10 Best UK Alternative News Sites

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Let’s be honest. Flicking between BBC News and Sky can sometimes feel like watching the same film with slightly different actors. You get the main story, sure, but what about the bits they missed? The camera angles they didn’t use? In a world buzzing with information, sticking to the same old channels is like only ever eating toast for breakfast. It does the job, but you’re missing out on a whole world of flavour.

This is where alternative news comes in. It’s not about shadowy figures in hoodies typing conspiracy theories in a basement. It’s about journalists, experts, and everyday people trying to tell the stories that get missed, challenge the accepted narratives, and give you a different lens through which to see the world. Think of it as the B-side to the mainstream single—often more interesting, complex, and revealing.

But diving into this world can feel a bit like navigating a maze without a map. Which sites are trustworthy? Which ones are just grinding a political axe? And how do you tell the difference between a hidden gem and a hot mess?

Don’t worry. This guide is your map. We’re going to explore what alternative news really is, why it’s more important than ever, and then walk through 10 of the best and most interesting sites out there. We’ll look at what they do well, where they stand, and what to watch out for. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to step outside the news-as-usual bubble and build a smarter, broader, and more complete picture of the world.

What Do We Mean by ‘Alternative News’?

Before we jump in, let’s clear something up. Alternative news isn’t just ‘fake news’ in a different outfit. It’s a broad term for news sources that operate outside the traditional, corporate-owned media giants like the BBC, ITN (who make news for ITV and Channel 4), or big newspaper groups.

Think about it this way: mainstream news outlets are like massive supermarkets. They have a huge reach, they stock a bit of everything, and they have to appeal to millions of people. To do this, they often play it safe. They focus on the big, headline-grabbing stories and tend to present them in a way that won’t upset too many people or their advertisers. They have teams of editors and lawyers making sure everything is carefully checked, which is great for reliability, but can sometimes sand down the interesting edges of a story.

Alternative news sources are more like your local farm shop or a specialist deli.

They’re often independent. They might be funded by readers, non-profit grants, or small-scale advertising, which can free them from the pressure to please corporate owners or big advertisers.
They have a specific focus. Some dive deep into a single topic, like the environment or technology. Others champion a particular political viewpoint, from the left to the right and everything in between.
They offer a different perspective. Their goal is often to question the official story, give a voice to marginalised groups, or analyse issues in a way the mainstream media doesn’t have the time or inclination to.

Of course, this independence is a double-edged sword. Without the huge budgets and teams of fact-checkers, the quality can vary. Some sites are staffed by award-winning journalists doing groundbreaking work. Others can be echo chambers for biased opinions or, in the worst cases, misinformation. The key is learning how to spot the difference.

Why Bother Looking Beyond the Mainstream?

If the BBC is so reliable, why look anywhere else? It’s a fair question. The answer is about getting a fuller, more three-dimensional understanding of the world.

Imagine there’s been a big protest in London. The mainstream news will probably tell you how many people were there, whether it was peaceful, and what the police said. They’ll likely interview a spokesperson from the protest and maybe a politician. It’s the essential, factual summary.

An alternative news site, however, might do things differently. A left-leaning outlet might publish a first-hand account from someone who was on the march, exploring the personal stories and motivations of the protestors. A right-leaning one might investigate the funding behind the protest group or analyse the economic cost of the disruption. A specialist environmental site might use the protest as a starting point for a deep-dive article on the government’s climate policy.

None of these stories are necessarily ‘wrong’, but they all add a different layer to your understanding. By reading from a variety of sources, you move from being a passive consumer of news to an active, critical thinker. You start to see the gaps, question the assumptions, and build your own informed opinion rather than just accepting the one you’re given. It’s the difference between seeing a photograph of a sculpture and being able to walk all the way around it.

The 10 Best Alternative News Sites for UK Readers

Right, let’s get to the main event. This list has been curated to offer a broad mix of perspectives, topics, and styles. We’ve included sites from the left, the right, and the centre, as well as those that defy easy labels. For each one, we’ll cover its mission, its strengths, and what to be mindful of.

1. UnHerd

The Big Idea: To challenge the ‘herd mentality’ and explore ideas that are being ignored or dismissed by the mainstream.
Political Leaning: Centre-right, but with a firm anti-establishment and anti-woke stance. It’s more interested in cultural and philosophical debates than party politics.

What is it? Launched in 2017 with a mission to find ‘the other side’ of the argument, UnHerd has become a home for thinkers who feel out of step with the prevailing consensus. Its name says it all: it wants you to break away from the herd. The site isn’t about breaking news; it’s about thoughtful, long-form essays, interviews, and analysis on everything from politics and religion to art and society.

