Go Outdoors
Wimbledon as a pig farm? Wembley an evacuation centre? 11 iconic sports venues that transformed during the Second World War
From prisoner-of-war camps to barrage balloon sites, our stadiums and sports grounds militarised during WW2
What islands are still owned by the British today? Inside some of Britain's far-flung territories and their tumultuous histories
From Caribbean paradise to volcanic outposts and frozen tundra – Britain still governs islands across every major ocean. They're remnants of an empire that remain strategically, politically, and culturally significant today.
Looking beyond London? These 10 incredible city marathons deliver huge crowds, iconic routes, and electric race-day energy
Can't get into the London Marathon despite years of ballot entries? You're not alone. Instead, why not check out these 10 incredible city marathon alternatives in Europe and beyond. These popular events compete with London for atmosphere, scenery, and history.
“Unbelievable”: huge animal longer than bus seen leaping from Irish waters
No one knows exactly why these enormous sea creatures breach.
Archaeologists discover remarkable Neolithic structure that's older than Stonehenge
What's new?
Poisoned then abandoned: Discover the story behind Scotland's Anthrax isle of death
In an attempt to turn the tide against the Nazis in World War II, Winston Churchill commissioned a top-secret MoD project on Gruinard. But what really happened here? And why was the island shut down for 48 years?
Britain’s quirkiest museums: 11 curious collections worth exploring
From pencils to witchcraft paraphernalia, Britain is filled with quirky museums of all manner and variety. Here's our guide to some of the more unconventional cabinets of curiosity
Inside 10 haunting ghost villages abandoned centuries ago
They were filled with life centuries ago, but now lay rest to wreck and ruin. Here are 10 deserted villages to visit in the UK
Are these Britain's wonkiest houses? These 5 bewildering British buildings defy the laws of gravity
Would you dare enter these crooked buildings?
Smashed the marathon? Here’s how to choose your next running goal
From ultras to Ironmans and trail runs, here are the next milestones to try after conquering 26.2 miles
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
Discover the UK’s most incredible UNESCO World Heritage sites for the perfect day out
Home to over 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the UK is rich in cultural and natural wonders. Here are Dixe Wills’ essential picks to visit...
Discover Wales and its borders: The best places to explore by train and bus
Wales and its borders are home to some of the most beautiful walking trails in the UK, and you don’t need a car to explore them. With well-connected trains and buses, you’ll find the breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable coastlines and stunning wildlife are an easy journey away.
Step into spring with 23 glorious UK trails at their blooming best
The British countryside is bursting into life this spring, so why stay indoors? From wildflower meadows and woodland trails to scenic hills, here’s our pick of the UK’s best spring walks.
Gear
Top water filter systems: From jug filters to under-sink purifiers
A water filter is designed to improve not just the taste of your water but also the overall quality. Here are 3 great options for your home...
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.
Get active
Move aside, Ironman: These are the toughest triathlons in the UK (and the world)
You’ve probably heard of an Ironman — but these brutal triathlon challenges make it look easy by comparison
Crowning achievements: These royals were all elite athletes (some might surprise you)
Balancing medals with monarchy is no mean feat, but these royals have forged extraordinary sporting careers away from their royal duties
London Marathon 2026 freebies: Here are the best free giveaways you can claim if you’re running the London Marathon
Running the London Marathon this weekend? Don’t miss out on the perks that come with this huge challenge! From free pizza and post-race burgers to cheesecakes, medal engraving and even river cruises, here’s what you can claim with your medal
Historic places
Discover Doggerland: The sunken land that once connected the UK to Europe
Did you know that before we had the North Sea, a prehistoric land bridge linked Britain to the mainland? Here's how a whole kingdom was lost to the rising seas
![Image from page 181 of 'The Country and Church of the Cheeryble Brothers [i.e. Ramsbottom in Lancashire, the home of William and Daniel Grant, the Cherryble Brothers of Dickens' Nicholas Nickleby]' by0037.](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/47/2026/04/what-was-the-Chatterton-Massacre-scaled.jpg?w=1200&webp=1 "Image from page 181 of ‘The Country and Church of the Cheeryble Brothers [i.e. Ramsbottom in Lancashire, the home of William and Daniel Grant, the Cherryble Brothers of Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby]’ by0037.")
What was the Chatterton Massacre? Setting the record straight on the fateful riot-turned-massacre
Desperate weavers, starvation, and a fight against extreme poverty turned deadly. Here's what happened during the misreported revolts at Chatterton
Why do some stones sing? The curious phenomenon of ringing rocks
From the Cairngorms to the Hebrides, discover the strange natural “lithophones” that chime when struck – and the surprising science behind them
Travel Planner
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
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.
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.
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.
What are the best dog walks in the UK? Explore our 9 favourite trails and routes with your dog
Grab your lead, treats and poo bags and take your dog on one of these expert-approved UK dog walks and locations around some of the most stunning spots in the UK.
European E-paths: Explore the interconnected super-trails along Europe's most scenic and iconic walking routes
Spanning over 75,000km of Europe's most stunning hiking routes, E-paths are a brilliant way to explore further afield
Walking the Gower: Explore 5 stunning routes and uncover the hidden treasures of South Wales’ coastline
Roam along vast, untouched coastline, glimpse playful seals, uncover ancient ruins, and follow in a poet's footsteps—this breathtaking stretch of south Wales hums with untamed beauty in every step
