Where to watch The Snail and the Whale (2020) in the UK
The Snail and the Whale (2020) is available to watch free in the UK on BBC iPlayer. It can also be rented from Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube or bought from Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, and YouTube. Last verified on 3 May 2026 by ScreenSearch.
"How I long to sail!" said the tiny snail.
A half hour animated film for all the family based on the much-loved book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The Snail and the Whale is the much loved classic that shows us a restless young snail who has ambitions to travel the world. The other snails think she should stay put, but she puts out a call for a “Lift wanted around the world”. Eventually her call is answered by a great big grey-blue humpback whale! She sets off with him across the seas. On their journey the snail and the whale discover towering icebergs and far-off lands, fiery mountains and golden sands. The snail is delighted by the wonderful world around her, until she realises how small it makes her feel.
Watch the trailer
Meet The Snail And The Whale!💦| Official Trailer | Gruffalo World: Snail & The Whale
Streaming options in the United Kingdom
Updated daily from The Movie Database. Outbound links open the provider directly.
Rent
Pay-per-view rental, typically 24–48 hours.
Buy
Purchase a digital copy you keep in the storefront's library.
Last verified: — sourced from The Movie Database. Machine-readable: Markdown · JSON.
Cast & crew
Top-billed cast in The Snail and the Whale.
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Rob BrydonWhale (voice) -
Sally HawkinsSnail (voice) -
Diana RiggNarrator (voice) -
Cariad LloydTeacher (voice) -
Max LangFish (voice)
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The Snail and the Whale — frequently asked questions
Where can I watch The Snail and the Whale for free in the UK?
The Snail and the Whale (2020) is available free (with adverts or a TV licence) on BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom.
How much does it cost to rent The Snail and the Whale?
Rental prices vary by service and tier (HD vs 4K), typically £3.49 to £5.99 in the UK for a 48-hour rental. ScreenSearch links you straight to Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube so you can check the current price.
Can I buy a digital copy of The Snail and the Whale?
Yes. The Snail and the Whale can be bought as a digital download from Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, and YouTube in the UK. A purchased digital copy lives in that storefront's library and stays available as long as the licence holds.
Is The Snail and the Whale on Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video in the UK?
The Snail and the Whale is not currently included with any major UK subscription service. It may still be available to rent or buy.
How accurate is this film's availability data?
Availability is sourced from The Movie Database (TMDB), which in turn pulls from JustWatch. Listings are refreshed daily. For purchase decisions, the provider's own site is the source of truth.
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