Go Outdoors
Lake Windermere guide: all you need to know about visiting England's largest lake, including the wildlife you can spot
Discover Lake Windermere's stunning landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and opportunities for boating, hiking, and relaxation in the heart of the Lake District.
Mindfulness walks: 40 fabulous nature trails for mental and physical health
It's no secret that walking is as important for our mental health as it is for our physical health. Walking helps with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and overall wellbeing, but often that first step – getting outside – can be the hardest barrier to overcome. To help you on your way, we've picked 40 of the best walks in the UK for wellbeing and mindfulness.
Hoka Hopara walking sandal review
Could the Hoka Hopara be just the ‘wear anywhere’ sandal you're missing? Fi Darby puts the versatile walking sandal to the test.
Cotopaxi Luzon 24L daypack review
Find out how the Cotopaxi Luzon 24L backpack, a sustainably-made, colourful daypack, fares on review.
Best walking shoes tested in 2024 for men and women: stroll, ramble and hike in comfort
Finding the best walking shoes for you can be a challenge. So, to help you out, we've reviewed some of the best hiking shoes on the market, from traditional leather options to lightweight and affordable choices.
What's new?
Mental Health Awareness Week: 7 simple ways to connect with nature and improve wellbeing
Spending time in nature is good for our physical and mental health. To mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 (13-19 May), we've picked some of the best country walks, mindful crafts and nature volunteering ideas for you to enjoy.
Malvern Hills: the perfect dog walk
This eight-mile walk in the Malvern Hills is the perfect day out for both dog and owner.
Porth Nanven Beach, Cornwall: what to see and do
Just west of St Just lies Porth Nanven, a tranquil haven for seabirds, filled with landmarks from Cornish history, natural and man-made.
Best walks in the Lake District National Park
Of all the national parks in Britain, the Lake District in North England is arguably the most celebrated – discover the area's fells, rivers, waters and towns with our guide to the best walks in the Lake District National Park.
Best steam train experiences in UK: Step back in time and rediscover the golden era of travel
Enjoy the romance of steam travel as you explore the countryside with our best steam train experiences
Camping
Towing a caravan: expert advice for those new to towing for a safe summer getaway
The RAC answer all your caravan towing questions, from whether you have the right driving license for towing to making sure you are not overloaded.
Best fleeces tested for 2024: our ultimate guide to the cosy, must-have midlayer
Looking to beat the chill, or in need of a new midlayer? We review the best fleeces on the market.
Family camping checklist: your one-stop gear guide for the perfect outdoor adventure
Remember all your family camping essentials with our round-up of the most important kit to bring for cooking, sleeping and all-round comfort on your camping trips.
Days Out
St George's Day: when it is, the history behind the legend - and whether St George was real
Most of us will have the heard the tale of George and the dragon, but do you know the real history behind the legend? Here is our guide to the patron saint of England, and some ideas for where to go to celebrate.
Save 30% and receive a 25l VangoEarth Trail rucksack when you subscribe to BBC Countryfile Magazine!
Enjoy the best of the British outdoors with a subscription to BBC Countryfile Magazine. Save 30% and receive a 25l Vango Earth Trail rucksack.
5 famous writers' homes you can holiday in, from Roald Dahl's childhood holiday home to the Queen of Crime Agatha Christie's house
Fancy sleeping where your favourite writers lived, worked or holidayed? Explore Agatha Christie's Devon retreat and follow in the footsteps of Roald Dahl with our top five literary lodgings.
Gear
The best walking socks reviewed in 2024 for all hiking conditions
Our team reviews a selection of the best walking socks including anti-blister, bamboo and wool choices. Get ready to stride in comfort.
Best walking sandals tested in 2024 for trails, beach trips and holiday rambles
In the market for a pair of walking sandals? Fi Darby puts the holiday essential to the test
Columbia Facet 75 Outdry walking shoe review
The Facet 75 looks good – but can it cope with a muddy Welsh trail? Rob Slade pulls on a pair to find out
Get active
How to start sailing
Keen to learn to sail but don't know how to start? Check out this guide from the Royal Yachting Association.
When do the clocks change?
Find out when the clocks change – and why we change them. Plus, learn all about the history of daylight saving in the UK.
How many - athlon sports are there?
A guide to the different multisport '-athlon' events, a few of which are Olympic sports
Historic places
The biggest-ever hoard of Bronze Age artefacts has been discovered in England, and it's got historians excited
The discovery of the Must Farm settlement, a Late Bronze Age site in the East Anglian Fens, offers an extraordinary insight into the way people lived nearly 3,000 years ago.
Who was Jane Austen? History of the famous author and best heritage houses to visit in the UK
Jane Austen is one of the nation’s most beloved classic novelists. Her characters converse in parlours and gallivant across the land, but what was her life like? Here is our expert Jane Austen guide which looks at her family history, locations that inspired her novels and places you can visit.
Why is the poppy a symbol of remembrance?
How did the poppy become a symbol of remembrance? We recount how this pretty red flower came to represent the fallen
Travel Planner
Best places to stay for birdwatchers in 2024
Spend the day spotting birds on the wing then fall asleep to the hoots and calls of the wild in a birders’ paradise
Best literary festivals to visit in 2023
With the Bath festival kicking off the season of literature events, here are the unmissable happenings for book lovers throughout the UK this year.
Guide to Assynt in north-west Scotland: where to stay, places to visit and great walks
Whether you like wild walking, wildlife watching or simply wandering on empty beaches, Assynt offers a taste of Scottish wilderness says Countryfile Magazine editor Fergus Collins
Walks
London walks: 10 beautiful city strolls, from Richmond Park to Hampstead Heath
Take a stroll through some of London's most breathtaking green spaces, from Hampstead Heath and Richmond Park to Kew Gardens and the London Wetland Centre.
How dangerous are cows to walkers?
Calm, cud-chewing bovines or a serious threat to walkers – just how dangerous are cows in Britain's countryside?
Britain's best spring walks: 23 beautiful trails
The countryside is awash with the sights and sounds of spring – it's time to get outside. From magnificent meadows and wildflower woodlands to springtime hills, here is our guide to the UK's best spring walks.