Freya Parr
Deputy Editor of the National Trust Magazine and freelance journalist
Freya Parr is the Deputy Editor of the National Trust Magazine and a freelance journalist working across multiple titles including BBC Countryfile and BBC Wildlife. She is the former Digital Editor & Staff Writer at BBC Music Magazine, where she has stayed on as a regular critic. She is a keen trail runner, surfer and outdoor swimmer, enjoying scrambling up mountains and reviewing kit for titles such as Trail Magazine.
Recent articles by Freya Parr
The fairytale fortress you've spotted from the M4: Inside Castell Coch, Cardiff's castle of eccentric opulence
What do you get when the dreams of a Victorian architect meet those of the richest man in the world? Clue: it's visible from the M4
Age of Sycamore Gap tree finally revealed after Historic England conduct ring-count
New research by Historic England has confirmed a minimum age for the famous Sycamore Gap tree that was felled in Northumberland
Toxic 'forever chemicals' discovered in 95 per cent of US beers – this is why
Scientists have found PFAS – human-made chemicals that persist in the body and environment – in a vast number of beers tested across the US
9 easiest half marathons for beginners – or those wanting to grab a PB
Looking for a first half marathon or chasing a new personal best? These races are flat, friendly, and full of support to help you hit your goals
A frozen Canadian wilderness bigger than Switzerland – but completely empty: This is the world’s largest uninhabited island
Vast, remote and otherworldly, this island has no permanent residents despite being larger than some countries.
Countryfile Calendar 2026: winning photos and how to buy the calendar
The 12 winning images for the Countryfile Calendar 2026 have been announced. Find out who won – plus, how much the calendar costs and how to buy it.
Revealed: The fly-tipping hotspots in England where councils bear the brunt of illegal waste dumping
Fly-tipping remains a growing challenge for councils across the whole of the UK. Government figures reveal the worst-affected areas around England
What’s the biggest national park in the world? Clue – It’s 100 times bigger than Yellowstone
Vast, remote and almost entirely covered by ice, the world’s largest national park dwarfs Yellowstone and is home to the Arctic’s most elusive wildlife
Dumped rubbish and criminal penalties: Everything you need to know about fly-tipping, the law, fines and how to report it
Fly-tipping blights our countryside, harms wildlife, and costs millions to clear each year. Here’s what you need to know about spotting it, reporting it and preventing it
Epic wildlife, rugged peaks and stargazing havens: These are the UK's biggest national parks
The UK’s 15 national parks range from rugged mountains to serene lakes. Explore the biggest parks and what makes each unique
Relocating to these areas could add another year to your life expectancy
A new study has shown that people who live in coastal areas enjoy a longer life expectancy
What actually IS a national park – and why does the UK do them differently?
Unlike the vast wildernesses of the US or Africa, the UK’s national parks are lived-in landscapes shaped by people as much as nature. Here’s how they work
Dock diving, mushing and heelwork to music: This is the wild world of dog sports
Think dog sports are just about fetching a stick? From surfboards to sheep pens, pups are proving they can leap, dance – and even pull sleds with style
Roads that disappear with the tides: These are the UK's most dramatic island causeways
These striking UK causeways connect land and sea in unexpected ways. Some can be crossed at any time, while others vanish completely at high tide – but all require a bit of planning and a sense of timing
Four times taller than Niagara Falls but only accessible by foot (or boat)? Meet Britain’s biggest waterfall
The Scottish Highlands are home to the three tallest waterfalls in the UK – but you’ll need your hiking boots to reach them
Over £5 for the average pint. But beer price isn't the only reason pubs are closing at a rate of eight per week in the UK
New government data reveals that the impact of rising tax and labour costs is being felt across the nation’s pubs.
Think you don't quote Shakespeare? Think again as he's given us a whopping 1700 words and phrases we now use. Here are just a few of them – Thanks Will!
More than 400 years on, Shakespeare’s inventive wordplay continues to echo in our conversations. The Bard coined many more words and phrases than you might think.
It's not only the biggest animal in the world today, it is the biggest animal to have ever lived – and can be seen in UK waters
Blue whales, the largest animals ever to live on Earth, are occasionally sighted off Scotland and Cornwall – despite being decimated by commercial whaling in previous centuries
“I told the surgeon I was going to test out his work” – 97-year-old runner completes her 250th Parkrun just weeks after heart surgery
Grace Chambers has broken the record as Europe’s oldest Parkrunner to reach the 250-run milestone.
Downton Abbey to auction off iconic props and costumes from TV series. Here's what the Granthams' family car could cost
Wedding dresses, the Granthams' family car and dress worn by Maggie Smith are among the items up for grabs in a new auction.
Main character energy: Are these the most beautiful libraries in the UK?
From medieval masterpieces to striking modern marvels, these breathtaking libraries across the UK are as rich in architecture as they are in stories.
Murky, maligned – and a Mecca for surfers in the know: The UK river that's home to a world-famous phenomenon that delivers powerful, 2-metre-high waves
Move over, Hawaii. When the equinox looms, the notoriously murky River Severn produces one of the world’s most thrilling natural spectacles: a tidal wave you can ride for miles
Green Man Festival 2025 opens its gates – these are the must-see acts
From psychedelic RnB to camp country pop, Green Man Festival 2025 brings a genre-spanning line-up to the Bannau Brycheiniog – and it’s already sold out. Here’s your guide to the must-see acts, hidden gems and the magic that makes this indie favourite one of the UK’s most beloved festivals.
What’s a good half marathon time? Here’s what you should be aiming for at your next half marathon
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just hoping to cross the finish line, here’s what counts as a good half marathon time – and how yours stacks up against the average
