Is the colourful town in the BBC TV kids show Balamory real? And does Archie's pink castle actually exist?
It's time to get nostalgic, as we find out what's the (actual) story in Balamory – does the village exist?
A clifftop ruin that inspired Dracula and a Japanese fortress that looks like a white heron – Are these are the most extraordinary castles in the world?
From clifftop ruins in Scotland to majestic palaces in Japan, these breathtaking castles offer a window into the past – and some of the most spectacular views on Earth
Tax evasion, grave curses and made-up words: 8 weird and wonderful facts about Shakespeare you (probably) won’t expect
From graveyard curses to tax evasion, here are the strangest, funniest and most unexpected facts about the Bard
It's tiny, loves summer, attacks dogs, and is an invader on the rise
Here's the best way to fend them off
This “blueprint for romantic comedy” is being reimagined for a new generation in Netflix’s latest Austen adaptation
The Bennet sisters are back for Netflix's upcoming TV adaption of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice
These newly listed First World War pillboxes in Norfolk are Brutalist marvels of British resilience – and they’re hidden in plain sight
The rare concrete block structures were built as defences against potential German invasion, and have now received Grade II status
Don't be that idiot: 10 unbelievably stupid and reckless acts committed by wildlife tourists that will make your blood boil
if you’re thinking of going on holiday to see some wildlife, here are 10 cautionary tales of what not to do...
10 utterly breathtaking, real-life Disney castles from around the world, including one that inspired Walt Disney himself
From candy-pink towers to misty hilltop fortresses, these real-life castles look like they’ve stepped straight out of a Disney fairy-tale – and each one has a story to tell
Ditch the WiFi, chuck the commute and head out on foot – these are the most remote hostels in the UK
From car-free islands to mountain bothies only reachable by foot, these are the UK’s most remote hostels — ideal for wild adventurers, digital detoxers and anyone craving solitude in nature
Monumental rise in one of Britain's weirdest and most endearing tiny sea creatures
Changes to boat moorings at Studland Bay have sparked a remarkable rise in local seahorse numbers
Seasonal inspiration
Divine spring walks: 23 of the best UK trails to enjoy right now
The countryside is awash with the sights and sounds of spring – it's time to get outside. From magnificent meadows and wildflower woodlands to gorgeous springtime hills, here is our guide to the UK's best spring walks.
Guide to tit species in the UK: how to identify and where to see these charismatic birds
Learn more about the different types of tit species in Britain and how to tell them apart with our ID guide, which includes blue tits, great tits, crested tits, willow tits, long-tailed tits, marsh tits and coal tits
Best bluebell woodland walks in the UK
Explore a selection of the best bluebell woodlands in the UK with our pick of stunning walks.
Spring wildlife guide: what to look for and where to see it
From the fragrant aroma of wild garlic to the delightful song of the chiffchaff, the British countryside comes to life in the spring months. Our expert spring wildlife guide explains how to identify the season's best wildlife spectacles and best places to see.
News and opinion
The latest environment and wildlife news, comment and interviews
"A rare and exciting encounter”: underwater cameras film wardrobe-sized animal off Welsh coast
One of the world's rarest sharks – the angelshark – has been filmed in Cardigan Bay for the first time since 2021.
64 per cent of BBC Countryfile Magazine readers disagree with the Sycamore Gap tree sentencing – for a surprising reason
The men who felled the Sycamore Gap tree were sentenced last week. But do you agree? We take a look at our poll results
Scientists attach GPS tags to gulls on Scottish island to find out how far they go to survive
A new study tracks gulls on the Isle of May, uncovering how habitat change is shaping their foraging habits and future survival.
Countryfile Calendar 2024
Find out how to enter this year's competition, plus photography tips
Countryfile Calendar competition 2024: view the winning and shortlisted images
Discover who won the Countryfile Calendar competition 2024, view all the shortlisted images, and find out where you can buy this year's calendar
Who is Hamza Yassin? Everything you need to know about the BBC presenter and wildlife cameraman
From humble beginnings living in a car in Scotland to dazzling the nation on Strictly Come Dancing and being a judge in the Countryfile Calendar competition, 'Ranger Hamza' is fast becoming a national hero. Here's all you need to know about the wildlife presenter and photographer.
Wildlife photography tips: how to take great photos of animals
Our expert-written photography guide explains how capture the perfect wildlife shot.
