Author Freya Parr
Freya Parr

Freya Parr

Deputy Editor of the National Trust Magazine and freelance journalist

Freya Parr is the Deputy Editor of the National Trust Magazine and a freelance journalist working across multiple titles including BBC Countryfile and BBC Wildlife. She is the former Digital Editor & Staff Writer at BBC Music Magazine, where she has stayed on as a regular critic. She is a keen trail runner, surfer and outdoor swimmer, enjoying scrambling up mountains and reviewing kit for titles such as Trail Magazine.

Recent articles by Freya Parr
An athlete runs along the Marin Headlands during The Big Alta 100K Ultramarathon in 2026 in Muir Beach, California

Smashed the marathon? Here’s how to choose your next running goal

From ultras to Ironmans and trail runs, here are the next milestones to try after conquering 26.2 miles
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Black and white photo of attenborough brothers

Away from the spotlight: The siblings from famous families you've probably never heard of

We refer to the "Jonas brothers" and the "Gallaghers", but did you know they weren't the only siblings?
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Swimmer taking off from the blocks

Crowning achievements: These royals were all elite athletes (some might surprise you)

Balancing medals with monarchy is no mean feat, but these royals have forged extraordinary sporting careers away from their royal duties
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During sunset in Oslo, people experience the floating sauna on the city's waterfront

Sweat the small stuff: These are the unspoken rules of sauna politics

If you’re heading into the heat, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. Here’s how to avoid any awkward moments when things heat up
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A puppy of Poodle Toy near Lecce, Italy, on May 17, 2023. The puppy is four month old. (Photo by Manuel Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

What are the smallest dog breeds in the world? Here's 10 pocket-sized pups

From a cuddly little Toy Poodle to the perfect Pomeranian, here are 10 of the smallest dog breeds in the world you have to know about
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Person enters water on misty day

Did saunas help end the Cold War? Inside Finnish politicians’ quiet art of sauna diplomacy

For decades, Finnish politicians have taken diplomacy off the record – and into the steam – where heat, silence and shared vulnerability help build trust and broker deals
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Runners on a road during the London Marathon

London Marathon 2026 freebies: Here are the best free giveaways you can claim if you’re running the London Marathon

Running the London Marathon this weekend? Don’t miss out on the perks that come with this huge challenge! From free pizza and post-race burgers to cheesecakes, medal engraving and even river cruises, here’s what you can claim with your medal
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A Perseid Meteor flashes across the night sky above Corfe Castle, Dorset

A dazzling meteor shower is about to light up the skies — here are the best places in England to see it

The Lyrids are set to peak on 22 April, bringing fast, bright shooting stars – and these are the best spots to catch the show
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Meteor shower over landscape

Another meteor shower is heading for the UK this week – with up to 20 meteors an hour at its peak (and possibly even a fireball)

The Lyrids meteor shower is famed for its fast, bright meteors, so keep an eye out this week for bright flashes in the sky
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A golden eagle on Islay, Scotland flying through the air with blue skies

This apex predator could be reintroduced to England after more than 150 years

A new study suggests England could once again support a powerful predator missing from its skies for generations
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A room of poodle-cross dogs

Shocking photos released as RSPCA urges public to adopt as 4,200 heartbreaking mass animal incidents leave shelters overwhelmed

There were 75 large-scale incidents involving 100 or more animals being rescued from the same property last year alone
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Aerial photo from a drone of Aldeburgh Beachfront, Suffolk.

The 21 UK place names that Americans (and lots of Brits!) can't pronounce correctly

A guide to the UK’s most mispronounced place names, where centuries of linguistic change have quietly reshaped how words look and sound
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A pink moon over the top of Stonehenge in dim light

Pink moon: How and when to see this week's stunning lunar display (and what it actually means)

Everything you need to know about the Pink Moon, when it takes place this year and what the spiritual meaning is behind it
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View of tunnels beach Tidal Pool from Beacons Castle, Ilfracomb

This secret Victorian beach beneath Devon's tunnels is now off-limits (unless you're getting married)

Carved by hand in the 1820s and once open to all, Ilfracombe’s Tunnels Beaches are now closed to the public after dramatic rockfalls — but a select few can still experience their secluded charm
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A Cockerpoo dog running on Praa sands beach in Cornwall on a sunny day

These are the UK’s most expensive dog breeds (and why they cost so much)

Britain's love of dogs comes at a rising cost, with new research revealing sharp increases in purchase prices, vet bills and insurance
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Pebble ridge at Westward Ho! beach on the North Devon Coast National Landscape

The bizarre way Westward Ho! got its name – and why it has an exclamation mark (and the only other place in the world that does too)

It’s the only place in the UK with an exclamation mark in its name – but the story behind Westward Ho! is stranger than its punctuation suggests
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Goldendoodle dog enjoying a moment of calm at home. Animal health and wellbeing. Concept of life with pets.

Is my dog depressed? Here's how to tell (it might not be obvious) – and what you can do about it

Dogs get depressed and stressed, just like us. Here are a few clues to look out for to spot signs of dog depression (they might not be what you expect)
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Kynance Cove mermaid pools

Swim in secret: The hidden mermaid pools around Britain that feel almost mythical

Clear blue water, rocky coves and secret lagoons carved by the sea – these natural pools are among the UK’s most magical places for a wild swim
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A sign for the England Coast Path at Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire, UK, on a clear sunny day with the sea in the background

England's record-breaking National Trail is now open: here's all you need to know on the King Charles III England Coast Path

Stretching 2,700 miles around England’s coastline, the King Charles III England Coast Path is the world’s longest managed coastal walking route
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The sea tractor travels over to Burgh Island

This tiny Devon island is cut off twice a day – but you can follow in Agatha Christie's footsteps, swim in the mermaid pool and explore its smuggler past

Cut off by the sea at high tide, Burgh Island blends Art Deco glamour, smuggling lore and literary history into one unforgettable escape
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Seal on harbour of river

Lurking beneath the surface: 7 surprising creatures you’d never guess live in the River Thames

A recovering river is revealing its secrets, with a surprising cast of wildlife returning to its waters
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Dog and trophy

Crufts winners through the years: A gallery of the Best in Show champions from everyone's favourite dog show

From regal retrievers to spirited terriers, explore every dog that has claimed Crufts’ top prize in history
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Otter stealing fish CCTV footage

Caught on camera: Otter and heron busted stealing fish from Northumberland fishing boat

After bait began disappearing in Amble harbour, a skipper installed a camera – and discovered some bold nighttime visitors
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Clumber spaniel running at Crufts

Crufts’ new star: Here's everything you need to know about the Clumber spaniel (including its aristocratic origins)

Heavy-set, calm, and loyal, Clumber spaniels are rare winners at Crufts – but this year, Bruin stole the spotlight
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