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    • Big boys' toys, trips & tips

    Big boys’ toys, trips & tips

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    ©Mark Williamson/Country Life Picture Library

    Celebrating 100 years of the RAF, and the men and women who run the service

    They wrestled Spitfires through blue skies over Britain, dodging the Luftwaffe and stalling Hitler’s invasion. They helped shape the Second World War, perhaps even the world as we know it.…

    11 things you must know before commissioning a bespoke suit

    A bespoke suit will last you years, perhaps even decades, so it’s important to get it right. Jonathan Self offers his advice on how to get one that’s just right.…

    © Richard Cannon / Country Life

    The Saw Maker still turning tools by hand: ‘Cabinet makers love these – a lot of doctors and surgeons buy them’

    Not all saws are mass-produced in Far East factories. Kathryn Bradley-Hole spoke to the craftsmen at Thomas Flinn, a Yorkshire firm who still do things by hand.

    Bespoke tailor's shop

    The regional bespoke tailors who offer a proper alternative to Savile Row

    Jonathan Self has spent years wearing Savile Row suits, but for the latest addition to his wardrobe decided to look further afield. He was delighted with what he found.

    The 18th-century duelling pistols which ended up in the hands of a notorious British spy

    A pair of duelling pistols up for auction hold a fascinating history, having once been owned by a notorious British spy and adventurer. Huon Mallalieu explains.

    The tale of a ‘real-life’ Billy Elliot: How cricketer Alexander Campbell swapped batting for ballet

    Today, Alexander Campbell is a principal at the Royal Ballet. But for a long time it seemed that his destiny lay along a very different path. He spoke to Jeremy…

    The life of a modern magician: Razor blades, ballet shoes and bumping into the Obamas

    What does it take to be a modern-day magician? Emma Hughes finds out. Main photograph by Richard Cannon.

    Jools Holland shares a few of his favourite things

    The musician and TV presenter shares a few of his favourite things with Hetty Chidwick.

    Christmas gifts for men, from beautiful boxers to a classic cocktail shaker

    For the man in your life, we've all sorts of things – from simple gadgets to truly magnificent things.

    The ducks-foot pistol

    The rare ‘ducks foot’ pistol, plus five other bizarre and unusual weapons

    As a four-barrelled gun comes up for auction, we take a look at some of the most extraordinary weapons ever conceived.

    Andrew Kember of Salix cricket bats (Photo ©Richard Cannon / Country Life)

    The cricket bat-maker: ‘People don’t believe it takes so much to achieve the final product. We don’t want to rush anything’

    Andrew Kember has a huge waiting list of people clamouring for his Salix cricket bats, but he insists on keeping his operation just the way it is. He explained why…

    Sir Ranulph Fiennes (Getty)

    Ranulph Fiennes: ‘Commuting up and down the motorway is more dangerous than a trip to the Arctic’

    Explorer, adventurer and national treasure, Sir Ranulph Fiennes has travelled to the ends of the earth and raised millions for charity in the process – all while remaining a true gentleman.…

    Six essential life skills that every modern gentleman must possess

    Like a jelly on a tumble dryer, the expectations of a gentleman are constantly shifting. Mostly, this is a good thing: the myths that men must love sport, never cry…

    Turner Twins

    The Turner Twins on trekking to the Green Pole, avoiding disaster and ‘fields of plastic stretching for miles’

    British explorers Ross and Hugo Turner – known as The Turner Twins – are earning a reputation for being two of the country's most intrepid adventurers. They spoke to Rosie Paterson.

    A Cotswolds house with the ultimate big boys’ toy: Its own aircraft landing strip

    This place in the heart of the Cotswolds is an aviator's dream: a country house with its own landing strip. Or should that be a landing strip with its own…

    How to create a perfect hand-made boat (and, more importantly, why)

    In the heart of Lyme Regis a very special type of school: an academy where people come from around the world to learn the craft of boatmaking. Clive Aslet paid…

    sheds

    The ultimate man cave: 5 unique sheds to inspire your space

    For these men, the garden shed is an extension of their home where the rules don’t apply. Anna Tyzack discovers the appeal of escaping (almost) out of doors.

    Eight 21st century innovations you actually need, even if you live in a 17th century house

    Even an old house needs a few new tricks – and just because you live in beautiful country house doesn't mean you should be without modern home technology. Here's our list…

    Top 10 pieces of essential shooting kit

    To ensure you have all the gear and some idea, look no further than Nick Hammond’s wish list.

    Robert Bathurst

    Robert Bathurst of Cold Feet and Downton Abbey on the little luxuries in his life

    Bespoke shoes, Royal Doulton china and some rather lovely curtains make actor Robert Bathurst's list.

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    More big boys' toys & tips

    ©Mark Williamson/Country Life Picture Library

    Celebrating 100 years of the RAF, and the men and women who run the service

    11 things you must know before commissioning a bespoke suit

    © Richard Cannon / Country Life

    The Saw Maker still turning tools by hand: ‘Cabinet makers love these – a lot of doctors and surgeons buy them’

    Bespoke tailor's shop

    The regional bespoke tailors who offer a proper alternative to Savile Row

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