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‘A significant number of the little blighters can add up, can’t it?’: Sophia Money Coutts on how much — or little — to spend on your godchildren’s Christmas presents
As we ramp up to the festive season, our Modern Etiquette columnists answers our reader's most pressing questions.
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The trench coat is a British fashion icon that’s been worn by everyone from brave World War soldiers to Sex and the City’s Samantha Jones
The trench coat did not originate in the trenches, says Amie Elizabeth White, but it was greatly influenced by the World Wars, and was sported by a host of film and TV stars.
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‘My football made me, my countryside saved me’: Vinnie Jones on going from the rough and tumble of the football pitch to the sanctuary of his West Sussex estate
A return to the land has been a redemptive journey for the gamekeeper’s son and former tough midfielder Vinnie Jones, finds Mary Skipwith.
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The rapid decline of our local abattoirs means we can no longer claim to be a country with leading animal welfare standards
Once the backbone of ethical, small-scale meat production, these essential processors are disappearing fast.
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What is everyone talking about this week? How to be a patriot
A British 'GQ' cover has sparked questions about how to be a patriot amid today's culture wars.
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Cocker spaniels: The indefatigable dog breed with medieval lineage that stole David Beckham’s heart
Once bred to flush out woodcock, now found in royal estates and Hollywood homes — the Cocker Spaniel’s charm knows no bounds.
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‘In my twenties I was asked by a newspaper to test out an orgasm machine. I said, "Absolutely"’: Elizabeth Day on her early career in journalism and consuming passions
The author and journalist chats to Lotte Brundle.
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Meet David Beckham's milliner, the man who's created hats using everything from flora and fauna, to car parts and buckets
Barnaby Horn, an award-winning hat-maker and visual artist who learned much of his craft at Highgrove in Gloucestershire, is one of Sir David Beckham's countryside champions. He spoke to Julie Harding.
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If these jackets could talk
With its new AW25 collection, Barbour has drawn upon its 130 years of classic British style to create clothing that will take you everywhere with timeless elegance and honest practicality
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Sophia Money-Coutts: I can’t believe I’m saying this, but should dogs really be allowed in posh hotels?
Dog lover, Sophia Money-Coutts, debates whether our canine companions should be able to accompany us to Five Star establishments.
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What’s better than a date with Ali MacGraw? Tending to your waxed jacket, according to Steve McQueen
This is the story of the world’s most useful jacket — and a staple in Britain's countryside homes.
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Our never-ending interest in magic and the occult, from Elizabethan England to Donald Trump's presidency
As Haddon Hall’s rooms, complete with historic witches' marks, are transformed into exhibits that explore witchcraft and evil spirits, Lotte Brundle explores our continued fascination with the supernatural.
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England and the 1966 World Cup — which was stolen and later recovered by a dog called Pickles
In celebration of the footballing talents of Country Life's guest editor Sir David Beckham, we look back at the summer of 1966, when the England national team was on top of the world.
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Dire Straits' bassist John Illsley reveals why he swapped the recording studio for the art studio — and his consuming passions
John Illsley rose to fame as the bassist of the Dire Straits, but nowadays you're more likely to find him in an art studio.
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At the Bonneville Salt Flats, the only currency is speed
Charlie Thomas reports from Speed Week, and talks to those with a bad case of 'Salt Fever'.
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The Irish red and white setter: The rare beauty brought back from the brink
A history of Ireland’s original setter — the elegant, intelligent breed saved from extinction by devoted breeders and cherished as a symbol of the nation’s sporting heritage.
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This watch was worn by the first woman to swim the English Channel, changing the horological world forever. Now it's going under the hammer
The early Rolex Oyster was worn by pioneering cross-Channel swimmer Mercedes Gleitze in 1927.
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Sophia Money-Coutts: My family WhatsApp is already banging on about Christmas arrangements. Can I leave the group?
Where are we spending Christmas? Who gets the best bedroom, and whose turn is it to cook?
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Vested interest: The history of the waistcoat
Favoured by Byronic bluesmen, Eton pops and rotund royalty, the waistcoat and its later iterations are an integral part of the Englishman’s wardrobe, says Simon Mills.
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It's a perfect storm for the revival of eclecticism, and we're in the middle of it
In design, periods of purism are often followed by a dramatic new mood. Now, the scene is set for an exciting revival of eclecticism.
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What is everyone talking about this week? Forget British wine, British olive oil is the next pot of gold
Week in, week out, Will Hosie rounds up the hottest topics on everyone's lips, in London and beyond.