Why should you read it? UnHerd is brilliant at making you think. It regularly features writers from across the political spectrum, united by a willingness to question modern orthodoxies. You might find a traditional conservative arguing for environmentalism, or a left-wing academic critiquing identity politics. It’s a fantastic place to find intelligent, well-argued perspectives that you simply won’t see in The Guardian or The Daily Telegraph. Their YouTube channel, with interviews and debates, is also excellent.

What to watch out for: The site has a clear editorial viewpoint. It is deeply sceptical of what it sees as ‘woke’ culture, globalism, and the liberal establishment. While it hosts a range of voices, they are almost all singing from a similar hymn sheet on these core issues. If you’re not critically aware of this, you might mistake its particular brand of anti-establishment thinking for a neutral, objective truth.

Website: unherd.com

2. Novara Media

The Big Idea: To provide news and analysis from a radical left-wing, anti-capitalist perspective.
Political Leaning: Far-left / Socialist.

What is it? Novara Media started life as a series of podcasts and radio shows before growing into a fully-fledged multimedia outlet. Born out of the anti-austerity movements of the early 2010s, it’s unapologetically socialist and aims to be a platform for the voices and ideas of the radical left. It’s funded primarily by its supporters, which it argues keeps it independent from corporate and state interests.

Why should you read it? If you feel that mainstream news, including outlets like The Guardian, is too cosy with the establishment, Novara Media offers a bracingly different take. It provides sharp, critical analysis of government policy, corporate power, and social inequality. Their reporting often focuses on grassroots movements, trade union struggles, and social justice campaigns that are ignored by larger outlets. They are masters of the punchy, opinionated video explainer and have a very strong presence on YouTube.

What to watch out for: Novara Media does not pretend to be impartial. It is an activist organisation as much as a media outlet. Its goal is to advance a specific political project, and all of its content is created through that lens. It can be an echo chamber, and you’re unlikely to find any articles praising Conservative policies or big business. It’s essential reading to understand the modern left, but it should be balanced with other sources.

Website: novaramedia.com

3. Declassified UK

The Big Idea: Investigative journalism focused on the UK’s military and intelligence agencies and their impact on the world.
Political Leaning: Left-leaning, highly critical of state power and foreign policy.

What is it? Declassified UK is a small, independent outlet staffed by veteran investigative journalists, including the historian and author Mark Curtis. Its mission is to scrutinise the hidden aspects of Britain’s role in the world. They use freedom of information requests, leaked documents, and deep-dive research to uncover stories about UK foreign policy, arms sales, and covert military operations that you won’t read about elsewhere.

Why should you read it? This is public interest journalism at its most hardcore. Declassified UK has produced major investigations into Britain’s role in the war in Yemen, its special forces operations in Syria, and its close relationship with authoritarian regimes. If you want to understand the parts of British power that operate in the shadows, this is an indispensable resource. It’s rigorous, evidence-based, and holds power to account in a way that is increasingly rare.

What to watch out for: Like Novara, Declassified has a clear, critical perspective. It operates from the assumption that UK foreign policy is often unethical and driven by corporate and imperial interests. While its reporting is meticulously sourced, its analysis is always filtered through this critical viewpoint. It’s a vital corrective to the often-deferential reporting on military and intelligence matters, but it’s not the whole picture.

Website: declassifieduk.org

4. Bellingcat

The Big Idea: Using open-source intelligence (OSINT) to investigate major international events, from wars to chemical attacks.
Political Leaning: Non-partisan. Its focus is on forensic, evidence-based investigation, not political advocacy.

What is it? Bellingcat is less a news site and more a collective of online detectives. Founded by British blogger Eliot Higgins, it pioneered the use of publicly available data—satellite imagery, social media posts, geotagged photos—to investigate some of the biggest stories of the last decade. They famously identified the Russian agents behind the Salisbury poisonings and pinpointed the exact location of the missile launcher that shot down flight MH17 over Ukraine.

Why should you read it? Reading a Bellingcat investigation is like watching a gripping detective story unfold. They show their working, taking you step-by-step through the process of how they uncovered the truth. It’s a masterclass in digital literacy and critical thinking. In an age of disinformation, Bellingcat provides something incredibly valuable: verifiable, transparent, and evidence-led journalism. They prove that you don’t need anonymous sources in trench coats when you have Google Earth and a sharp eye.

What to watch out for: Bellingcat’s investigations are often very detailed, technical, and complex. They can be dense reading. Also, while their methods are non-partisan, their findings often have major geopolitical implications and are frequently targeted by disinformation campaigns from state actors like Russia. It’s important to understand the context in which they operate.

Website: bellingcat.com

5. spiked

The Big Idea: A radical pro-freedom, anti-authoritarian publication that champions free speech above all else.
Political Leaning: Libertarian / Anti-woke. It’s fiercely critical of both state intervention and what it sees as the illiberalism of the modern left.

