Historic places
The UK's best viaducts to explore by rail, foot or bike for magnificent scenery and Roman-inspired architecture
Boasting wood, worms and wizards, the UK has a wealth of wonderful viaducts. Matt Baird picks 6 you can explore via rail, foot and bicycle
Best windmills to visit in the UK – plus ones you can stay in
We explore the history of windmills in the UK, the best windmills to visit and windmills you can stay in
What are the different types of windmills and how do they work?
Learn about the different types of windmills found in the UK, as well as how the work, and well-known examples to visit
Could Britain’s historical windmills disappear entirely? We meet those determined to save these beautiful, iconic buildings
For centuries, Britain’s windmills harnessed the power of nature to grind grain, but many of these historic structures now face ruin. Jack Watkins meets the dedicated people working hard to save them
Trenches, tombs and a hidden church above a shopping centre – 17 extraordinary historic sites added to the National Heritage List
First World War practice trenches, a rare 17th-century chest tomb and a Tudor-style pub are among the 17 historic sites that have gained protected status this year.
Butchered and cannibalised: 3,000 bones found in Somerset shaft suggest ‘othering’ of enemies in Bronze Age Britain
A new study of the remains – initially unearthed in the 1970s – indicates that the victims were likely consumed as a form of retaliation or revenge.
Christmas can be a hazardous and dangerous time for pets. Here's why
From chocolate to tinsel, Christmas is full of dangers for pets. Here are 10 to watch for
These strange 'witches marks' were just discovered at a medieval manor house in England – but that's not all that was found
Demon traps and curses: discover which 15th-century British hall is a supernatural fortress…
Why these 10 historic sites could soon be lost forever
Castles, churches, gardens and railway stations have all been added to Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register 2024 – but many historic places have also been saved.
Discover Doggerland, the prehistoric land that once bridged the UK with the rest of Europe - until it was claimed by the sea
Did you know land that once connected Britain to mainland Europe? Here's what it would have looked like
Why is the poppy a symbol of remembrance?
How did the poppy become a symbol of remembrance? We recount how this pretty red flower came to represent the fallen.
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
Britain's most haunted places - do you dare to visit one at night?
From ancient castles to haunted hills and scary inns, discover the most haunted places in the UK with BBC Countryfile Magazine's spooky guide
Britain's wonkiest houses: 5 bewildering buildings that defy the laws of gravity
Would you dare enter these crooked buildings?
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
'Dorset Stonehenge' discovered under Thomas Hardy's home, plus five more amazing prehistoric finds
The Neolithic site, discovered in the garden of Max Gate in Dorchester, has been given protected status
Which is Britain's oldest pub? A look at some of our oldest and ricketiest inns and taverns
Fergus Collins takes a look at the contenders for the title 'oldest pub in Britain'
How the Battle of Bosworth caused the fall of Richard III and the rise of the Tudor dynasty, who went on to shape England's future - like no other
Imagine the final charge of a desperate Richard III – the last English king to die in battle.
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
Medieval slaughter: the site of Britain's bloodiest battle remains an evocative place to visit
On 29 March 1461 the Lancastrians lined up to fight the Yorkists in what would become known as the bloodiest battle ever on English soil
Ghost villages: 10 eerie deserted settlements from centuries past
Explore 10 deserted villages, that were filled with life centuries ago