12 British historical TV dramas for all the family on BBC iPlayer this winter
The BBC has a fun selection of family-friendly British period dramas streaming right now!
If you’re looking for your next show to binge-watch with the kids during the winter months, there are lots of brilliant box sets to explore on BBC iPlayer.
UK viewers who have a TV licence can watch the BBC’s streaming service on a wide range of devices, including tablets, mobile phones, computers and smart televisions – all with no adverts!
In addition to featuring recently aired shows for catch-up, BBC iPlayer also showcases a huge array of classic series from the corporation’s archive.
(While BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK, many of these TV shows can also be found internationally on BritBox.)
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We’ve put together this list of recommendations for young British period drama fans to check out on BBC iPlayer in the winter of 2023-2024:
Atlantis (25 episodes)
This 2013-2015 fantasy series from the makers of Merlin sees modern-day Jason sent back in time to a mysterious island ruled by heroes and mythical creatures, where he meets the likes of Hercules, Pythagoras and Medusa.
Available for over a year.
Bill (movie)
From the makers of Horrible Histories and Ghosts, this 2015 adventure comedy film is loosely inspired by the young William Shakespeare’s search for fame and fortune in 16th century London.
Available for 11 months.
Coming to England (TV movie)
Adapted from the book by Floella Benjamin, this one-off drama tells the story of a Windrush generation girl who came to Britain in 1960 from the Caribbean.
Available for over a year.
Doctor Who (177 episodes)
Time-travelling adventures in the TARDIS, journeying through history and meeting famous faces like Queen Victoria, Agatha Christie, William Shakespeare, Rosa Parks, and Winston Churchill.
Available for over a year.
Dodger (13 episodes)
Set in the world of Oliver Twist before the events of Charles Dickens’ classic novel, this CBBC comedy-drama follows the exploits of the infamous pickpocket the Artful Dodger and his gang in early Victorian London.
Available for over a year.
Hetty Feather (56 episodes)
Set in the 1880s in Victorian London, this adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s novel follows Hetty Feather and her little brother who live at the Foundling Hospital.
Available for over a year.
Horrible Histories (68 episodes)
Based on the books by Terry Deary, this long-running historical sketch show comes from the makers of Ghosts.
Available for 7 months.
Just William (4 episodes)
This children’s comedy series from 2010 is based on the classic novels by Richmal Crompton and stars Daniel Roche from Outnumbered as the titular rebellious schoolboy.
Available for 4 months.
Malory Towers (54 episodes)
Malory Towers – based on the classic novels by English author Enid Blyton – follows the adventures of Darrell Rivers as she leaves home for the first time to attend an all girls’ boarding school on the Cornish coast in post-war Britain.
Available for over a year.
Merlin (65 episodes)
Based on the legend of King Arthur and Merlin, BBC One’s fantasy adventure drama ran for five seasons from 2008-2012.
Available for over a year.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (TV movie)
Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies’ fun 2016 adaptation of the classic play is a great introduction to Shakespeare for younger viewers, with an all-star cast including Maxine Peake, Bernard Cribbins, Elaine Page, John Hannah, and Matt Lucas.
Available for over a year.
Robin Hood (39 episodes)
This mid-2000s Saturday evening drama sees stars Jonas Armstrong as legendary English folk hero Robin Hood, squaring up to the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham with weekly swashbuckling adventures in the fight for good.
Available for 11 months.
Take a look at more new streaming recommendations here!