Historic places
Britain's last stand: The lost fortresses designed to defend the nation against a Nazi invasion
Follow Mark Hillsdon as he searches for Second World War defences in the British countryside, the remnants of fortress Britain
Ley lines: Are Britain’s ancient sites linked by secret pathways? Or are ley lines just a coincidence of geography and human perception?
Are Britain’s ancient sites linked by secret pathways across the landscape?
Ian Vince looks at the evidence – and the
man who first described these ‘old straight tracks
Remember D-Day 80 years on, at these 10 historic English sites where it all began
80 years ago this month, the Allies launched Operation Overlord from UK shores. Julian Humphrys reveals the best D-Day sites to visit in Britain
Best World War 2 museums: relive the past and walk in the footsteps of our wartime heroes
Learn life on the Home Front during World War 2, when we were threatened with invasion, and how the Allies eventually overcame the might of the German Army with these fascinating museums
12 eerie mythical beasts that are supposed to roam Britain, sometimes with deadly consequences for their chosen victim - dare you go out and find them...?
From the Loch Ness Monster to the Grindylow, our guide looks at infamous British mythical beasts and the legends that accompany them, plus the best sites to visit in the UK that have inspired these spooky stories – if you dare!
6 best cathedrals in England to visit
Take some time out from the hustle and bustle
of everyday life in a place of awe-inspiring beauty and peace. England’s magnificent cathedrals rank among mankind’s greatest artistic achievements, says Simon Jenkins
The oldest castles in Britain: Explore Britain's ancient fortifications
From Roman ruins to medieval strongholds, this list will transport you back centuries.
St George's Day: when it is, the history behind the legend - and whether St George was real
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 biggest-ever hoard of Bronze Age artefacts has been discovered in England, and it's got historians excited
The discovery of the Must Farm settlement, a Late Bronze Age site in the East Anglian Fens, offers an extraordinary insight into the way people lived nearly 3,000 years ago.
Who was Jane Austen? History of the famous author and best heritage houses to visit in the UK
Jane Austen is one of the nation’s most beloved classic novelists. Her characters converse in parlours and gallivant across the land, but what was her life like? Here is our expert Jane Austen guide which looks at her family history, locations that inspired her novels and places you can visit.
Why is the poppy a symbol of remembrance?
How did the poppy become a symbol of remembrance? We recount how this pretty red flower came to represent the fallen
Clapham village in Yorkshire Dales: what to see and do in this beautiful part of Yorkshire
Sleepy Clapham is not only one of the Yorkshire Dales's prettiest villages, it's also the gateway to the wonders of Ingleborough's limestone landscape
Grassington, Yorkshire Dales: What to see and where to go in the heart of James Herriot Country
Visit the pretty market town of Grassington to browse traditional shops, learn about life in bygone days of the Yorkshire Dales, and explore lovely rolling countryside
Masham, Yorkshire Dales: what to do and where to go
Visit Masham for a pleasant mooch around the market square, take a riverside stroll, and taste a pint or two fresh from the town's two breweries.
Kirkby Lonsdale, Yorkshire Dales: what to see and where to eat
Kirkby Lonsdale is a handsome market town in the Yorkshire Dales, famed for its pretty cobbled streets, independent shops and delicious hot pies, saysHelen Moat
Downton Abbey guide: history of Highclere Castle and how to visit
The stars of Downton Abbey are set to return to the big screen as a new Downton Abbey film is set to be released in the UK cinemas this week. Here's our ultimate Downton Abbey guide, including how to visit Downton, the history of Highclere castle, plus watch a trailer of the new film.
Best British horror films set in the countryside
Enjoy a frightening film? Here is our guide to the best horror movies filmed in the British countryside.
Britain's most haunted places
From ancient castles to haunted hills and scary inns, discover the most haunted places in the UK with BBC Countryfile Magazine's spooky guide
Hawes, Yorkshire Dales: what to see and where to stay in the market town of Hawes
Learn about the Yorkshire town of Hawes ... and watch the experts make Wensleydale cheese – Gromit's favourite.
The Yorkshire Dales' prettiest villages to visit
The landscape of the Yorkshire Dales is famously idyllic, from the rugged limestone hills to the lush green pastures of the dales, where old stone villages and market towns still thrive. Helen Moat chooses five of the best to visit.
Oxfordshire travel guide: things to see and do
From Uffington White Horse to Blenheim Palace, the magical county of Oxfordshire is full of charm and character. Explore Burford, Oxford and Henley-on-Thames, and discover where to go, what to do and great pubs to visit, in our guide to Oxfordshire
October half term holiday ideas 2022
Looking to spend some quality time with the family this October half term? Here’s our round-up of fantastic autumn activities, Halloween events and great days out in the UK.
Gothic days out for Halloween
Don your fingerless lace gloves and shabbiest top hat and make a trip to one of the most inspiring gothic places in the UK this Halloween
Walk: Birchover, Derbyshire
The Peak District National Park is home to dozens of mysterious rock formations and stone circles – discover some of the best on this prehistoric five-mile walk