![1. Publications are asked to credit ©Buckingham Palace. 2. The photograph should be used for news editorial purposes only. The photograph is not approved for use on merchandise including souvenirs, or memorabilia; or anything similar. 3. No charge should be made for the supply, release, or publication of the photograph. 4. There shall be no commercial use whatsoever of the photograph. 5. The photograph must not be digitally enhanced, manipulated, or modified in any way. 6. The photograph cannot be used after Thursday 25th December 2025. Any further licensing needs Buckingham Palace approval. From Fresh Start Media Steve Backshall's Royal Arctic Challenge on ITV1 and ITVX Pictured: Prince Charles diving. This photograph is (C) Buckingham Palace and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Publicity. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Publicity. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/47/2025/12/steve_backshalls_royal_arctic_challenge_34-scaled.jpeg?w=1200&webp=1 "©Buckingham Palace")
King Charles once completed an Arctic ice dive – in a bowler hat. Watch the incredible video
In a new documentary, King Charles sits down with Steve Backshall to reflect on his royal tour in the Canadian Arctic
Who do the Royal Family send Christmas cards to? And can members of the public receive one?
With a fresh wave of personal Christmas greetings being released from the Royal Family, we look back at the history of the tradition – from official scenes of pomp and grandeur to glimpses behind palace doors
“He hauls out the wrinkled snout of a primeval beast.” There’s a hidden vault of weird and deadly creatures in this world-famous museum
Venture into the bowels of London’s Natural History Museum and you’ll discover a realm of deep-sea monsters and rarely seen oddities
These are the foods your dog should avoid (and eat) this Christmas
10 of the most mysterious and impressive Neolithic monuments to visit in Britain and Ireland now
Stone circles, long barrows and sacred sites – Ellie Tennant picks remarkable Stone Age creations to visit in Britain and Ireland
Witches, dragons and giants – we hunt for history's most terrifying beasts with a monster expert
Britain is a land populated by dragons, giants, selkies and supernatural beings – or so the legends go. Kevin Parr meets Monsterland author Nicholas Jubber to hunt for otherworldly creatures
Why dark chocolate is even better for you than previously thought – giving us even more reason to break into it this Christmas
Dark chocolate boasts heart-healthy flavanols, antioxidants and minerals... and researchers now say it could be linked to slower ageing
How tall is Prince Harry? And how does he stack up against other British royals?
He's shorter than his brother, but still towers above his father and other family members
“It cost me my eyebrows.” This thrilling and ‘anarchic’ blazing barrel event may be Britain’s craziest festival
Once a year, in a thrilling spectacle, the Devon town of Ottery St Mary is set aglow
by flaming tar barrels carried through the streets. Pat Kinsella joins the fiery festivities
10 Hollywood actors you never knew were British
From silent-era stars to Golden Age icons and modern-day faces, these Hollywood greats' origin stories may well shock you, writes Sean Wilson
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
Whale head the length of a minibus unearthed in Cornwall. Here's how it got there
A hunt to uncover the truth about a huge buried whale’s head proved more than fruitful for Cornish journalist Jemma Woodman.
46,780 oysters released in Scottish estuary thriving, say experts. Here's why that matters
European flat oysters reintroduced to Scotland's Firth of Forth will help filter water, store carbon and enhance biodiversity, say experts.
Complete our survey for the chance to win a £50 Love2shop eGiftcard
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
England's record-breaking new National Trail is opening soon: Walk the King Charles III England Coast Path
Stretching 2,700 miles around England’s coastline, the King Charles III England Coast Path will soon become the world’s longest managed coastal walking route
“Nicknames for the island included the Madeira of Scotland, the Costa del Clyde and the Naples of the North.” This unsung isle is Scotland’s best-kept secret
Less than two hours from Glasgow, the Isle of Bute is a peaceful haven of sweeping bays and dramatic views. A smitten Ben Lerwill enjoys quiet solitude along the West Island Way
Dorset's dramatic Jurassic coast, vast pebble beaches and bird-rich moorland and marshes are a hiker's dream – here are the county's top 6 walks
Dorset is on eof the UK's most beautiful counties with a stunning coastline. Check out the best walks in Dorset
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!
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