
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 21 UK place names that Americans (and lots of Brits!) can't pronounce correctly
A guide to the UK’s most mispronounced place names, where centuries of linguistic change have quietly reshaped how words look and sound

Pink moon: How and when to see this week's stunning lunar display (and what it actually means)
Everything you need to know about the Pink Moon, when it takes place this year and what the spiritual meaning is behind it

This secret Victorian beach beneath Devon's tunnels is now off-limits (unless you're getting married)
Carved by hand in the 1820s and once open to all, Ilfracombe’s Tunnels Beaches are now closed to the public after dramatic rockfalls — but a select few can still experience their secluded charm

These are the UK’s most expensive dog breeds (and why they cost so much)
Britain's love of dogs comes at a rising cost, with new research revealing sharp increases in purchase prices, vet bills and insurance

The bizarre way Westward Ho! got its name – and why it has an exclamation mark (and the only other place in the world that does too)
It’s the only place in the UK with an exclamation mark in its name – but the story behind Westward Ho! is stranger than its punctuation suggests

Is my dog depressed? Here's how to tell (it might not be obvious) – and what you can do about it
Dogs get depressed and stressed, just like us. Here are a few clues to look out for to spot signs of dog depression (they might not be what you expect)

Swim in secret: The hidden mermaid pools around Britain that feel almost mythical
Clear blue water, rocky coves and secret lagoons carved by the sea – these natural pools are among the UK’s most magical places for a wild swim

England's record-breaking National Trail is now open: here's all you need to know on the King Charles III England Coast Path
Stretching 2,700 miles around England’s coastline, the King Charles III England Coast Path is the world’s longest managed coastal walking route

This tiny Devon island is cut off twice a day – but you can follow in Agatha Christie's footsteps, swim in the mermaid pool and explore its smuggler past
Cut off by the sea at high tide, Burgh Island blends Art Deco glamour, smuggling lore and literary history into one unforgettable escape

Lurking beneath the surface: 7 surprising creatures you’d never guess live in the River Thames
A recovering river is revealing its secrets, with a surprising cast of wildlife returning to its waters

Crufts winners through the years: A gallery of the Best in Show champions from everyone's favourite dog show
From regal retrievers to spirited terriers, explore every dog that has claimed Crufts’ top prize in history

Caught on camera: Otter and heron busted stealing fish from Northumberland fishing boat
After bait began disappearing in Amble harbour, a skipper installed a camera – and discovered some bold nighttime visitors

Crufts’ new star: Here's everything you need to know about the Clumber spaniel (including its aristocratic origins)
Heavy-set, calm, and loyal, Clumber spaniels are rare winners at Crufts – but this year, Bruin stole the spotlight

Scientists discover heartbreaking reason behind mass whale stranding on Hebridean beach
The 55 pilot whales that landed on a beach on the Isle of Lewis were supporting a female whale having a difficult birth, new research discovers

Birdwatching can slow the brain’s ageing process, new research shows
Seasoned birders are found to have denser brain tissue, according to a new study

Worm Moon: How and when to see this week's lunar spectacular – and why it determines the date of Easter
Everything you need to know about the Worm Moon, when it takes place this year and what the spiritual meaning is behind it

Think before you reply: This is the hidden carbon cost of every email you send
The unexpected environmental impact of our online lives is bigger than we think. Every email relies on energy-hungry data centres — and the carbon cost adds up fast

Why today’s car headlights feel brighter than ever (and what’s about to change)
Dazzling LED headlights are leaving drivers blinded and anxious on dark roads. So why are modern car lights so bright — and what’s being done about it?

Why does the UK have so many potholes? Pothole causes, repairs, and how to make a claim
In our fluctuating climate, potholes are very common on UK roads. But they can cause havoc to vehicles, leaving drivers with costly repairs. We explain how to report them, fix them and claim compensation.

Think you’re Gaelic at heart? Here’s how to trace your Scottish and Irish roots
From clan lands to famine ships, uncover the stories that shaped your Scottish and Irish ancestry –and learn how to start tracing your Gaelic roots today

Is this the world’s most haunted chair? The chilling legend of the Dead Man’s Seat
Said to have been cursed by a condemned murderer in 1702, the Dead Man’s Chair has inspired centuries of eerie tales, but how much truth lies behind the legend?

Princess Diana’s family tree spans royal scandals, Hollywood royalty – and a surprising number of American presidents. Here's how
Long before she became the Princess of Wales, Diana Spencer’s ancestry linked her not only to British nobility and royal scandals but also to American presidents and Hollywood icons

Farmhouses, ex-council houses and country cottages: Step inside the childhood homes of music legends
While some are open to visitors, others are frozen in time – look inside the childhood homes of some of Britain's greatest ever rockstars

Extinct since medieval times, Britain’s biggest bird could be making a comeback
The largest bird to ever live in the UK could be reintroduced to our wetlands
