Go Outdoors
This is the Lake District you don’t see: Wild, remote and remarkably peaceful
Mark Sutcliffe takes the road less travelled to explore the Lake District’s quieter corners – where nature is getting a helping hand to rewild the landscape
Discover the unbelievable gradients and cobbled chaos of the world's 5 steepest streets
We weigh up the contenders for the steepest streets in the world, including one that climbs at a mindblowing 45% gradient
Treacherous and heart-stopping heights: Take on 8 of the steepest roads in Britain, if you dare
Simon Heptinstall weighs up the contenders for Britain's steepest streets and roads, including one that claims to be the world's steepest
“Unbelievable”: huge animal longer than bus seen leaping from Irish waters
No one knows exactly why these enormous sea creatures breach.
Royal seal of approval: The King surprises walkers on the 6.5 million-step King Charles III England Coast Path
Could you walk for 900 hours around the coast of England? The stats are in on the new coastal path, which has gone down in history as the longest continual, managed coastal route in the world. Here's what you need to know...
What's new?
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
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
Discover Europe’s most enchanting historic spa towns, boasting natural hot springs and mineral cures fit for royalty
Here's where you can still to this day take the waters in some of the most restorative and healing locations in Europe
Spring is officially here! Inside the magic of the spring equinox (and what it actually means)
Mark the start of astronomical spring using our guide to when it takes place, the historical roots and how to celebrate
A vast relic of naval history lies just off Scottish shores, and it has a story to tell
This remarkably intact 175m-long German dreadnought can still be glimpsed off Orkney's coast, if you know where to look
Camping
11 best UK music festivals: the must-visit weekenders for the summer ahead
No Glastonbury? No problem – there’s a wealth of wonderful festivals to choose from in the UK. Here are our 11 finest
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
Days Out
Whisk your loved one away on an enchanting getaway to one of these 10 romantic UK ruins
Uncover enchanting tales and timeless beauty in these captivating destinations for a truly romantic escape.
Wuthering Heights, Game of Thrones, The Hobbit: Visit 10 British landscapes that have inspired literary masterpieces
Explore the stunning landscapes on your doorstep that have inspired best-selling novels and the British literary canon as it is today.
Discover some of the best locations to ski and snowboard in the UK this winter
Hit the slopes without leaving the UK with our ultimate guide to the best ski resorts, hidden gems, and scenic spots where you can catch some fresh powder
Gear
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.
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.
Get active
The 7 key lifestyle pillars that keep you energised, healthy and full of vitality after 50
"Loneliness is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day." Follow these simple lifestyle habits to improve your health and wellbeing as you get older
Bog snorkelling, cheese rolling and nettle eating – inside Britain's weirdest sports
From chasing horses to snorkelling in bogs and chasing a cheese down a rather steep hill, here is our pick of the best eccentric contests from around the UK
What is Jeffing? The legend behind the popular running interval training method
As the world pays tribute to pioneer American Olympian Jeff Galloway, we look into Jeff's extraordinary life and the 'Jeffing' legacy he's left behind
Historic places
Prison ships, German submarines and shallow graves: the terrible tale of Britain's own Dead Man's Island
Pirates? Prison ships? Or something worse? The rotten hulls of old ships on the Medway tell their own tale
Inside Britain's plague churches: the haunting truth behind our loneliest sanctuaries
Many British isolated rural churches are often linked to the Black Death. But were they really abandoned by plague – or is the story more complicated?
Attacked by clans, split in two by lightening, scorched by fire. This 500-year-old castle has a brutal past
The incisor-like mountains and deep, raven waters of Loch Assynt create the perfect atmosphere for one of Scotland's darkest ruins.
Travel Planner
Could the lost city of Atlantis be just off the coast of Wales?
A prehistoric forest which was buried under water and sand more than 4,500 years ago has been uncovered on the beach between Ynys-las and Borth in mid-Wales.
A giant's thumb and the Fairy Flag: explore the mythical wonders of the Isle of Skye
With soaring mountains, green glens
and glassy lochs, the Isle of Skye is
world famous for its spectacular
scenery – the jewel in the crown of Scotland’s 790 islands
Love The Traitors? These 7 Scottish castles are full of towers, turrets and treachery – and they’re on the market right now
Live out your Traitors dreams in these Scottish castles, full of secrets and traditional charm
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.
The Ridgeway: Hike this 5,000 year old trail shaped by pilgrims, traders, raiders and travellers
Hiking this ancient English Trail helped me to make peace with the modern world. Step back in time along England’s oldest road.
“It was a life-changing experience.” Inside the plus-size hiking group transforming the UK's outdoors
With some smart gear choices and support from others, every body can enjoy the benefits of being active in the countryside
Ultimate guide to walking the iconic 100-mile South Downs Way
Looking for an adventure? An intoxicating mix of rolling downland, sleepy hamlets, and wave-hewn cliffs makes the South Downs Way one of Britain’s most romantic long-distance walks. Get exploring with our six-day guide.
