Go Outdoors
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)?
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.
This pocket-sized speaker might be your new favourite outdoor companion
We review the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 Portable Speaker to see how it stands up to the competition
Cold War bunkers, church raves and wallaby gardens: These extraordinary historic sites are open for free for just one week
Some of England’s most beautiful (and unusual) buildings will be open to the public as part of the country’s largest festival of history and culture – and best of all, it’s all free.
What's new?
Fierce weather, rugged mountains and a 67% drop-out rate. Is this the world's toughest mountain trail race?
Wales’ Dragon's Back Race 2025 delivered dramatic storms, thrilling competition and a historic women’s record in its landmark 10th edition.
Did you know there's cursed petrifying well that literally turns objects to stone? Discover it — and more — in Britain’s most mysterious caves
From Thor's and Smoo to Fingal's and Mother Shipton's, we take a deep dive into 10 of the UK's most remarkable caves.
Best Black Friday outdoor clothing sales and discounts in 2025
Bag a bargain with our selection of the best Black Friday outdoor clothing deals.
Inside “Hitler’s island madness” – one of the most fortified places on the planet (that was also British)
As the Channel Islands celebrates 80 years since being liberated, we walk Guernsey’s rugged western coast and encounter a land of unique beauty and Nazi-era relics
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
Camping
Best 2-person tents tested for 2025: Lightweight, waterproof & budget-friendly tents for hikers and campers
Calling all Glastonbury goers! Have you packed everything on this essential checklist?
Heading to your first family festival, or perhaps you're returning to a beloved field with friends this summer? Pack with confidence with our festival checklist.
Beginner's guide to wild camping in the UK – is it legal and what rules do you have to follow?
Fancy getting off the beaten track? One of the joys of wild camping is the chance to sleep under the stars in beautiful rural locations.
Days Out
Magnificent waterfalls and crashing cascades: these are the best waterfalls in the UK
Discover enchanting falls, cascades and plunge pools on a walk or day out with our round-up of Britain's most spectacular waterfalls.
Cycling UK launch beginner-friendly bikepacking route in the Chilterns featuring royal abbeys, lizards and wallabies
Cycling UK return to King Alfred’s Way territory for the new 175-mile Royal Chilterns Way
Wales has one of the highest concentrations of castles in the WORLD - here's why
With over 600 castle dotting the landscape, Wales has one of the highest densities of castles in the world, here's why...
Gear
Best walking sandals tested in 2025 for trails, beach trips and holiday rambles
We took the best hiking sandals of 2025 out on multiple adventures to see how they held up.
Drop the weight: These are the best lightweight hiking boots I've tried in 2025
I tested the best lightweight walking boots on the market in 2025.
Not just hype: these are the best camping accessories I’ve tested in 2025
We've tested out some of the best and most niche camping accessories you need for your next trip
Get active
Want to get a marathon PB? Here are the fastest marathon courses in the world
It’s tempting to just book onto a marathon in a city near you, or perhaps one that you fancy visiting for a city break. But if you’re in the market to get a great time (or maybe even a PB), these are the flattest courses with great conditions to get you a fast marathon time
“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.
Murky, maligned – and a Mecca for surfers in the know: The UK river that's home to a world-famous phenomenon that delivers powerful, 2-metre-high waves
Move over, Hawaii. When the equinox looms, the notoriously murky River Severn produces one of the world’s most thrilling natural spectacles: a tidal wave you can ride for miles
Historic places
A 672-tonne timber church, London Bridge and ancient temples: 7 mind-boggling and expensive relocations around the world
It takes more than willpower alone to move a building – as these truly incredible relocation projects around the world prove
This ancient cow tooth discovery could help unlock Stonehenge mystery, say scientists
The tooth was discovered at Stonehenge in 1924. Now, a new study reveals remarkable details about the cow’s life – and how it may have played a role in the construction of the famous ancient monument.
Why do so many beautiful and historic buildings have bricked-up windows? It's all thanks to an odd 17th-century law
If you've strolled through cities such as Bath or Edinburgh, you might notice that lots of historic buildings have bricked up windows. Ever wondered why?
Travel Planner
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.
Is this Europe’s smallest castle? The bizarre Brutalist structure on a rocky headland in a remote Scottish settlement that was abandoned as soon as it was built
The origin story of Hermit’s Castle in Achmelvich is highly contested – but the mystery behind it makes it all the more enticing...
Forget Wistman’s Wood and Haytor – these are Dartmoor’s best hidden gems, according to a local
Romantic tors, ancient history, friendly pubs, waterfalls and pretty villages – Dartmoor National Park offers the perfect escape. Fi Darby reveals the moor’s hidden delights
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.
It's 96 miles long and has 4,000m of ascents: Walk one of Scotland's most epic trails that's filled with dramatic scenery
From the serene shores of Loch Lomond to the soaring peaks of Glen Coe, Scotland’s most-loved long-distance trail will take your breath away.
It's 268 miles long and stretches over the rugged and dramatic spine of England: Is this Britain's toughest and most iconic long-distance trail?
Looking to take on one of the world’s greatest long-distance walks? Then trek the backbone of England – an epic trail over beautiful hills, via sparking waterfalls, pretty villages, and blooming wildflower meadows. Our expert guide to the Pennine Way includes information on planning, walk length, route stages and maps. All that's left now is to walk...
100 metre drops, boulder fields and mirage-inducing sandflats: Here are the scariest public footpaths in the UK and the world
Not all footpaths are created equal – these are some of the scariest public rights of way in the UK and the world
