Culture

New government data reveals that the impact of rising tax and labour costs is being felt across the nation’s pubs.

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.

From psychedelic RnB to camp country pop, Green Man Festival 2025 brings a genre-spanning line-up to the Bannau Brycheiniog – and it’s already sold out. Here’s your guide to the must-see acts, hidden gems and the magic that makes this indie favourite one of the UK’s most beloved festivals.

Think times are bad now? We take a look at when times were worse

From famous fans (and voices) to unique sound effects, there are plenty of amazing facts about BBC Radio 4's farming drama The Archers

Secret spymasters. Daring espionage. The story of how homing pigeons helped liberate Western Europe in the Second World War is a remarkable tale of resistance, reveals Gordon Corera

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?

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.

Fergus Collins delves into the legend of the Barghest

Long days, golden evenings, and a warm glow on your skin – summer is a season of light, life and endless possibilities. From classic to modern literature, these book quotes encompass the beauty of summer

The bank holiday celebration is known for its shin kicking competition – but just what is the Cotswold Olimpicks?

Explore the ancient spring tradition of well dressing which is believed to have been revived after the Black Death pandemic.

Planning a visit to Chelsea Flower Show this year, or in need of some gardening inspiration? Here's everything you need to know.

Most of us will have the heard the tale of George and the dragon, but do you know the real history behind the legend? Here is our guide to the patron saint of England, and some ideas for where to go to celebrate.

The historic Celtic festival Beltane has been revived in recent years – but what is it and how is it celebrated?

The surprising history of the UK's bank holidays – including why they're called that and who gets to decide when they are.

From cheese-rolling to rivers with only one letter, Britain is home to some baffling places and traditions

The world of archaeology isn't exempt from tricksters and forgers – as these notorious hoaxes prove.

From bathing lions to paper fish, we take a deep dive into the hazy origins of this prank-filled day.

Aliens on the Moon, spaghetti grown in trees and the discovery of an old (and very curious) Winston Churchill telegram – we explore some of greatest April Fools' Day jokes ever created.

As nature awakens and new life begins, writers and poets have long captured the magic of spring in their work. Here are some of the most inspiring words to celebrate longer days, the return of birdsong, blooming flowers and new possibilities

Pub closures and fewer hops leave UK brewers in a fight for survival, says Adam Henson

The UK is having a revival of its once-lost native languages – discover how you can start to learn one

Celebrate Wales' national day with our guide to St David's Day which looks at the history of the patron saint of Wales and popular Welsh traditions.