Country Life 7 May 2025
The May 7, 2025, issue of Country Life is a patriotic celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, plus much, much more.


Here's a look at some of what you'll find inside.
For her eyes only
On the 80th anniversary of VE Day — which feels especially poignant given that 75th celebrations were scaled back due to the pandemic — Allan Mallinson salutes the women who aided the Allies in the dark arts if espionage.
An outpouring of joy
Jubilation and bittersweet tears greeted the end of hostilities in 1945, reports Octavia Pollock.
Mrs Olga Hopkins, Second World War veteran, takes centre stage on this week's Frontispiece.
The carver, the baker and fancy shoemaker
Jane Wheatley meets some of the craftspeople enhancing the Cotswolds' standing as a hive of creativity.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
'I am the Marquis of marmite'
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is applying his trademark swagger to a new passion for painting, reveals James Fisher.
Nothing lasts forever
Laura Parker reveals in those 'blink and you'll miss it' moments that only Nature can provide.
The Cotswolds never disappoints (above)
Penny Churchill showcases glorious country houses for sale in two 'golden triangles'.
All set for the Chelsea chop?
This it the time to prune our late-flowering herbaceous perennials — join John Hoyland in wielding the secateurs.
Martina Froth's favourite painting
The Yale Centre for British Art Director chooses a work tinged with a melancholy sadness.
An estate made public
John Goodall investigates the gradual architectural revolution of Bowood in Wiltshire, a house that boasts a remarkable history.
The legacy
Kate Green pay tribute to Alan Turing, the code cracker who curtailed the Second World War.
The Badminton A-Z (above)
From amateur riders to Zaragoza, Kate Green guides you through the world-class eventing action.
New series: Winging it
The elegant hobby is capable of snatching swallows in flight — Mark Cocker is rapt by raptors.
The good stuff
Hetty Lintell is wowed by watches.
Interiors
Restful bedroom furniture and accessories, with Amelia Thorpe.
London Life
Rosie Paterson reveals how bees are creating a buzz in the capital, our writers have all your need to know this month and Selina Cadell shares her on-stage experiences of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
A soft touch
Tiffany Daneff marvels at the flower-filled paradise of Hampnett House in Gloucestershire.
Travel (above)
Emma Love has an eye for adventure, Mark Hedges goes wild on safari in Botswana, Rosie Paterson hits the walking trail in Sri Lanka and Pamela Goodman hail's Giubbilei's gardens.
Art and antiques
Simon Finch tells Carla Passino he will not part with his £1 note signed by a Great Train Robber.
One king to rule them all
Mary Miers explores the artistic and cultural legacy of James I.
Country Life is unlike any other magazine: the only glossy weekly on the newsstand and the only magazine that has been guest-edited by HRH The King not once, but twice. It is a celebration of modern rural life and all its diverse joys and pleasures — that was first published in Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee year. Our eclectic mixture of witty and informative content — from the most up-to-date property news and commentary and a coveted glimpse inside some of the UK's best houses and gardens, to gardening, the arts and interior design, written by experts in their field — still cannot be found in print or online, anywhere else.
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Embrace off-grid living on this Scottish island for sale, but you'll have to share it with the local seal population
A dot on the map of the west coast of Scotland has come up for sale.
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Are you a 'frag head'? Country Life Quiz of the Day, June 30, 2025
Well, ARE you? And how well do you know Leonardo DiCaprio's 2002 work? It's time to find out.
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Are you a 'frag head'? Country Life Quiz of the Day, June 30, 2025
Well, ARE you? And how well do you know Leonardo DiCaprio's 2002 work? It's time to find out.
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The flying insect that needs a cuddle? Country Life Quiz of the Day, June 27, 2025
Friday's quiz spares a thought for the insect that walked — and flew — by itself.
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When was the first ever Glastonbury festival? Country Life Quiz of the Day, June 26, 2025
Thursday's quiz looks at a landmark date at Worthy Farm.
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From Summertime to sphagnum: Country Life Quiz of the Day, June 25, 2025
Wednesday's quiz ponders the last British woman to lift a trophy at Wimbledon.
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Britain's prettiest cheese-themed spot: Country Life Quiz of the Day, June 24, 2025
Tuesday's quiz feels the heat, and pits St Francis of Assisi against William Shakespeare.
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Summer Solstice, Roger Federer and battle of the Popes: Country Life Quiz of the Day, June 23, 2025
Monday's quiz asks whether the middle of summer is actually a moveable feast.
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A secret swimming pool at Buckingham Palace? Country Life Quiz of the Day, June 20, 2025
Friday's quiz peeks behind the door of a royal palace and asks about one of the cruellest twists of fate in Greek mythology.
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Pirates, prophecy and painting: Country Life Quiz of the Day, June 19, 2025
From manatee flatulence to the first ATM, Wednesday's quiz asks the important questions.