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
Saturn opposition 2025: How to see the ringed planet at its brightest and biggest with the naked eye this week
With longer nights come darker skies – look out for the spectacular Saturn opposition on 21 September
Here's when the seasons ACTUALLY begin and end – it's a bit complicated
Most of us think of spring, summer, autumn and winter in broad terms – but are there specific dates when the new seasons actually begin (in the northern hemisphere)?
Spider season is here – will conkers keep them away?
It’s been said that conkers supposedly emit a toxic chemical that spiders will avoid – but is this actually true?
The fairytale fortress you've spotted from the M4: Inside Castell Coch, Cardiff's castle of eccentric opulence
What do you get when the dreams of a Victorian architect meet those of the richest man in the world? Clue: it's visible from the M4
Age of Sycamore Gap tree finally revealed after Historic England conduct ring-count
New research by Historic England has confirmed a minimum age for the famous Sycamore Gap tree that was felled in Northumberland
Toxic 'forever chemicals' discovered in 95 per cent of US beers – this is why
Scientists have found PFAS – human-made chemicals that persist in the body and environment – in a vast number of beers tested across the US
9 easiest half marathons for beginners – or those wanting to grab a PB
Looking for a first half marathon or chasing a new personal best? These races are flat, friendly, and full of support to help you hit your goals
A frozen Canadian wilderness bigger than Switzerland – but completely empty: This is the world’s largest uninhabited island
Vast, remote and otherworldly, this island has no permanent residents despite being larger than some countries.
Countryfile Calendar 2026: winning photos and how to buy the calendar
The 12 winning images for the Countryfile Calendar 2026 have been announced. Find out who won – plus, how much the calendar costs and how to buy it.
Revealed: The fly-tipping hotspots in England where councils bear the brunt of illegal waste dumping
Fly-tipping remains a growing challenge for councils across the whole of the UK. Government figures reveal the worst-affected areas around England
What’s the biggest national park in the world? Clue – It’s 100 times bigger than Yellowstone
Vast, remote and almost entirely covered by ice, the world’s largest national park dwarfs Yellowstone and is home to the Arctic’s most elusive wildlife
Dumped rubbish and criminal penalties: Everything you need to know about fly-tipping, the law, fines and how to report it
Fly-tipping blights our countryside, harms wildlife, and costs millions to clear each year. Here’s what you need to know about spotting it, reporting it and preventing it
Epic wildlife, rugged peaks and stargazing havens: These are the UK's biggest national parks
The UK’s 15 national parks range from rugged mountains to serene lakes. Explore the biggest parks and what makes each unique
Relocating to these areas could add another year to your life expectancy
A new study has shown that people who live in coastal areas enjoy a longer life expectancy
What actually IS a national park – and why does the UK do them differently?
Unlike the vast wildernesses of the US or Africa, the UK’s national parks are lived-in landscapes shaped by people as much as nature. Here’s how they work
Dock diving, mushing and heelwork to music: This is the wild world of dog sports
Think dog sports are just about fetching a stick? From surfboards to sheep pens, pups are proving they can leap, dance – and even pull sleds with style
Roads that disappear with the tides: These are the UK's most dramatic island causeways
These striking UK causeways connect land and sea in unexpected ways. Some can be crossed at any time, while others vanish completely at high tide – but all require a bit of planning and a sense of timing
Four times taller than Niagara Falls but only accessible by foot (or boat)? Meet Britain’s biggest waterfall
The Scottish Highlands are home to the three tallest waterfalls in the UK – but you’ll need your hiking boots to reach them
Over £5 for the average pint. But beer price isn't the only reason pubs are closing at a rate of eight per week in the UK
New government data reveals that the impact of rising tax and labour costs is being felt across the nation’s pubs.
Think you don't quote Shakespeare? Think again as he's given us a whopping 1700 words and phrases we now use. Here are just a few of them – Thanks Will!
More than 400 years on, Shakespeare’s inventive wordplay continues to echo in our conversations. The Bard coined many more words and phrases than you might think.
It's not only the biggest animal in the world today, it is the biggest animal to have ever lived – and can be seen in UK waters
Blue whales, the largest animals ever to live on Earth, are occasionally sighted off Scotland and Cornwall – despite being decimated by commercial whaling in previous centuries
“I told the surgeon I was going to test out his work” – 97-year-old runner completes her 250th Parkrun just weeks after heart surgery
Grace Chambers has broken the record as Europe’s oldest Parkrunner to reach the 250-run milestone.
Downton Abbey to auction off iconic props and costumes from TV series. Here's what the Granthams' family car could cost
Wedding dresses, the Granthams' family car and dress worn by Maggie Smith are among the items up for grabs in a new auction.
Main character energy: Are these the most beautiful libraries in the UK?
From medieval masterpieces to striking modern marvels, these breathtaking libraries across the UK are as rich in architecture as they are in stories.
