History
12 of Britain's rudest and funniest place names
From Bitchfield to the River Piddle, Wetwang to Nether Wallop, the UK is full of places bearing unusual, amusing and sometimes downright rude names. But where do these names come from?
Britain's worst storms: from 1607 to 2023
Our guide looks at the worst storms to hit the British Isles since records began, from the 1607 Bristol Channel Floods to the nationwide floods of 2013 and the recent storms of 2022.
Britain's best history festivals and events
Experience the British countryside as our forebears would have done at a history event or festival which takes you back in time with our pick of the best historical re-enactments and events in the UK.
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.
UK treasure guide: famous historic finds and how to hunt for precious artefacts
From Roman coins to fossils and priceless gems, stones and metals, there is a wealth of hidden heritage and natural history in the British countryside, which is just waiting to be discovered. Our expert guide reveals how to encounter these and some of the UK's most famous historic finds.
Podcast: Hear the ancient stories of Britain with historian Amy Jeffs on the Avalon Marshes
Wander the wild marshes of the Somerset Levels with historian and storyteller Amy Jeffs who has written a new mythology of the British Isles and its peoples. Find out more in episode 18, season 10 of the BBC Countryfile Magazine podcast
Podcast: Uncovering the secrets of a graveyard in Gloucestershire
Discover the forgotten stories, local history and family secrets hidden in a graveyard. Join Who Do You Think You Are's Sarah Williams on an autumn ramble in episode 11, season 10 of the Countryfile Magazine Podcast
Gallows Down tales of nature and protest with writer Nicola Chester
Author Nicola Chester reveals her love for the downland of north Wessex and the battles she's been involved with to protect precious wild places from development. Plus, hear wonderful local tales of wildlife and wilder people – in episode 10 of the Countryfile Magazine podcast
Podcast: Exploring the sacred isle of Iona off the west coast of Scotland
Discover history and mystery of Iona, birthplace of the Book of Kells and resting place for Scottish monarchs – with poet Kenneth Steven in episode 7, season 10 of the Countryfile Magazine podcast
Discovering history and mystery in Kingley Vale in the South Downs
Explore the yew forests, wildflower meadows and hidden history of Kingley Vale, West Sussex. Poet Hugh Dunkerley hosts episode 6 of season 10 of the BBC Countryfile Magazine podcast
Podcast: Exploring the lost town of Old Sarum in Wiltshire with writer Christopher Somerville
Podcast: The mystery of Knowlton Circles with Mary-Ann Ochota, Part one
In the first of a new series of podcasts – Histories and Mysteries of the Countryside – broadcaster and archaeologist Mary-Ann Ochota wanders ancient landscapes in Dorset to unravel the enigma of Knowlton Circles
Famous trees found in the UK: history and where to see
A selection of the strangest, most significant and best-known ancient trees growing in the UK’s forests, parks and gardens.
Walk: Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire
Walk from the market town of Helmsley in the North York Moors National Park to one of the most important monastic centres in Britain.
Long barrows in Britain: history and best to visit
Here is our guide to the best long barrows to visit in Britain, including a brief look at the history of each ancient site.
Podcast: A watery search for the true source of the River Thames: part 1
Join us on a mystery adventure walking up the Thames to find exactly where this historic river begins deep in the Cotswolds.
Day out: Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, Shropshire
Step back in time in Acton Scott's Historic Working Farm - here's our guide to the best courses and places to stay.
Day out: Pendle Hill, Lancashire
Climb brooding Pendle Hill and discover a sinister tale of witchcraft and betrayal in the most spectacular setting
Day out: Culloden Moor, Inverness
Hundreds of Highlanders were slain in the Battle of Culloden. Buried in mass graves, their souls are said to haunt the moor.
Podcast: Finding King Arthur's Britain in the modern countryside
How strange earthworks and other mysterious features in the landscape reveal ancient battle-lines and defences – plus, the location of Camelot revealed
Great novels and autobiographies set in the British countryside
Our pick of the greatest novels and best autobiographies set in the British countryside.
Podcast: Easter pilgrimages and parish churches with Dr Emma Wells
Medieval historian Emma Wells celebrates Easter by looking at pilgrimages in the British countryside in episode 11, season 1 of the Countryfile podcast
Britain's best pirate experiences: events and smuggler pubs to visit
Explore Britain’s bloodthirsty pirating past, from hunting for treasure trails along the coastline to following in the footsteps of the notorious Blackbeard. Shiver me timbers, here's our guide to five of the best pirate experiences in the UK.
Best piers to visit in the UK
Nothing sums up the quintessential British seaside holiday destination like the town pier. From the longest and the oldest to the unluckiest and the most entertaining, here is our guide on the best piers to visit in Britain.