Surrounded by the raging North Sea, on a rocky, 500-foot-high cliff-top this castle is a grand and dramatic ruin with a violent and murderous past
Perched high on a rocky peninsula in North-East Scotland, with sheer cliffs rising up from the crashing North Sea on all its sides but one, Dunnottar is perhaps the most dramatically located castle in the entire British Isles.
Expert pet behaviourist explains how to introduce cats and dogs to each other – without fur flying – so they become firm friends
Daniel Warren-Cummings explains how to introduce cats and dogs to each other for a harmonious relationship
“I quit the New York catwalk to create my own regenerative garden paradise – here’s why”
Poppy Okotcha turned her back on the jet-setting lifestyle of a top model for a more down-to-earth way of life. Fergus Collins meets the regenerative gardener and author to find out why
Is everything you thought you knew about your family history wrong? This half-price DNA kit could unlock the answers
You’re probably ageing your brain prematurely every single night — without even realising it. Here's how to stop...
You might think you’re getting by just fine on six hours of sleep, but your brain strongly disagrees.
Ultra-processed foods are everywhere – including in your healthy snacks. Here’s how to stop them killing your health
They’re marketed as healthy and convenient — but ultra-processed foods could be doing far more harm than you think.
Scientists to freeze butterfly eggs in world-first experiment to save rare swallowtail
The British swallowtail butterfly is almost entirely restricted to the Norfolk Broads in East Anglia and is under threat from climate change and habitat loss.
It feels like being “jabbed with a red-hot needle” – here's what to do if an invasive Asian hornet stings you
Sightings of invasive Asian hornets are increasing in the UK – so what should you do if you're stung by one?
“A 60-pound seal is barrelling towards me down the corridor.” My day caring for pups at a rescue centre
Risk, Scrabble, Bop It… not games night at the pub but the rescued seals at Mallydams Wood Wildlife Centre. Melissa Hobson spends a day nurturing ailing pups on their road to recovery
It's said this animal can live forever: Meet the creature that can rewind its body clock again – and again...
Can this animal really cheat death?
Seasonal inspiration
Divine spring walks: 23 of the best UK trails to enjoy right now
The countryside is awash with the sights and sounds of spring – it's time to get outside. From magnificent meadows and wildflower woodlands to gorgeous springtime hills, here is our guide to the UK's best spring walks.
Are you related to an infamous Scottish or Irish clan? This gift can unlock your family's fascinating ancestry
Guide to tit species in the UK: how to identify and where to see these charismatic birds
Learn more about the different types of tit species in Britain and how to tell them apart with our ID guide, which includes blue tits, great tits, crested tits, willow tits, long-tailed tits, marsh tits and coal tits
Best bluebell woodland walks in the UK
Explore a selection of the best bluebell woodlands in the UK with our pick of stunning walks.
News and opinion
The latest environment and wildlife news, comment and interviews
"What a sight" Gigantic sharks filmed leaping off Irish coast
The spectacular footage, captured by wildlife cinematographer Jack Kelly, shows dozens of basking sharks jumping, feeding and forming circular gatherings off the coast of County Clare.
Mysterious snake-like animal found on Scottish island. Scientists have taken 10 years to figure out what it is
A 167-million-year-old fossil unearthed on the Isle of Skye has teeth much like those of a modern-day python.
Countryfile Calendar 2026: winning photos and how to buy the calendar
The 12 winning images for the Countryfile Calendar 2026 have been announced. Find out who clinched the top prize – plus, how much the calendar costs and how to buy it.
Countryfile Calendar 2024
Find out how to enter this year's competition, plus photography tips
Countryfile Calendar competition 2024: view the winning and shortlisted images
Discover who won the Countryfile Calendar competition 2024.
Who is Hamza Yassin? Everything you need to know about the BBC presenter and wildlife cameraman
From humble beginnings living in a car in Scotland to dazzling the nation on Strictly Come Dancing and being a judge in the Countryfile Calendar competition, 'Ranger Hamza' is fast becoming a national hero. Here's all you need to know about the wildlife presenter and photographer.
Wildlife photography tips: how to take great photos of animals
Our expert-written photography guide explains how capture the perfect wildlife shot.
Popular walks
See our most searched for walks and find new routes
Best autumn walks in the UK: discover stunning trails through golden forests and scenic countryside
The arrival of autumn sees the British countryside transform into a spectacular display of oranges, reds, yellows and golds – experience this seasonal splendour with our pick of the best autumn walks in the UK.
