Britain’s best lido is in an unexpected place – but there are plenty of others to explore, including one that’s geothermally heated
Come on in, the water's lovely! Take a dip in one of Britain's most spectacular lidos this spring and summer with our pick of the best lidos in the UK
"Cutting down the Sycamore Gap tree was an act of spite". Did “resentful cynicism” drive the guilty two or was it for "bragging rights and trophy-hunting”?
The felling of the Sycamore Gap Tree
appalled and saddened millions. Yet, as
Fergus Collins discovers, hope can spring
from the darkest ecological tragedies
19 people were rescued from a single shoreline over a weekend – here’s what to do if you get stuck in sinking mud
On one of the hottest days of the year so far, the RNLI rescued 19 people from the shoreline of Weston-super-Mare – most of whom became stuck in sinking mud or 'quicksand'.
Macmillan Mighty Hikes in numbers: From beginner-friendly rambles to heart-pumping hill climbs, check out the stats and choose your hike
Planning on completing a marathon (or half marathon) hike for charity next year? Read our breakdown guide to every Macmillan Mighty Hikes location to help you decide which hike is right for you
We’ve been imagining the Loch Ness Monster all wrong, new study suggests
Forget the famous silhouette: researchers have found that eyewitness accounts rarely match the myth we’ve all been sold. Perhaps we ought to start taking them more seriously?
We put some of the best decaf coffee in 2025 to the test, but who came out on top?
We tried eight popular brands in different formats - instant, ground and whole bean.
Is it really true that Britain hasn’t invaded only 22 countries?
It's a common belief that Britain has invaded most of the countries in the world – we take a look at this popular internet theory
The story Bayeux Tapestry stitched into legend: walk the blood-soaked Hastings ridge where England lost its crown
Explore the site of the most famous battle – and date – in English history. Just be sure to keep an eye out for flying arrows…
45kg of wool, 35 dogs and 1 omen of doom – amazing Bayeux Tapestry facts you (probably) didn't know
As the Bayeux Tapestry returns to Britain for the first time in 900 years, we reveal some of the most surprising facts about the 11th-century masterpiece.
Where is Countryfile visiting this week and what time is it on BBC1?
Adam Henson is in Somerset to meet the Baker family – three generations on a small, mixed farm, juggling cattle, crops and rare-breed pigs.
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
“A remarkable find": student unearths prehistoric animal on Jurassic Coast
The 145-million-year-old mammal fossil – discovered at Durlston Bay in Dorset – reveals a new species that lived alongside dinosaurs.
What's the hottest temperature ever recorded in the UK?
As temperatures soar to 34°C in parts of the UK this weekend, we ask, what is the hottest it has ever been?
When a trail camera was set up on a riverbank in Somerset, it captured something "amazing"
The magical footage shows a tiny baby beaver swimming across the water before performing an impressive tail slap.
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
Forget Wistman’s Wood and Haytor – these are Dartmoor’s best hidden gems, according to a local
Romantic tors, ancient history, friendly pubs, waterfalls and pretty villages – Dartmoor National Park offers the perfect escape. Fi Darby reveals the moor’s hidden delights
100 metre drops, boulder fields and mirage-inducing sandflats: Here are the scariest public footpaths in the UK and the world
Not all footpaths are created equal – these are some of the scariest public rights of way in the UK and the world
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.
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
