With the international closure of BBC Sounds, fans of “The Archers” outside the U.K. may find themselves stuck when it comes to listening to the world’s longest running soap opera. But fear not, because we’ve got all the info you need on how to listen to “The Archers” from anywhere with a VPN — and for FREE.
New episodes of "The Archers" arrive daily (excluding Saturdays) at 7 p.m. BST
• LISTEN FREE — BBC Radio 4 or BBC Sounds (U.K.)
• Listen anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re well versed with all the goings on in Ambridge, but for the uninitiated, “The Archers” is a radio soap opera charting all the drama in the rural English community. The heart of the programme is the titular Archer family, proprietors of Brookfield Farm, as well as the arable antics at Bridge Farm and Home Farm. The daily ongoing story covers everything from dastardly land grabs, steamy love affairs and village fete politics, with all the whimsy one might expect from a cosy countryside chronicle.
It’s an addictive listen, with short daily episodes, or one weekly omnibus, and there’s a number of ways to tune in, not matter where in the world you find yourself. So read on to find out how to listen to “The Archers" online from outside the U.K..
How to listen to 'The Archers' for free
"The Archers" is broadcast by BBC Radio 4 and available on BBC Sounds.
There's a number of options for listeners in the U.K. to enjoy all new episodes of "The Archers".
Whichever works best for you, installments drop every day except Saturdays, at around 7 p.m. BST, or, if you prefer to binge, the omnibus arrives every Sunday morning at 11 a.m. BST.
BBC Sounds is the best option, with the broadcaster's audio streaming app bundling live radio stations, podcasts and audio dramas in one place. And all for FREE.
You can also listen as episodes go out on BBC Radio 4 and catch up via most major podcast apps, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
You don't have to miss out if you're a Brit abroad either because you can unblock BBC Sounds with a VPN.
Listen to 'The Archers' from abroad
If you’re travelling and find that your usual streaming service is blocked, a VPN (virtual private network) can make your device appear as though it’s back in your home country. That way, you can keep using your usual subscriptions, just as you would back home.
We regularly test VPNs, and NordVPN is one of the best all‑round options for streaming thanks to its fast speeds, reliable unblocking, and wide device support. It also comes with a 30‑day money‑back guarantee, so you can see how it works with your setup before fully committing.
Using a VPN is simple.
1. Install the VPN app on the device you’ll listen on. NordVPN is our pick.
2. Connect to a server in your home country. For example, choose a U.K. server to access BBC Sounds while abroad.
3. Open your streaming app and play as normal.
Listen around the world
Can I listen to 'The Archers' outside the U.K.?
If you're a Brit travelling abroad in the U.S., Canada and Australia and beyond who usually listens to "The Archers" via the BBC Sounds app, you may find your service unavailable due to regional restrictions. While there was previously global access to BBC Sounds, it's now exclusive to Blighty.
However, there is hope, as you could use a VPN, such as NordVPN, to unblock BBC Sounds when travelling abroad.
All you need to know about "The Archers"
'The Archers' schedule
New episodes of "The Archers" arrive every day (excluding Saturdays) at 7 p.m. BST. An omnibus edition of the week's episodes lands every Sunday at 11 a.m. BST.
'The Archers' main cast
- David Archer played by Timothy Bentinck
- Brian Aldridge played by Charles Collingwood
- Jill Archer played by Patricia Greene
- Lilian Bellamy played by Sunny Ormonde
- Pat Archer played by Patricia Gallimore
- Helen Archer played by Louiza Patikas
- Lynda Snell played by Carole Boyd
- Eddie Grundy played by Trevor Harrison
Is there a 'The Archers' spin-off?
Emma Freud hosts "The Archers Podcast," which drops every Friday on BBC Sounds and other podcast platforms, dissecting the week's events in Ambridge, going behind-the-scenes and answering listener questions.
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