Miranda Priestly and Anna Wintour? Mark Darcy and Keir Starmer? 6 famous characters and the unexpected real people that may have inspired them
So often, the line between fiction and reality is thinner than it seems – with some of the most iconic on-screen characters and figures from novels being taken from real life
Gout levels are rising. Here are 5 surprising foods that can cause a painful episode of the "disease of kings"
Red meat and seafood are generally accepted as foods to avoid during a gout flare up, but are there any surprising culprits too?
Springwatch 2026: Everything you need to know about the live, wild and thrilling series
All you need to know about the latest series of Springwatch, including when it's on TV and where it is filmed.
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.
Where is Springwatch filmed? A guide to the new series' filming locations
Springwatch returns to our screens for 2026, landing in a brand new location...
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
A toilet shrine, one-take chaos scene and a royal visit: These 8 behind-the-scenes secrets from Rivals series 2
The return of Jilly Cooper’s hit TV adaptation has seen unexpected cameos, an orgasm-laden theme tune and high-profile fans begging for roles
This popular garden feature can seriously raise the risk of local flooding. And many of us are 'sleepwalking' into disaster
Paved gardens raise the risk of flooding
Supermodel dogs: the 10 most beautiful breeds in the world. But does your favourite make the cut?
These supermodels of the dog world are undeniably stunning, from the elegant and willowy Saluki to the broad, cuddly frame of the Bernese mountain dog
Is it normal for cats to play with their prey? Vet nurse says it's not for entertainment
Why do cats play with their prey? Is it sadistic or grounded in deep-rooted instinct? PDSA Vet Nurse Gemma Renwick investigates...
Seasonal inspiration
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.
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
Could black liquorice hold the key to inflammatory bowel disease treatment? New research looks promising
New research conducted using stem cell technology points towards a surprising potential option for treating IBD
"Horrific, shocking" rise in fatalities makes farming the most dangerous industry in Britain
33 agricultural workers have been killed in Britain in the last 12 months – an alarming rise on the previous year
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.
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.
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
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
This is the Lake District you don’t see: Wild, remote and remarkably peaceful
Mark Sutcliffe takes the road less travelled to explore the Lake District’s quieter corners – where nature is getting a helping hand to rewild the landscape
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