Best walking holidays for families
Bringing children on a multi-day walking trip is easier than you think — well-marked trails, short distances and plenty of snacks are essential for all-round enjoyment
Say goodbye to your dog behaving badly on walks with these expert tips from renowned dog behaviourist Gwen Bailey
A long dog walk in the countryside should be a relaxing activity for both you and your dog. Unfortunately, not all dogs are well-behaved on country walks, which can be both stressful and dangerous. Our expert dog walking guide offers training tips to ensure your dog behaves beautifully – allowing you to enjoy yourself more, too!
‘I found the real Glastonbury on my own pilgrimage, following legends and ley lines’: Walking The Glastonbury Way
Its world-famous festival may grab the headlines but Glastonbury has many other stars on its stage. We walk the Glastonbury Way and discover a beguiling mix of mysticism, legends and timeless beauty
Dublin's best walks: Discover hidden Irish gems and rich, incredible scenery
Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need 2025: all you need to know about the charity fundraiser and how to organise your own
This year's Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need is taking place in October 2025. Discover how to organise your own Ramble with a selection of walking routes, plus how to donate
British wildlife
Learn how to identify, where to see and species facts with our expert guides
British wild mushroom and fungi guide: how to identify and where to find
The UK's woods, riverbanks and meadows are home to roughly 15,000 species of wild mushrooms. Find out how to identify the most common species found in Britain, plus essential safety tips on which mushrooms are edible or poisonous with our British fungi guide.
British hedgehog guide: where to see and how to help hedgehogs
Sadly, the UK's hedgehog population is in decline, but there are plenty of ways you can help these charismatic mammals. Here is our expert European hedgehog guide, including where to see them, what they eat and how to help hedgehogs in your garden.
Guide to Britain's geese species: how to identify and where to see
Geese are a familiar sight in the UK's estuaries, marshes and wetlands, particularly in autumn and winter. Learn all about these majestic birds, including identification tips, migration patterns and the best places to see them in the UK.
Recipes
Find inspiration for this season's stars – both shop-bought and foraged
Apple and blackberry crumble squares
These easy-to-make crumble squares are perfect for a summer picnic.
Homemade apple swirls recipe
This homemade apple swirls recipe is easy to make and is a perfect treat on chilly autumn days.
How to make cider: a simple recipe to try at home
The end of summer and the beginning of autumn are prime apple-picking season – make the most of it with this simple and revolutionary cider recipe.
The perfect crab apple jelly recipe
Learn how to make crab apple jelly with this simple recipe by forager and chef Rachel Lambert.
BBC Countryfile Magazine Podcast
Join us on a countryside escape in each episode of the award-winning Countryfile 'plodcast'
Listen: delight in the last birdsong of the summer woodland
In this Sound Escape, we take you on a mindful stroll through a lush woodland after rain.
Explore a fairy glen on the St Patrick's Way in Co Down
Explore a fairy glen of birdsong and pure waters in fabled Tollymore Forest on the edge of the Mourne Mountains in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Walking St Patrick's Way: The wildlife of the Newry Canal
Enjoy a gentle stroll along the abandoned Newry Canal in Armagh, Northern Ireland, with fascinating history and brilliant wildlife encounters – in episode 14, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
A quest for one of Britain's rarest birds in the Cairngorm mountains
Join naturalist and author James MacDonald Lockhart walking and camping deep in the Cairngorm Mountains in search of the dotterel, a bird that breeds on remote peaks – in episode 14, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Outdoor kit reviews
Our pick of the best walking and camping gear for outdoor adventures
Coros Pace 3: The affordable running watch that actually delivers
A great all rounder smart watch for those starting out or more established runners, with a great battery life and reasonable price tag.
Their siblings are probably my favourite trail-running shoes of all time, but these are too firm to be contenders
These are the ideal entry point for trail runners who are new to Hoka
I went into the Amazon jungle and this is the one piece of kit I wouldn’t have been without
Regatta Montegra 2-Person Backpacking Tent review: a neat and nifty model for multi-day trips
Backpacking in a pair and in need of a spacious, yet packable tent? The Regatta Montegra two-person model could do just the trick.
Hydro-Force Ventura Inflatable Kayak review: a lightweight all-rounder for all levels
Find out how the Hydro-Force Ventura Inflatable Kayak fares on the water in Fi Darby's review