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countryfile

Recent articles by countryfile
A curly-coated Poodle stands alert by the lake shore, looking directly at the camera. The serene scene includes a lush forest and crystal-clear reflections of the trees on the water, capturing a peaceful outdoor moment perfect for pet lifestyle and nature themes

No chaos, just chill: These 6 dog breeds are perfect for first-time pet owners

From easy-going companions to highly trainable favourites, these six breeds are ideal for beginners – as chosen by a vet nurse
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MARGATE, ENGLAND - JULY 16: A view of Margate tidal pool at low tide on July 16, 2022 in Margate, United Kingdom. Britain is experiencing a heatwave this week as temperatures in some parts are expected to reach between 37c and 40c. A level 3 heat health alert has been issued for the south and eastern parts of England, rising to level 4 by Monday. (Photo by Hollie Adams/Getty Images)

Britain's most beautiful tidal pools: 10 historic wild swimming gems waiting to be explored

Take a dip on the wild side with one of these stunning saltwater tidal pools. Explore some of Britain's best-kept hidden swim spots with our guide
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A caucasian man struggling to sleep

Could nutrient deficiency be the reason you can't sleep? Science-backed solutions to sleep issues found on your plate

These six nutrients and botanicals could revolutionise your sleep, and it all starts at mealtime.
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Whale breaching at sunset

The world's rarest giant? Inside the fragile life of the North Atlantic whale pulled to the edge of extinction

From their ancient origins and whisper-like calls to deadly modern threats lurking in busy shipping lanes, discover the surprising lives – and uncertain future – of these gentle ocean giants
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The clocks change next weekend – but what's the point of it?

British Summer Time is almost upon us! Find out when the clocks change in March and why we change them.
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The wrecks of three barges in Shepherds Creek, Chetney Marshes, Kent, 2024. Creator: Damian Grady. (Photo by Historic England Archive/Heritage Images via Getty Images)

Prison ships, German submarines and shallow graves: the terrible tale of Britain's own Dead Man's Island

Pirates? Prison ships? Or something worse? The rotten hulls of old ships on the Medway tell their own tale
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Iguanodon dinosaur, illustration

Britain's lost giants: 7 dinosaurs that once called Britain home

The UK's shores teemed with dinosaurs during the Mesozoic Era…
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The Clumber Spaniel, Vanitonia Soloist "Bruin" and handler Lee Cox pose for photographs at the trophy presentation after winning the Best in Show competition on the final day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, central England, on March 8, 2026. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images)

Meet the special Clumber spaniel named Bruin, winner of Crufts 2026

The rare Clumber spaniel dog breed hasn't won Crufts since 1991. Here's how the pup won over the judges...
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European badger - Meles meles

With up to 178 entrances, 50 chambers and getting on for a kilometre of passageways this ancestral home can rival the grandest of houses

Just how big do badger setts get?
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a very close up of a herring gull in flight with its wings spread and an out of focus sea and sky form the background

Villains or victims? These are Britain's least loved animals

These are the creatures often misunderstood – and perhaps unfairly maligned
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Queen and Prince Philip wave from their Rolls Royce

Inside the royal car fleet: These are the official (and personal) vehicles of the British Royal Family

From Bentley State Limousines to the late Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved Rolls-Royces, discover the history and features of the British Royal Family’s extraordinary collection of cars
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baked cornish pasties in a row

A blow for Cornwall as Bristol triumphs at the first Global Pasty Championships

Loving British Shorthair cat lying down on a beige couch and looking at the camera n a house in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Is my cat lonely – and should I get another one?

It’s normal to worry about your pet and whether they’re happy as a singleton. Cat behaviourist Jess Williams explains how to tell if your cat is lonely, or is something else is going on.
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Credit: Centre for Ageing Better

What core exercises should I do as I age?

Alan Cumming in black and white

From rural Perthshire to a Highland castle: Inside Alan Cumming’s Scotland

From a small Perthshire market town to hosting The Traitors in a Highland castle, Alan Cumming’s life has come full circle
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Tapestry showing siege of castle

The remarkable tale of Owain Lawgoch, the rebel Welsh prince who took up arms for France

Mercenary captain, exile and would-be Prince of Wales, he became such a threat that the English crown paid to have him killed
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cat and a bee

How long do cats live? Vet shares cat life expectancy and what to expect

When we adopt pets into our family, we hope to spend a long life with them. Cats Protection’s veterinary officer Sarah Elliott shares the different life stages to expect for your cat.
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In this aerial view in the aftermath of Storm Henk, fields and roads are flooded after the River Trent burst its banks with a major incident declared in Nottinghamshire

How to protect your home from flooding and flood damage

When storms strike, staying safe and protecting your home are a priority. Safeguard yourself and your property from flooding with these key steps.
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Ice surrounds St Thomas Becket Church on the Romney Marshes

Inside Britain's plague churches: the haunting truth behind our loneliest sanctuaries

Many British isolated rural churches are often linked to the Black Death. But were they really abandoned by plague – or is the story more complicated?
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A wide angle view of a family of five enjoying the beauty of the Lake District in Keswick in Cumbria. They are out walking their patter-dale terrier along a beautiful quiet country road.

What are the best counties in England for dog walking trails?

A survey of English counties pinpoints the best regions to explore with your four-legged friend
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MURCIA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 16: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.) Carlos Alcaraz of Spain runs during his VO2 Max test as he trains for the Australian Open 2026 at Cardiosalus Sport centro medico deportivo on December 16, 2025 in Murcia, Spain. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

What’s a good VO₂ max for my age? Everything you need to know about this important fitness indicator

VO₂  max is one of the best indicators of your cardiovascular fitness and longevity. What counts as a 'good' VO₂  max changes with age, so comparing yourself to the right benchmark is key for optimum health and fitness.
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Credit: Photo by Andrew Hasson/Getty Images

Avoid the common mistake that could cost you a £1,000 fine: key stand-up paddleboarding licence rules explained

Everything you need to know about securing the right license and insurance for paddleboarding in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Plus, how the rules differ when exploring on lakes, reservoirs, rivers, canals and the sea.
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Bronte country

Rugged moors and imagined worlds: How real are the landscapes of the Brontë novels?

How did a quiet Yorkshire parsonage produce three of Britain’s greatest writers? We explore the moorlands and villages that inspired Charlotte, Emily and Anne – and how much of Brontë Country made its way into their novels
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