Popular walks
See our most searched for walks and find new routes
Best autumn walks in the UK: discover stunning trails through golden forests and scenic countryside
The arrival of autumn sees the British countryside transform into a spectacular display of oranges, reds, yellows and golds – experience this seasonal splendour with our pick of the best autumn walks in the UK.
Best walking holidays for families
Bringing children on a multi-day walking trip is easier than you think — well-marked trails, short distances and plenty of snacks are essential for all-round enjoyment
Forget Wistman’s Wood and Haytor – these are Dartmoor’s best hidden gems, according to a local
Romantic tors, ancient history, friendly pubs, waterfalls and pretty villages – Dartmoor National Park offers the perfect escape. Fi Darby reveals the moor’s hidden delights
100 metre drops, boulder fields and mirage-inducing sandflats: Here are the scariest public footpaths in the UK and the world
Not all footpaths are created equal – these are some of the scariest public rights of way in the UK and the world
16 best walks in Cumbria: One of Britain's most beautiful counties is a glorious rugged landscape of hills, mountains, lakes and coastline
Find the best hiking routes in Cumbria, including path descriptions and maps.
Is this the prettiest long distance walking trail in the UK? Spot up to 16 counties from one stunning viewpoint
As it's surprisingly hilly, there are plenty of scenic spots along the Cotswold Way.
British wildlife
Learn how to identify, where to see and species facts with our expert guides
British wild mushroom and fungi guide: how to identify and where to find
The UK's woods, riverbanks and meadows are home to roughly 15,000 species of wild mushrooms. Find out how to identify the most common species found in Britain, plus essential safety tips on which mushrooms are edible or poisonous with our British fungi guide.
British hedgehog guide: where to see and how to help hedgehogs
Sadly, the UK's hedgehog population is in decline, but there are plenty of ways you can help these charismatic mammals. Here is our expert European hedgehog guide, including where to see them, what they eat and how to help hedgehogs in your garden.
Guide to Britain's geese species: how to identify and where to see
Geese are a familiar sight in the UK's estuaries, marshes and wetlands, particularly in autumn and winter. Learn all about these majestic birds, including identification tips, migration patterns and the best places to see them in the UK.
Recipes
Find inspiration for this season's stars – both shop-bought and foraged
Apple and blackberry crumble squares
These easy-to-make crumble squares are perfect for a summer picnic.
Homemade apple swirls recipe
This homemade apple swirls recipe is easy to make and is a perfect treat on chilly autumn days.
How to make cider: a simple recipe to try at home
The end of summer and the beginning of autumn are prime apple-picking season – make the most of it with this simple and revolutionary cider recipe.
The perfect crab apple jelly recipe
Learn how to make crab apple jelly with this simple recipe by forager and chef Rachel Lambert.
BBC Countryfile Magazine Podcast
Join us on a countryside escape in each episode of the award-winning Countryfile 'plodcast'
Listen: delight in the last birdsong of the summer woodland
In this Sound Escape, we take you on a mindful stroll through a lush woodland after rain.
Explore a fairy glen on the St Patrick's Way in Co Down
Explore a fairy glen of birdsong and pure waters in fabled Tollymore Forest on the edge of the Mourne Mountains in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Walking St Patrick's Way: The wildlife of the Newry Canal
Enjoy a gentle stroll along the abandoned Newry Canal in Armagh, Northern Ireland, with fascinating history and brilliant wildlife encounters – in episode 14, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
A quest for one of Britain's rarest birds in the Cairngorm mountains
Join naturalist and author James MacDonald Lockhart walking and camping deep in the Cairngorm Mountains in search of the dotterel, a bird that breeds on remote peaks – in episode 14, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Outdoor kit reviews
Our pick of the best walking and camping gear for outdoor adventures
Coros Pace 3: The affordable running watch that actually delivers
A great all rounder smart watch for those starting out or more established runners, with a great battery life and reasonable price tag.
Their siblings are probably my favourite trail-running shoes of all time, but these are too firm to be contenders
These are the ideal entry point for trail runners who are new to Hoka
I went into the Amazon jungle and this is the one piece of kit I wouldn’t have been without
Regatta Montegra 2-Person Backpacking Tent review: a neat and nifty model for multi-day trips
Backpacking in a pair and in need of a spacious, yet packable tent? The Regatta Montegra two-person model could do just the trick.
Hydro-Force Ventura Inflatable Kayak review: a lightweight all-rounder for all levels
Find out how the Hydro-Force Ventura Inflatable Kayak fares on the water in Fi Darby's review
