Go Outdoors
Pit-stop marriages, urine recycling and famous fancy dress: 13 quirky facts about the London Marathon
It's not all ultra-elite racing at the London Marathon – we've rounded up the more unusual facts and traditions of the annual race.
“Everyone deserves the right to enjoy the countryside”: How charities are making adventure accessible to all
We know time outdoors makes you feel better, but if you have a disability, getting out there isn’t always easy. That’s why charities like the Calvert Trust aim to give everyone the freedom of the countryside.
Inspired by the London Marathon? You could take part next year – here's how to get a head start on training
What's the fastest London Marathon time?
The London Marathon has witnessed some impressive records since its inception in 1981 – some set by elite athletes and others by superheroes, mythical characters and even a man in a deep-sea diving suit.
Inspired by The Salt Path and want to walk the South West Coast Path? Here’s everything you need to know
The South West Coast Path is one of the toughest long-distance walking trails in the UK. Find out everything you need to know to take it on.
What's new?
Georgian era guide: When was it and the best historic places to visit in Britain
The Georgian era was regarded as the age of elegance as vast stately houses and estates changed the the rural landscape. Our expert guide on Georgian Britain looks at the history of this elegant period and features a selection best Georgian places to visit in the UK.
London Marathon 2025 freebies: Here are the best free giveaways you can claim if you’re running the London Marathon
Running the London Marathon this weekend? Don’t miss out on the perks that come with this huge challenge! From free pizza and post-race burgers to yoga classes, ice baths and even a boat trip down the Thames, here’s what you can claim with your medal
“I got an ebike and discovered a lost world of castles, rivers and Roman ruins in England – and I’m a convert”
Could this new cycling route in the Shropshire Hills become a star of Britain’s bikepacking scene? Matt Baird mounts an electric bike to navigate the hills, thrills and basilicas of the Marcher Castles Way.
What’s a good marathon time? Here's what you should be aiming for at your next road or trail marathon
When it comes to getting a “good” marathon time, there are plenty of considerations – but these are a few starting points to help you decide what time to aim for
What muscles does paddleboarding work? Why this slower-paced sport is a surprising full-body workout
Whether you try it on a river, harbour or at sea, here's why stand up paddleboarding is a brilliant workout for your muscles.
Camping
25 beautiful UK beaches to visit right now
Looking for a beach near you? From the spectacular Isles of Scilly and the rugged shores of the Scottish Highlands to England's dreamy south coast, here's our pick of the most beautiful beaches in the UK.
25 for 2025: Fill your summer with exciting outdoor adventures and challenges, from shark spotting to conquering fears
Expand your horizons with our pick of the best outdoor adventures.
New partnership set to establish wild camping across Britain
Collaboration between CampWild and Rewilding Britain to give wild campers access to previously private rewilding sites, including in England and Wales
Days Out
No Easter holiday plans? These are the best free days out with kids around the UK
Desperate parents, look no further! Here is your ultimate guide to the best free days out, activities, workshops, trails and museums to try out over the holidays with your kids
Divine spring walks: 23 of the best UK trails to enjoy right now
The countryside is awash with the sights and sounds of spring – it's time to get outside. From magnificent meadows and wildflower woodlands to gorgeous springtime hills, here is our guide to the UK's best spring walks.
Just William: The timeless mischief-maker who captivates generations
Who inspired Richmal Crompton’s most famous and mischievous character 'Just William'?
Gear
Best umbrellas tried and tested in 2025: brilliant brollies for rainy strolls
Be drizzle and downpour ready with our review of the best umbrellas on the market. Fulton, Totes, Barbour and Mountain Warehouse are put to the test.
Best sun hats: Caps and wide brimmed hats for sun protection in the UK
Stay protected with these sun hats, specially designed for the great outdoors.
Best walking trousers for men and women - tried and tested for 2025
We've tested the best walking trousers to suit all budgets and types of walkers
Get active
Bouldering vs rock climbing: What's the difference between these high-adrenaline sports?
Ever wondered what the difference is between climbing and bouldering? We take a look at the two sports.
What muscles does climbing work? Hint: it's more than just your arms
Climbing is a thrilling way to enjoy the outdoors – but did you know it's also a great workout for lots of your muscles? We take a look at which ones will benefit the most.
10 of the fastest Parkruns in the UK – and the world
Looking to achieve a Parkrun personal best? These are some of the speediest courses both home and away that will help you achieve 5k glory.
Historic places
How many palaces are there in the UK?
The UK is home to a remarkable range of palaces – from working royal homes and archbishops’ residences to grand estates and long-lost halls of power. But how many are there in the UK in total?
Bloody, brutal battles and border castles: The secrets of the savage frontier between England and Wales
Bloodshed, battles, barons and brutality – the sleepy hinterland of the Welsh Marches belies a turbulent history. Mark Hillsdon explores the romantic ruins that remember more troubled times
Once home to Nazi prisoners: The grim reality of life inside one of Britain's former WW2 prisoner of war camps.
During the Second World War, British camps across the country housed as many as 400,000 captured foreign soldiers. Dixe Wills visits Eden Camp in North Yorkshire, a restored camp that recreates the wartime experience of enemy prisoners
Travel Planner
How to get an Irish passport and citizenship
11 toughest long-distance walking trails in the UK: Challenge yourself with one of these bucket-list routes
Planning a major hike this year? We reveal the UK’s toughest long-distance paths to explore.
How a small, charming English town, set at the foot of beautiful hills, gave the world Narnia, hobbits, Middle Earth and Nimrod
Discover the dramatic range of hills that inspired CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien and Edward Elgar to create some of the greatest works in the English canon
Walks
We've compiled the best places to walk in the United Kingdom, so you can find the perfect walk near you or at your next holiday destination.
All our walk reports have been curated by the Countryfile team and include maps, route directions, walking distances, and times wherever possible.
We've divided the UK by counties to help you quickly find the right route. Looking for a specific walk? Try using the site search at the top right of this page.
The 18 greatest walks in England
Discover the beauty of the English countryside on foot – from quiet country lanes and flower-banked rivers to spectacular hills and dales.
The unexpected hiking hack you need this spring (hint: it talks)
Here are the 10 greatest walks in London - chosen by experts
Take a stroll through some of London's most breathtaking green spaces, from Hampstead Heath and Richmond Park to Kew Gardens and the London Wetland Centre.