Lauren Franklin
Recent articles by Lauren Franklin
Weirdest (yet wonderful) looking dog breeds
Meet some of the weirdest - and in some cases hairiest - dog breeds on the planet
Hidden gems on your doorstep: Our guide to cruising around the British Isles
From Aberdeen’s distinctive granite buildings and Belfast’s Titanic Quarter to West Scotland’s scenic coastline, the British Isles hold a wealth of cultural and natural treasures. Cruising its waters is one of the best ways to experience them.
Why is the first part of a run the hardest?
Find out what's the cause behind first-mile fatigue, and how to run though it
Win two Ayacucho Yosemite Jackets from Cotswold Outdoor
Be prepared for whatever the weather throws at you with these lightweight rain jackets worth £85 each
Ramblers T&Cs
How to take better photographs of your dog
Photographing dogs is a rewarding experience, but it can also be a bit tricky, says Steve Sayers
What's the best alcoholic drink for my waistline? We check out the healthiest choices...
There's nothing like a drink at the ned of the walk - but which is the healthiest choice? James Witts takes a look
Can beef ever be carbon-friendly or do we all have to go vegan? Meet the farmer making cows' farts better for the planet
Should the world stop eating meat to tackle the climate crisis? Chris Baraniuk meets an experimental farmer who says we don’t all have to become vegetarians.
Why some places are more 'thankful' than others. Discover the shameful secret behind the villages with no war memorial
We track down Britain's thankful villages
Unveiling our ancient woodlands: Just how old are they and what makes them so remarkable?
Just how old are ancient woodlands? And how do you know how old they are? Amy-Jane Beer explains
Mystery solved! How cats effortlessly squeeze into the tiniest spaces
Cats are known for their ability to squeeze into tight spaces, but how do they manage it? A new study has come up with fascinating results.
Learning to scuba dive? Here's an essential guide to the equipment - and the lingo - if you want to speak like a pro
The experts at PADI explain all you need to know about scuba diving gear and its lingo
Best Norman castles, cathedrals and churches to visit: Discover past relics from the master builders
The Normans are famed for their castles - here are some of their best
Who won the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
What happened at the Battle of Stamford Bridge? We take a look at the other 1066 battle
The Battle of Hastings in 1066: How William the Conqueror's ruthless invasion changed the country forever
On October 14, 1066 Anglo-Saxon King Harold died on the battlefield at Hastings and the invading Normans conquered England. What traces of these epic events remain in our countryside? Historian Joel Burden leads us back in time...
Unraveling the mystique of Standing Stones: Ancient monuments and lost legends in timeless landscapes
There are ancient stone circles all across the British countryside - here's what we know about them
Decisive clash at Naseby: How one battle changed the fate of the English Civil War and the way the country was governed forever
On 14 June 1645 the Royalists and the Parliamentarians lined up in a Northamptonshire field to fight what would become the defining battle of the English Civil War
Macmillan Mighty Hikes in numbers: From beginner-friendly rambles to heart-pumping hill climbs, check out the stats and choose your hike
Planning on completing a marathon (or half marathon) hike for charity next year? Read our breakdown guide to every Macmillan Mighty Hikes location to help you decide which hike is right for you
The terrifying tale of the Lantern Men, evil pixies who would lead unwary souls to their death
Discover the haunting legend of evil pixies luring innocent people to their deaths
What is Britain's largest flying insect? Here's a clue - it has an impressive wingspan of 130mm
Richard Jones takes a look at the contenders for the title of Britain's biggest flying insect
Who were the Knights Templar? Discover the ancient organisation that's shrouded in mystery and legend
Clouded by mystery and legend the Knights Templar were once a powerful force in Britain. Helen Nicholson is your guide to these secret medieval warriors
Tragic mass stranding leaves 77 pilot whales dead in Orkney
The reason for one of the biggest mass strandings in Scottish history is currently a mystery, says Mel Hobson
Callum, the celebrity stag, has been put down after tourists fed it croissants
North Coast 500 star, Callum the Stag, put down by vets
10 of the rarest dog breeds in the UK
The Kennel Club reveals 10 of the most vulnerable dog breeds in Britain, from the iconic bearded collie and adorable Welsh springer spaniel to the long-legged Irish wolfhound.