and the password you set up earlier.

And … voila! You have your own setup UK VPN server. Enjoy!

Update 5/16/2011 – The TheFreeVPN service is not available anymore! You should check other hide IP tools.

TheFreeVPN is a new free service that lets users surf the web privately also allowing them to bypass internet censorship. Unfortunately, it comes with a price: annoying ads.

Main features

With TheFreeVPN you can:

• Access blocked websites from within a corporate environment.
• Watch Hulu.com, Pandora.com, ABC.com, BBC.co.uk from anywhere.
• Protect yourself from snoopers at Wi-Fi hotspots, hotels, airports, corporate offices and ISP hubs.
• Hide your IP address for your privacy online.

Get started

To get started all you need to do is to install the FreeVPN client software from the website and select one of the available VPN servers to get connected anonymously. You can choose from 3 US servers (one special for watching Hulu), 3 UK servers and 1 Canada server (this is the only free Canada VPN that I know!).

After connecting to a server you can check your IP address on XMyIP. Below, you can see the results for the Canada server.

The dark side

TheFreeVPN is not completely free. The client that you install changes your browser homepage to http://thefreevpn.com/ and every time you open the browser or a new tab you are redirected to a certain ad page. This is quite annoying!

To be honest, I prefer completely free VPN accounts (with no extra features ) like the accounts offered by HideIpVPN.com. Anyway, for those seeking for free Canadian VPN, TheFreeVPN is a great solution!

Important! This service is only available for Windows operating systems.