100 Best UK Podcasts — The Ultimate List (2026)

The UK podcast scene has never been stronger. From political heavyweights to comedy gold, true crime obsessions to business masterclasses — British podcasters are producing some of the best content in the world. This list is ranked using Apple UK Charts data and listening habits from Podcast Alarm users. Updated for 2026.

Waking up with a podcast on iOS

Podcast Alarm is a fully featured podcast player and alarm. You can set up queues of your favourite episodes and listen to them whenever you like. Why not subscribe to your favourite podcast and have the latest episode wake you up every weekday morning. There are lots of screenshots and videos in our "How to set a podcast as an alarm on iphone?" blog post.

1) The Rest Is Politics

A former Labour spin doctor and a former Conservative minister break down the week's politics with genuine insight from both sides. It's the podcast that made politics listenable again. Over 100 million downloads and counting — easily the UK's biggest podcast.

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2) The Diary of a CEO

Long-form interviews with everyone from neuroscientists to billionaires. Steven Bartlett's interviewing style gets guests to share things they've never said publicly. Each episode is a masterclass in whatever topic it covers. Consistently number one on UK Apple Charts.

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3) Off Menu with James Acaster & Ed Gamble

Two comedians run a fictional restaurant where celebrity guests order their dream meal — starter, main, side, dessert and drink. Sounds simple, but it's one of the funniest podcasts ever made. The magic is in the tangents.

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3) Off Menu with James Acaster & Ed Gamble

4) The News Agents

Three former BBC journalists cut through the headlines with sharp analysis and insider knowledge. Released daily, it's become the go-to news podcast for millions of UK listeners who want substance over noise.

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5) Sh**ged Married Annoyed

Chris and Rosie Ramsey discuss relationships, parenting and life with brutal honesty and a lot of laughs. The listener questions segment is legendary. One of the few podcasts that's genuinely laugh-out-loud funny every single episode.

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6) The Rest Is History

Two historians turn the past into riveting stories. Whether it's the fall of Rome, the Tudors, or the Cold War, they make history feel like the best drama you've ever watched. Deep dives and quick episodes — something for every mood.

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7) No Such Thing As A Fish

The researchers behind QI share the most extraordinary facts they've found each week. It's funny, surprising and endlessly fascinating. Over 500 episodes and it never gets old — perfect for commutes or before bed.

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8) Desert Island Discs

Running since 1942, Desert Island Discs is a British institution. Guests choose eight records, a book, and a luxury item they'd take to a desert island. The format draws out stories that no other interview show can match. Lauren Laverne is the current host.

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9) Parenting Hell

Two comedians navigate the chaos of raising children. Honest, self-deprecating and very funny. Whether you're a parent or not, the stories are universally hilarious. One of the UK's most downloaded podcasts for good reason.

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10) The High Performance Podcast

Interviews with elite performers — athletes, entrepreneurs, military leaders — about what it actually takes to perform at the highest level. Practical, inspiring and backed by sports psychology research.

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