People

Nature’s way: how one woman found inspiration after her cancer diagnosis
Exploring the restorative and healing powers of spending time in nature

"Foot and mouth devastated rural Britain. It could happen again" John Craven on the crippling effect of the disease, and its potential resurgence
BBC Countryfile Magazine's John Craven writes about the devastating effect of foot and mouth disease on British farmers.

“Claire Foy happens to be a naturally brilliant falconer.” Why the Emmy-winning actress tamed a goshawk
Helen Macdonald’s memoir H is for Hawk explores how nature can help cope with profound grief, and it's set to be adapted into a star-studded film.

“Unbelievable”: huge animal longer than bus seen leaping from Irish waters
No one knows exactly why these enormous sea creatures breach.

How tall was Jane Austen? Her lofty height may surprise you
Would Jane Austen have cut an imposing figure in a ballroom? She might well have, according to a dress historian
What's new?

How tall was William Shakespeare? And how did he stack up against his rivals?
Shakespeare's words are studied by school children across the UK, but surprisingly little is known about his appearance

14 facts you didn't know about Princess Diana – including her adorable nickname for Prince William
Did you know that Diana had many royal connections before marrying Charles? Or that she was a big fan of a certain Swedish pop group...

It was the childhood home of Diana, Princess of Wales as well as her final resting place – and you can visit the grounds
Inside Althorp, the country estate with plenty of royal connections

It was the past home of Diana, Princess of Wales and where an 18-year-old Queen Victoria learnt she was queen

How tall was Princess Diana? And why her true height often amazed people
The Spencers were surprisingly lofty.
Experiences

Hubble, bubble, toil and trouble: the real story of Britain's witch trials
Learn more about some of Britains most famous witches and wise men and the fate that befell them

"I survived Lyme Disease!"
All you need to know about this tick-borne disease from a man who contracted, diagnosed and survived it – Kevin Parr

Best nature and wildlife books reviewed for 2025
Our pick of the very best nature and wildlife books, including new releases – each with an expert editorial review.
Historical figures

Researchers uncover new threat to Roman Army troops stationed at Hadrian’s Wall: intestinal parasites
The universities of Cambridge and Oxford analysed sediment samples from a Roman fort – and discovered something interesting

I spent 3 days hiking England's answer to the Salem witch trials. It was as creepy as it sounds
Eerie rock formations, vanishing streams, sinister twists… Vivienne Crow experiences all and more on a
fantastical three-day tour in the Forest
of Bowland and Yorkshire Dales

“I’ve wandered into an oil painting.” Walk in the unspoiled English landscapes that inspired John Constable
Few artists are as synonymous with a place as John Constable. To celebrate a major Tate Britain exhibition marking 250 years since his birth, Ben Lerwill ventures to the open skies and slow waters of the idyllic Essex-Suffolk border
Interviews

“He hauls out the wrinkled snout of a primeval beast.” There’s a hidden vault of weird and deadly creatures in this world-famous museum
Venture into the bowels of London’s Natural History Museum and you’ll discover a realm of deep-sea monsters and rarely seen oddities

This author has sold 198 million books. Now he’s delving into the ancient unsolved mystery of Stonehenge
In his new novel, author Ken Follett breathes life into one of the greatest British mysteries: Stonehenge

“Dyslexia is my superpower.” Strictly champ Hamza Yassin on his childhood heroes, living in the Scottish Highlands and how he mastered wildlife photography
Wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin’s new book inspires us to discover natural wonders on our doorstep
Opinion

“If community projects are not well-supported, our countryside will be a bleaker place.” John Craven on the hidden infrastructure gap in rural areas
As post offices and hospitals close, rural residents are left at a huge disadvantage, says John Craven

George Clooney’s suit, tennis balls, eco coffins… Why this classic British farming material is having a moment
The material is renewable, sustainable and biodegradable – and popular with celebrities, too

“Children young as 11 were advised to walk miles along unlit, dangerous roads.” Public transport is failing rural youth – here’s why a shake-up is long overdue
Limited public transport disadvantages rural teenagers academically and socially, says author Nicola Chester
Royals

How tall was Queen Victoria? The true height of this powerful monarch often surprised people
While she was known for her powerful presence, Queen Victoria was actually quite petite

10 celebrities who refused or returned their Royal Honours
Not all celebrities accept the honours awarded to them by the Royals – with some even returning them later on
