7 of the best travel shows to watch in the UK right now

The world is still your oyster… on a TV screen!

Here at loveEXPLORING we’re all about inspiring your travels and offering advice on how to see the world, but sometimes – like now – the best thing to do is put your travels on hold and stay at home. There’s no harm in turning into an armchair traveller during this time of uncertainty and enjoying a virtual escape to tropical islands, luxurious cruise ships or stunning train journeys. These are our favourite travel TV shows to stream right now.

1. National Parks Adventure

Released in 2016 to mark the 100th anniversary of the US National Parks Service, this documentary explores the history and the jaw-dropping landscapes of America’s most beautiful natural assets, from Yellowstone and Yosemite to glaciers in Montana and Utah’s natural arches. Lead by artist Rachel Pohl, mountaineer Conrad Anker and photographer Max Lowe, and narrated by Robert Redford, this is a taste of the Great Outdoors delivered straight to your living room.

Available on Netflix

2. World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys

An epic six-part series, the show brings the romance of train travel to your living room. Narrated by Bill Nighy, there’s Rocky Mountaineer whizzing past lakes and rainforests on an epic journey from Vancouver to Banff in Canada, as well as incredible journeys in New Zealand, Norway and much closer to home in Wales. If a rail holiday wasn’t on your list yet, it will be after watching this.

Available on My5

READ MORE: The world's most scenic train journeys

3. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

One of the pioneers of the foodie travel genre, Anthony Bourdain and his Parts Unknown (among his other shows like No Reservations) have had a great impact on how people travel today. Filmed between 2013 and 2018, the programme encourages travellers to seek out the undiscovered, whether it’s an experience, a dish or a destination in itself. Focusing on little-explored corners of well-known destinations in Europe and the US, as well as shining a spotlight on troubled destinations like Myanmar and Libya the aim is always the same – find the true heart and soul of a destination.

Seasons 1-7 available on Amazon Prime Video

4. Cruising with Jane McDonald

The queen of cruising, Jane McDonald and her shows are the go-to for any seafaring fan. Raging from river cruises on the Mississippi or the Mekong to cruise classics like the Mediterranean Riviera or the Caribbean, the episodes focus on both popular and lesser-known cruising destinations as well as offering a comprehensive review of the ship featured in the episode. It's all useful advice for when things go back to normal and you’re planning your next cruising holiday.

Available on My5

5. Americas with Simon Reeve

From his latest trip through the Americas to previous seasons filmed in the Caribbean and Turkey, it's easy to get lost in Simon Reeve’s expansive box sets and documentary specials. Each series puts the spotlight on a country or region and is sure to both inspire and inform. Reeve explores places in great depth, often focusing on social, cultural or economic challenges the countries are facing, as much as showing off the best they have to offer.

Available on BBC iPlayer

6. Heathrow: Britain’s Busiest Airport

A six-part documentary, this series goes behind the scenes at Britain’s busiest and biggest international airport and gives access to areas normally closed to travellers. From medical emergencies and the daily work of Border Force officers to drugs and unexpected delays, the series is a real treat for anyone who’s interested in aviation and fascinated by airports. There’s even a mystery to solve as a wanted man goes missing on a plane…

Series 5 available on ITV Hub

READ MORE: Museums and galleries you can visit from home

7. Great Canal Journeys

A British TV classic, Great Canal Journeys and hosts Timothy West and Prunella Scales take viewers on fascinating trips across canals in Britain and abroad. The ‘best of’ episodes are particularly interesting, covering Scotland, North of England and plenty of global adventures in Venice, old Amsterdam and even Argentina. It’s certainly a soothing programme with plenty of beautiful scenery.

Available on All 4

Lead image: SH/visitflam.com