Go Outdoors
Dracula, The Hobbit, Wuthering Heights: 10 landscapes that inspired literary masterpieces by the UK’s most beloved authors
Explore the stunning landscapes that have inspired best-selling novels
There's a 2km-wide ring of 'big mysterious holes' near Stonehenge. Experts finally know what made them
Researchers believe it could be the largest known prehistoric structure in Britain.
How to buy PFAS-free outdoor wear and look after it: Discover the brands that are free of forever chemicals
Learn how to choose high-performance outdoor gear made without harmful “forever chemicals,” and how to care for PFAS-free clothing so it lasts.
“Unbelievable”: huge animal longer than bus seen leaping from Irish waters
No one knows exactly why these enormous sea creatures breach.
Why this canal caused BBC Countryfile Magazine’s biggest controversy
The title of Britain's longest set of staircase locks was fiercely fought – but we finally have a winner
What's new?
“Forget 1066, Agincourt and Waterloo, this is the most important battle in English history”
Hastings, Agincourt and Waterloo are ingrained in our national psyche,
but was a largely forgotten battle in Wiltshire more significant in shaping England and the English? Author Rupert Gavin tells Fergus Collins about King Alfred’s last desperate roll of the dice at Edington
Discover Britain's spellbinding history firsthand at these iconic landmarks and regal houses on your next holiday
Get up to 50% off your next holiday break
32 beautiful beaches to visit this winter
The British coastline offers incredible wildlife, views and fresh air in winter – our guide looks at the best beaches to visit as the cold weather hits.
Ordered by Edward I in the 13th century, this impressive fortress was designed to quell the Welsh – on the very site Llywelyn the Great is buried
Conwy is exceptionally well preserved and one of the most complete castles in the Wales. Explore the castle in the centre of Conwy town, then head to Conwy Mountain for an aerial view of the fortress.
Could Edinburgh Castle really vanish? 8 iconic landmarks under threat
From coastal erosion to flash floods, a new report reveals how rising temperatures and extreme weather could bring an end to our most treasured cultural sites
Camping
Camping just got comfier: Our top 2025 camping chair picks
Our BBC Countryfile Magazine experts tested the best camping chairs of 2025 to take on your next trip.
‘I camped overnight in a medieval church and found unexpected inner peace’
What’s it really like to spend the night in an ancient church? Ellie Tennant tries a sleepover with soul
I found the best portable power banks that will actually last the weekend
Camping off-grid? We've tested some of the best power banks out there to help you keep your devices topped up on the move.
Days Out
10 most beautiful, spectacular royal gardens - from the King's own creation to one enjoyed by Henry VIII and his many wives....
From Hampton Court Palace to Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden, here are the best royal gardens in the UK to visit.
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
Anne Boleyn, crying babies and the Pendle witch trials: Inside Britain's most haunted castles that you can visit today
Britain's historical castles are shrouded in mystery and bloodthirsty battle tales – our ghastly guide looks at the chilling stories behind Britain's most haunted castles.
Gear
I suffer from Raynaud's — these are the best hiking gloves I've tested to battle the cold in 2025
However cosy your core is on a winter walk, freezing fingers will make your life a misery. Our guide to hiking and walking gloves will help you keep warm.
Inside my kit bag: Eryri National Park adventure edition - The Glyderau Traverse
Want to know the best kit to take with you when tackling the peaks and scrambles of Eyrir National Park? (Snowdonia) Read on.
We tested 2025’s best lightweight waterproof jackets – Here are the ones worth your money
Find the perfect breathable, weight-saving waterproof jacket
Get active
Beat stress, boost your immune system and gain confidence: How to start cold-water swimming (and feel the benefits)
Boosting your mood, immune system, circulation and fitness levels, the benefits of cold-water swimming are immense. Here are our insider tips to get you started
Is this Britain's toughest hiking challenge? Here's how you can conquer it in 2026
Climbing three British mountains in a 24-hour period is a demanding test of endurance. Here’s how to take on the National Three Peaks Challenge
I fought seasonal depression with a winter trip to the Arctic – and what I learned blew my mind: Here's why Laplanders don't get winter blues
Overcome by annual anxiety, Helen Moat set out on a quest to dispel her low winter mood. Via Lapland, Japan and Britain’s remote and rugged landscapes, she discovers how nature itself has the answers.
Historic places
Why are some places are more 'thankful' than others? Discover the shameful secret behind the villages with no war memorial
We track down Britain's thankful villages
Why is the poppy a symbol of remembrance – and how did it come to represent sacrifice?
How did the poppy become a symbol of remembrance? We recount how this pretty red flower came to represent the fallen.
6 best royal period dramas set in the glorious British countryside, which you'll want watch again and again
Celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and the country's kings and queens with these regal films showcasing Britain's majestic estates and landscapes
Travel Planner
From vast white sands to sheltered coves, here are 7 spectacular Channel Island beaches
The beaches of the Channel Islands offer white sands, solitude and unique wartime history. Here are Matt Baird’s magnificent seven
Ambleside guide: This charming Lake District market town is the gateway to England's largest natural lake
Caroline Butterwick on where to eat, sleep and visit near Ambleside
‘I found the real Glastonbury on my own pilgrimage, following legends and ley lines’: Walking The Glastonbury Way
Its world-famous festival may grab the headlines but Glastonbury has many other stars on its stage. We walk the Glastonbury Way and discover a beguiling mix of mysticism, legends and timeless beauty
Walks
We've compiled the best places to walk in the United Kingdom, so you can find the perfect walk near you or at your next holiday destination.
All our walk reports have been curated by the Countryfile team and include maps, route directions, walking distances, and times wherever possible.
We've divided the UK by counties to help you quickly find the right route. Looking for a specific walk? Try using the site search at the top right of this page.
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
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!