Start your Free Trial:

Travel documentaries

Travel shows on BBC Select inspire exploration, adventure, and cultural immersion and transport you to captivating destinations around the world. Our selection of travel documentaries feature tour guides such as Joanna Lumley, Alexander Armstrong and Bettany Hughes and offer glimpses into incredible landscapes and lesser known gems across the globe. Embark on journeys across Europe, Asia and more with our collection of travel series and films.

South Korea with Alexander Armstrong

South Korea with Alexander Armstrong

South Korea is a nation of contrasts. It’s smaller than many states but can feel like another planet. Alexander Armstrong is getting to the heart of what makes the nation tick is in this engrossing travel documentary. Gangnam Style, Squid Games, K-Pop; South Korea is one of those places that’s always somewhere in our consciousness, but most people know little about this extraordinary country.

Iceland With Alexander Armstrong

Iceland’s unique isolated position has created an equally individual culture. Actor and presenter Alexander Armstrong sets out on the adventure of a lifetime in the Land of Ice and Fire. He soon finds that there’s more to Iceland than just Vikings and violently erupting volcanoes. Traversing the full breadth of the country he discovers a land of geysers, very expensive beer and even rotten shark.

Joanna Lumley: In The Land of the Northern Lights

Watch Joanna Lumley: In The Land of the Northern Lights on BBC Select

BBC Select is heading north with actress Joanna Lumley as she pursues a life-long dream to witness the elusive Northern Lights in this moving documentary.

As a little girl growing up in Malaysia, Joanna had never seen snow or felt cold. She longed to head to the land of trolls and snow queens.

But she could never have guessed what a challenging and absorbing arctic adventure lay ahead of her.

Secrets Of Royal Travel

Pack your bags and climb aboard for a rare look inside the British monarchy’s luxurious private planes and trains. Discover five-star opulence in vehicles fit for a king or queen with lavish fixtures and fittings plus handy staff on standby to grant you your every wish.

Insiders reveal the special protocols and secret traditions associated with these unique, extraordinary mobile palaces in this two-part royal family documentary.

Joanna Lumley's Unseen Adventures

Watch Joanna Lumley's Unseen Adventures on BBC Select

Actress and Ab Fab star Joanna Lumley has clocked up masses of air miles jetting around the world during her celebrated travel documentaries. But not every moment makes it into the final cut.

In this series, Joanna takes us behind the scenes and shares unseen footage (and the occasional blooper) from her epic global adventures, starting in Japan and spanning right through to Cuba.