Dixe Wills
Dixe Wills is the author of a shelf-wearying host of books about Britain including The Z-Z of Great Britain, Tiny Islands and Tiny Churches. His volumes on the natural world include At Night, The Armchair Naturalist and The Wisdom of Nature. You’ll find more of his words in The Guardian’s Travel section where he muses on the joys of eco-friendly, outdoorsy, non-flying holidays. On account of his long-standing allergy to tuxedos, he's careful to ensure his output isn’t quite good enough to be nominated for awards, so do manage your expectations accordingly.
Recent articles by Dixe Wills
Colossal Iron Age hoard found by detectorist changes what we know about life in ancient Britain
Chariots, cauldrons and ceremonial spears – over 800 items unearthed near the village of Melsonby in North Yorkshire "one of the most important and exciting" Iron Age hoards ever found in the UK, say experts.
The UK’s most remote destinations: Visit these wild places for an awe-inspiring trip
There’s something magical about a place that’s remained untamed. Dixe Wills picks his favourite wild sites.
Smalls Lighthouse Tragedy: The gruesome and bizarre crisis that changed Britain’s lighthouses forever
In the nineteenth century, a macabre incident occurred on a remote lighthouse off the Welsh coast. It would change the way these beacons were managed to ensure it never happened again.
What is the highest pub in the UK? And no, there isn't one on top of Ben Nevis...
There are a few contenders for the highest pub in the UK (some more dubious than others) – we take a look at which one claims the title.
Best mazes in the UK: Try not to get lost in these winding outdoor puzzles
From the Castlewell Peace Maze in County Down to a farm estate in Cornwall, the whole family will love the adventure of a maze. Here's our pick of some of the best mazes in the UK.
What is a trig point? Discover the secrets behind these odd pillars that dot the UK countryside
There are thousands of trig points all over the UK – but who built them, and for what purpose?
‘I’d have gone plummeting down the mountain without it’ – a hiking expert on the one thing to pack on your next trek
While wrongly regarded as being for 'old people', a pair of walking poles are an essential bit of kit for your next hiking trip
10 reasons why you shouldn't date a farmer
Farmers seem eminently eligible – they love the outdoors, are good with their hands and skilled with a quad bike – but what about those 4am starts?
This walking route might be better than the South West Coast Path – discover Devon and Cornwall’s best kept secret
Skirting the Devon and Cornwall border, the pretty Tamara Coast to Coast Way offers a peaceful alternative to the busier South West Coast Path. Dixe Wills satisfies his adventurous spirit on an 87-mile walk beside the River Tamar
Was Stonehenge built to unite early farming communities and defend their way of life against impending change? One expert thinks so
Why do sprouts make you fart?
The science behind the sprout's special talent for making people fart
Bitter, smelly, odd-looking and invited for Christmas – but here’s how Brussels sprouts could save your life
Humdrum, bitter and smelly? Wait – there’s more to Brussels Sprouts than you might think. Cast aside your preconceptions, urges our Brussels correspondent, Dixe Wills
Full moon names 2025: your month by month guide
The lunar calendar includes 12, or sometimes 13, full moons per year. Each moon has a different name - find out what they are called and where their names come from with our guide to full moons.
Discover Britain’s best seaside towns: 8 coastal gems you need to visit
We take a look at some of the UK's best seaside towns across the length and breadth of the country
The best UK UNESCO World Heritage sites to visit for unforgettable days out
Culturally remarkable and naturally significant, the UK now has over 30 World Heritage Sites.
Here are Dixe Wills’ essential picks to visit
Blenheim Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and birthplace of Winston Churchill
Explore its rich history, architectural grandeur, and beautiful landscapes, making it one of the UK's most iconic stately homes.
Forth Bridge: Scotland's Victorian engineering marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Completed in 1890, this iconic cantilever railway bridge spans the Firth of Forth and remains a symbol of Scotland's industrial heritage.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: London's botanical treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site
The gardens are not only a haven for plant enthusiasts but also a vital centre for scientific research and education, making it a treasure of global importance.
Saltaire: A UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing 19th Century industrial innovation
A pioneers vision, renowned for its stunning Victorian architecture and rich industrial history.
St Kilda: A UNESCO World Heritage gem with Europe's largest seabird colony
Evacuated in 1930, it now offers visitors a glimpse into an isolated past and Europe's largest seabird colony.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct: The UNESCO World Heritage Site that redefined civil engineering
Spanning the picturesque River Dee and showcases the remarkable intersection of natural beauty and human innovation.
New Lanark: A UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing industrial innovation and social reform
Experience living history in Scotland's industrial heartland.
Ironbridge Gorge: The birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and a UNESCO World Heritage gem
Experience the legacy of innovation that changed the world...