Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged for centuries. Katy Birchall asks which breed works for you.
Katy Birchall
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Where to go and see bluebells this spring
We round up the best gardens to visit to see carpets of bluebells this spring and explain how to tell the difference between the native flowers and foreign interlopers
Why socks are the new ties – and what yours say about you
Two years ago, Country Life decried the wearing of lilac socks. But times change, and so do we: it's time to acknowledge that socks are the new ties, as Katy…
10 things you need to know about Operation Santa: How the Royal Mail helps Father Christmas reply to children across Britain
Something magical is happening at the Royal Mail in Belfast. Strolling past rows of high-tech machinery, which sift and categorise mountains of letters at mind-blowing speed, you might be fooled…
Battersea Dogs Home’s place in the country, where you’ll find dogs for walking and working
Battersea Dogs Home isn't only in Battersea – they also have centres out in the country where you could find the ideal walking companion or even a working dog. Katy Birchall…
The Christmas crackers you need on your table this year
Don't end up disappointed with toe-curling jokes and miniature screwdrivers – here's what you could get instead...
Colin Firth named ‘Gentleman of the Year’ by Country Life
Katy Birchall announces the winners of Country Life’s 2017 Gentleman of the Year Awards.
The 10 best restaurants in Yorkshire
Country Life's choice of the very best restaurants and places to eat throughout Yorkshire.
On top of the world: The painstaking, intricate art of globe-making
After years as little-used antiques hidden in dusty libraries, Bellerby & Co is putting handcrafted globes back on the map. Katy Birchall talks to the man with the whole world…
Top 10 fictional spies, from Bond and Bourne to Hannay and Smiley
Cold War agent George Smiley is back after 25 years. To celebrate John le Carré’s new novel, Katy Birchall presents her top 10 literary spies.
The life and times of Jane Austen
A potted history of one of our greatest literary influences.
Jane Austen’s six most-famous novels, summed up in 10 words each
Novels in a nutshell.
Behind the names: The Austen characters you need to know
Feisty feminist heroines and dashing handsome heros.
Where to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen
2017 marks the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen's death. Here are exhibitions and events that mark the occasion.
Fabulous Frenchies: Vive le bulldog français!
Sacrebleu! It seems that Britain’s top dog is a French bulldog.
Crystal clear: Groundhog Day and Waterford Crystal
Waterford Crystal has announced its continued partnership with London theatre The Old Vic. Katy Birchall stops by for a cocktail before the show.
The 10 best restaurants in Scotland
Country Life's choice of the very best restaurants and places to eat tin Scotland.
The best restaurants in Hampshire
From river bank pubs to Michelin starred restaurants, Country Life picks the best places to eat in Hampshire
Shakespeare exhibitions and plays 2016
Celebrate this year's Shakespeare anniversary by indulging in some culture from plays and talks to exhibitions and walks all over the country
Dogs and the Second World War
The War Office invites dog owners to lend their dogs to the Army,’ stated an appeal in British newspapers on May 5, 1941, despite a general feeling in Whitehall that…