What is it? spiked is one of the most distinctive and provocative magazines in the UK. It evolved from a magazine called Living Marxism and carries a deep scepticism of all forms of authority, whether it’s the government, corporations, or the ‘cancel culture’ mob. It argues that free speech is the most important value and defends it absolutely, even for those with abhorrent views. Its writers take aim at everything from environmentalism and public health regulations to identity politics and the BBC.

Why should you read it? spiked is a fantastic place to find arguments that challenge your own beliefs, no matter where you stand. It is consistently surprising and refuses to fit into the neat boxes of ‘left’ or ‘right’. It forces you to defend your own positions and consider opposing viewpoints in their strongest form. If you believe in the power of open debate, spiked is essential, if sometimes infuriating, reading.

What to watch out for: spiked’s commitment to free speech can lead it to defend controversial figures and ideas. Its relentless criticism of ‘the establishment’ can sometimes feel like contrarianism for its own sake. The site has also faced questions about its funding, with critics pointing to financial links to right-wing, free-market think tanks in the US, which they argue contradicts its anti-establishment stance.

Website: spiked-online.com

6. The Conversation

The Big Idea: Making academic expertise accessible to the general public. Articles are written by academics and researchers, edited by professional journalists.
Political Leaning: Centrist / Non-partisan. It is committed to being evidence-based and is guided by academic research rather than a political agenda.

What is it? Ever wished you could get a clear, simple explanation of a complex issue from someone who actually knows what they’re talking about? That’s The Conversation. It’s a non-profit media outlet that pairs academics from universities across the UK (and the world) with experienced journalists. The result is articles that are grounded in deep expertise and research but are written in a way that anyone can understand.

Why should you read it? It’s an antidote to the hot takes and shallow analysis that dominate so much of social media. When there’s a big scientific breakthrough, a complex economic announcement, or a confusing international crisis, The Conversation is one of the best places to go for a sober, evidence-based explanation. The articles are free to read and republish, so you’ll often see their work appearing in other news outlets.

What to watch out for: The style can sometimes be a little dry or academic compared to other sites on this list. Because it’s written by experts, it can sometimes lack the narrative flair or strong, opinionated voice of activist journalism. It gives you the ‘what’ and the ‘why’ with incredible clarity, but might not always capture the emotional or human side of a story.

Website: theconversation.com/uk

7. openDemocracy

The Big Idea: An independent global media platform that challenges power and encourages democratic debate.
Political Leaning: Centre-left. It has a strong focus on human rights, transparency, and social justice.

What is it? Founded in 2001, openDemocracy is a veteran of the alternative media scene. It’s a non-profit, funded by grants and reader donations, and it’s committed to holding power to account. Its journalism often focuses on issues of transparency and corruption, particularly how money and lobbying influence British politics. They have run major, award-winning investigations into the ‘dark money’ behind political campaigns and the government’s handing out of lucrative contracts to private companies.

Why should you read it? openDemocracy does the kind of patient, detailed investigative work that is vital for a healthy democracy but is often too expensive and time-consuming for mainstream outlets. Their reporting is rigorous, and they have a track record of breaking stories that lead to real-world change, including parliamentary inquiries and policy reversals. It’s a perfect example of how a small, independent outlet can have a massive impact.

What to watch out for: The site has a clear centre-left, pro-transparency, pro-European viewpoint. Its coverage is consistently critical of the Conservative government and Brexit. This isn’t a bias they hide, but it’s important to be aware of the lens through which they see the world.

Website: opendemocracy.net/en/

8. Byline Times

The Big Idea: To provide a platform for independent journalists and to report on ‘what the papers don’t say’.
Political Leaning: Centre-left / Anti-corruption. It is fiercely critical of the current government and much of the right-wing press.

What is it? Byline Times was created with a clear mission: to counter the influence of the big, billionaire-owned newspapers. It operates on a subscription model and is funded entirely by its readers, which it says guarantees its independence. The site is known for its relentless investigations into government cronyism, disinformation, and the consequences of Brexit. It rose to prominence with its detailed reporting on the Partygate scandal and government contracts awarded during the pandemic.

Why should you read it? Like openDemocracy, Byline Times is a powerful force for accountability journalism. It has a stable of excellent freelance journalists, including Peter Jukes and Hardeep Matharu, who dig into stories with a tenacity you rarely see elsewhere. If you’re frustrated by what you see as the failures of the mainstream press to properly scrutinise the government, Byline Times offers a well-researched and passionate alternative.

What to watch out for: Byline Times can feel like a relentless barrage of anti-government and anti-Brexit stories. While this reporting is often in the public interest, the tone is frequently one of outrage, and there is little room for alternative viewpoints. It is very much a publication for the ‘Rejoiner’ and anti-Conservative crowd, and it can feel like an echo chamber if that’s not where you stand politically.

