Historic places
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
6 best cathedrals in England to visit at Christmas time
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
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
Britain's most beautiful country churches
Britain's peaceful rural churches are steeped in holy history and can be fascinating places to visit. Our guide to the UK's best countryside churches delves into their history and design, as well as local walks that incorporate these historic buildings.
Walk: Llanthony and Hatterall Ridge, Monmouthshire
Get your heart racing with a 4.5-mile circular walk, ascending from a valley of ancient architecture to the sweeping mountain views of Offa's Dyke Path in the Black Mountains.
Guide to the British harvest season: history and traditions
Harvest season marks an important date in the British farming calendar as crops are harvested for food and animal feed. Learn more about the history and traditions of this important annual event.
A Neolithic-style long barrow opens for memorials in the remote Kent countryside
In the Lost Village of Dode, deep in the North Downs countryside, you can now choose a newly built Neolithic-style long barrow as your final resting place.
Discover the royal River Thames
From its spring in the Cotswolds, a wild river winds past dreaming spires and palaces to the city and the sea. Ben Lerwill marks Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee by exploring the rich, regal heritage of a great river.
Best royal films set in the British countryside
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
St George's Day: when it is and history behind the legend
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.
Six mythical locations in ancient Britain that you can visit today
From Stonehenge to Tintagel, discover the birthplace of six strange and wonderful ancient British myths, following in the footsteps of saints and wizards.