Ghosts, grief and grandeur in Cumbria: Is Muncaster Castle Britain's most haunted castle?
Become a ghostbuster and try to uncover the paranormal at Muncaster, one of Britain’s most haunted castles
It’s low in fat and high in protein – but you won’t find it on many supermarket shelves. So why aren’t we eating more venison, asks Adam Henson
Eat more wild venison and do the countryside a favour, says farmer and BBC Countryfile TV presenter Adam Henson
These pubs have the best outdoor gardens and extraordinary views – according to Britain’s top chefs
Sit back, relax and take in spectacular views in some of the country's best pub gardens - as chosen by the UK's top chefs, including Raymond Blanc and Paul Ainsworth
Inspired by the London Marathon? You could take part next year – here's how to get a head start on training
BBC Winterwatch 2026 will have a new location in Northern Ireland that's “teeming with wildlife”
All you need to know about Winterwatch, including when it's on TV and where it is filmed
What would the extended bottom-trawling ban mean for UK wildlife and fishers?
The proposed ban, which aims to protect important marine life, has been welcomed by environmentalists, but some fishers are concerned.
“I just come and talk to the plants, really” – Best King Charles III quotes
From reflecting on his garden at Highgrove to the vast rainforests in Indonesia, here are some of King Charles III's best quotes
This adrenaline-fuelled sport is a mashup of climbing, open-water swimming and mountaineering – here's why you should give it a go
Ever wanted to try coasteering? Find out everything you need to know about the adrenaline-filled sport
“It's like bringing them back from the dead”: singing cicadas return to UK after three-decade absence
Once considered extinct, the New Forest cicada is back on British soil thanks to an ambitious reintroduction project.
Scariest public footpaths in the UK – and the world
Not all footpaths are created equal – these are some of the scariest in the UK, from boulder fields to mirage-inducing sandflats

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.
Running on a budget? Here's how to score up to 50% off at New Balance this week
Your favourite New Balance trainers, now for less
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
"Razor sharp and fiercely loyal": rare dog from Hungary becomes UK’s newest breed
The Hungarian herding dog will officially join the UK’s pedigree breed list next month, says The Kennel Club.
One of Britain's rarest and CUTEST animals to be reintroduced to Leicestershire for the first time ever
A landmark conservation effort is underway to restore hazel dormice to their former range around the UK
Huge Napoleonic prisoner of war camp buried under Cambridgeshire field to open to public
Norman Cross Depot housed around 7,000 French prisoners during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars – soon the public will be able visit the little-known historic site following its successful acquisition for the nation.
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, view all the shortlisted images, and find out where you can buy this year's calendar
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
16 best walks in Cumbria: One of Britain's most beautiful counties is a glorious rugged landscape of hills, mountains, lakes and coastline
Find the best hiking routes in Cumbria, including path descriptions and maps.
Is this the prettiest long distance walking trail in the UK? Spot up to 16 counties from one stunning viewpoint
As it's surprisingly hilly, there are plenty of scenic spots along the Cotswold Way.
This epic, unmarked long-distance route climbs the equivalent of Everest and navigates three stunning national parks
Alfred Wainwright’s breathtaking Coast to Coast walk is largely unmarked and surprisingly tough, but it's a route worth taking.
54 greatest walks in the UK
We picked our favourite single-day routes, suitable for hikers with varying levels of experience. Pull on your boots – it's time to get walking.
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
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
Decathlon ITIWIT Packraft 100 Inflatable Kayak review: 'this watercraft has lightweight fun written all over it'
Looking for an inflatable kayak for portable adventures? Fi Darby takes to the water with Decathlon's ITIWIT Packraft 100.