Website: bylinetimes.com

9. The Daily Sceptic

The Big Idea: To be a home for scepticism about mainstream narratives, particularly around Covid-19, climate change, and ‘woke’ culture.
Political Leaning: Right-libertarian.

What is it? The Daily Sceptic was founded by the journalist Toby Young during the pandemic as Lockdown Sceptics. It has since broadened its remit to question a range of topics where it believes there is a stifling and wrong-headed consensus. It runs daily articles from a range of writers who are critical of everything from government lockdowns and net-zero climate policies to diversity initiatives and mainstream media narratives.

Why should you read it? This site is a direct window into a significant and often misunderstood political viewpoint. It articulates the arguments of those who are deeply distrustful of state authority and expert-led consensus. Whether you agree with them or not, it’s important to understand these perspectives, and The Daily Sceptic presents them with vigour. It can serve as a useful check on your own assumptions and expose you to arguments you might otherwise dismiss.

What to watch out for: The Daily Sceptic has been heavily criticised for promoting misinformation, particularly around Covid-19 vaccines and climate science. While it frames itself as simply ‘sceptical’, its content often strays into promoting debunked theories and conspiracy-tinged arguments. It’s a site that should be read with your critical thinking shields on full power. It’s a good place to understand what a certain group of people believe, but it is not a reliable source for objective, factual information on scientific topics.

Website: dailysceptic.org

10. Tortoise Media

The Big Idea: A ‘slow news’ organisation that rejects the noise of the 24/7 news cycle in favour of deep, thoughtful reporting on a few key stories.
Political Leaning: Centrist. It avoids taking strong partisan stances, preferring in-depth, evidence-based analysis.

What is it? Tortoise was set up by former senior journalists from the BBC and The Times. Their philosophy is simple: stop chasing headlines and start making sense of the world. They don’t try to cover everything. Instead, they focus on a handful of ongoing investigations and big themes, which they explore through long-form articles, podcasts, and live discussion events called ‘ThinkIns’. It’s funded by its members, not advertisers.

Why should you read it? If you feel overwhelmed by the constant churn of breaking news, Tortoise is a breath of fresh air. Their work is incredibly thoughtful, well-researched, and nuanced. They take the time to explain the complex forces driving the news, from the future of AI to the housing crisis. Reading Tortoise feels less like being shouted at and more like having a calm, intelligent conversation with someone who has really done their homework.

What to watch out for: Tortoise is a premium product with a subscription fee, so it’s not accessible to everyone. Its ‘slow’ approach also means it’s not the place to go for up-to-the-minute information on a breaking story. Its centrist, analytical approach can sometimes feel a bit detached from the passionate, campaigning energy that defines many other alternative outlets.

Website: tortoisemedia.com

Your Toolkit for Navigating Alternative News

Exploring alternative news is a brilliant way to broaden your horizons, but it comes with responsibility. You are your own editor-in-chief, and that means you need to be a savvy, critical consumer. Here are a few golden rules:

Check the ‘About Us’ Page: The first thing you should do on any new site is find out who is behind it. Who funds them? What is their stated mission? Trustworthy sites are transparent about this. If you can’t easily find this information, that’s a big red flag.
Follow the Money: As we’ve seen, funding matters. Is the site funded by readers, a non-profit foundation, or mysterious backers with a clear agenda? This doesn’t automatically invalidate their work, but it’s crucial context.
Distinguish Between Reporting and Opinion: Is the article you’re reading a straightforward report based on evidence, or is it an opinion piece arguing for a particular viewpoint? Good sites make this distinction clear. Be wary of those that present strong opinions as objective facts.
Read Laterally: This is the most important skill. If you read a surprising or shocking claim on one site, don’t just take their word for it. Open a new tab and see what other sources—including mainstream ones and fact-checkers—are saying about the same topic. The truth often lies in the space between different accounts.
Watch Out for Emotional Language: Does the headline or article seem designed to make you angry or scared? Strong emotions can switch off our critical thinking. Professional journalism, even when it’s passionate, tends to use measured and precise language.
Build a Balanced Media Diet: The goal isn’t to replace one news bubble with another. Don’t just read UnHerd and The Daily Sceptic, or only Novara and Declassified. The smartest approach is to dip into a variety of sources from across the spectrum. Challenge your own biases. Read things you know you’ll disagree with.

Stepping into the world of alternative news is an empowering act. It’s a declaration that you’re not content to be spoon-fed a single version of reality. It takes a bit more effort, for sure. But the payoff is immense: a richer, more nuanced, and ultimately more truthful understanding of the complicated world we all share. So go on, be curious. Be critical. And be brave enough to look at the other side of the story.