Out & About

Martin Fone, who has long been fascinated by words, digs in to the story of how Sir James Murray created the first Oxford English Dictionary — despite having a full-time job and 11 children — and ended up having his own special post box.

By Martin Fone Published 27 January 24

The Greenwich Time Signal has been an ubiquitous part of BBC Radio for a century, but few know what it really is and where it came from

By Rob Crossan Published 13 January 24

The 'Surrey Six' is a collection of ways to tie rope that, for most people, are the only six knots you'll ever need. Agnes Stamp tries her hand at tying them, and looks in to the lore of knot tying.

By Agnes Stamp Published 6 January 24

Once a time of merriment when rules were subverted, Twelfth Night has long since lost its sparkle, says Vicky Liddell, as she digs into the colourful past of the Feast of Fools and finds that some traditions live on.

By Vicky Liddell Published 5 January 24

Ian Morton explores the runaway success of the Dickens Christmas classic and reveals the 'real' Ebenezer Scrooge, who was far from a mean man.

By Ian Morton Published 24 December 23

Patrick Galbraith has a night to remember.

By Patrick Galbraith Published 28 November 23

Once a favourite of the nobility, the distinguished King Charles spaniel is a loving and loyal little lap dog that can also hold its own outdoors, says Katy Birchall.

By Katy Birchall Published 22 November 23

The Country Life Index of articles is all articles published by Country Life, since 1897, in one place.

By Country Life Published 1 November 23

Country Life's cultural crusader Athena takes a look at the thorny issue of live music ticket prices  — and how the habits of concert-goers today show that the struggles of classical music and opera to find an audience run far deeper than mere cost.

By Country Life Published 13 October 23

Not all heroes wear capes, some are more likely to put on the wrong trousers and ask their dog if he wants ‘more cheese’. Harry Pearson meets Wallace and Gromit, two of our best-loved Plasticine characters.

By Harry Pearson Published 22 September 23

Shrouded in myth and mystery, the unremarkable-looking Stone of Scone — the ancient symbol of Scottish sovereigns — still plays a significant role in the coronations of British monarchs, says Matthew Dennison.

By Matthew Dennison Published 9 September 23

A game of beach cricket with captains and kings leaves Steve King with hazy memories, but the all-encompassing glow of a perfect game (despite losing by three wickets).

By Country Life Published 24 August 23

What better day to celebrate some of Scotland's most stunning locations than St Andrew's Day? Here's our pick of 10 of the finest white sand beaches in the country.

By Country Life Published 23 August 23

An archaeological discovery near Jason Goodwin's idyllic spot has sparked excitement far and wide — but not a little dismay nearer to home.

By Jason Goodwin Published 22 August 23

Fiona Reynolds takes a stroll on a quiet part of the North Wessex Downs that is redolent with history and wildlife.

By Fiona Reynolds Published 21 August 23

From a kamikaze ichthyosaur to a gigantic shell with sinister tentacles, Britain teems with fascinating fossils. Simon de Bruxelles meets the collectors following in Mary Anning’s footsteps. Photos by Millie Pilkington for Country Life.

By Country Life Published 18 August 23

The Proms are a great British institution and a remarkable success story, says Country Life's cultural commentator Athena.

By Country Life Published 28 July 23

Fiona Reynolds ticks off another extreme point of Britain with a trip to the end of the Llŷn Peninsula in Wales.

By Fiona Reynolds Published 26 July 23

A recent trip to Cornwall inspires Martin Fone to tell the rather sad story of the ruin and restoration of one of Cornwall's great 19th century tourist attractions: Logan Rock at Treen, near Land's End.

By Martin Fone Published 15 July 23