December 2011 – issue 54

Discover Christmas in the Lake District

Find out about the origins of festive feasting

Marvel at Turner’s landscapes

Use our handy gift guide to Christmas

23 festive walks

Plus the latest rural news and issues

Discover the Lakes in winter

In summer, the crowds can be off-putting. But in winter, our favourite national park turns into a wonderland of snow-capped peaks and cosy villages.

The evolution of the country Christmas dinner

A dish of larks, roast cygnet and a kaleidescope of spiced mincemeat pies, food historian Ivan Day traces our modern Christmas meal through the excesses of yesteryear.

Christmas gift ideas

Give your loved ones the perfect Christmas with our selection of country gifts.

Festive days out

Ellie Harrison introduces 23 festive days out in the countryside, from candlelit villages on Exmoor to frozen lakes in the heart of Perthshire.