Superstitions swirl around all manner of different birds, but never more so than with magpies. We take a look at why.
Out & About
Sporting Life: Can you learn to ballroom dance in seven weeks?
In the wake of Strictly Come Dancing, Alexandra Fraser convinced her partner to join her on a seven-week ballroom dancing course in London to discover how hard it really is…
Why we love our mongrels, by Jilly Cooper, Jeremy Irons and more owners who love their Heinz 57s
They might be the underdogs of the canine world, but true Heinz 57s–whether born by accident or design–will always hold a special place in our hearts, says Katy Birchall…
The secret history of the milestone, from Roman Britain to Industrial Revolution and beyond
The milestones which help travellers find their way across Britain have been a feature of the nation's highways and byways for 2,000 years. Matthew Dennison traces their history.
Curious Questions: Can a swan really break your arm?
We’ve all heard the famous old wives' tale – but is there any truth to it, or is it merely a ploy to keep small fingers away from snapping beaks?…
Royal Portrush: How one of golf’s greatest masterpieces has been made even greater
Royal Portrush, in County Antrim, is one of the finest golf courses not just in Northern Ireland but the world. Toby Keel paid a visit a few months before the…
Triumph, tragedy and mangling Shakespeare: Michael Billington hands out The BIllies for 2018
Our theatre critic Michael Billington hands out his annual awards. Some recipients will be delighted; others might wish to hide behind the sofa...
The ten best dogs in literature
Man’s best friend has taken a starring role in stories since we first put pen to paper, playing nanny to the children, helping to solve mysteries and trotting down the…
Five magnificent winter walks in Britain, from the Brecons to the Broads
A brisk winter walk is the perfect way to shake off the blues of the cold, dark months – here are five superb spots to inspire you to get out
Curious Questions: Why is New Year called ‘Hogmanay’ in Scotland?
For as long as anyone can remember, New Year – Hogmanay – has been a bigger deal to those living north of Anglo-Scottish border. Jason Goodwin explains why, and takes a look…
Kenneth Grahame and the true meaning behind The Wind in the Willows
The Edwardian author Kenneth Grahame’s adoration of Nature and landscape made him passionate about conservation and inspired him to create some of Britain's best-loved characters, says his biographer Matthew Dennison.…
Take the Country Life Christmas Quiz: 40 fiendish questions on everything from the Beatles to lobsters
Each year, Country Life's editor Mark Hedges sets a fiendish quiz – see how you get on, and don't forget to share your results with friends and family to establish who…
The 12 party games of Christmas
The Twelve Days of Christmas land you with 12 days of enforced revelry. That’s 12 sub-sets of step-relations, 12 afternoons and evenings, 12 tailbacks on the M25. Kit Hesketh-Harvey suggests…
Country Life’s best Living National Treasures of 2018: Stained glass to neon signs, via sculpture, baskets and fishermen
Our hugely popular series tells fascinating tales about extraordinary people keeping traditional skills alive across Britain, illustrated by the wonderful portrait photographs taken by Richard Cannon for Country Life. Our…
Otmoor, the majestic Oxfordshire landscape that inspired Lewis Carroll, under threat once more
Thirty years ago, Otmoor was saved from being obliterated by the M40. It’s an extraordinary, atmospheric place: a low-lying basin just east of Oxford, long designated as a nature reserve…
Jason Goodwin: On parking, the genius of the Tube and lopping the naughty bits off statues
A day out in London sees Jason Goodwin having a run-in with a car wash, paying tribute to a 20th century genius and ending up a prisoner of modern technology.
Five of Britain’s most spectacular lighthouses, as captured by a beautiful new guide
A beautiful new book collects some wonderful images of some of Britain's lighthouses – here's a selection of our favourites.
Our six favourite nannies, in fiction and film
Whether they invoke fond or fearful memories in real life, the nannies of fiction are kind – even magical – creatures, says Annunciata Elwes, who rounds up her favourites.
Nine things you ought to know if you’re having goose for Christmas
If you're looking for a change from turkey for Christmas dinner, goose is the obvious choice – but there are a few things to think about, as Kate Green explains.
Sporting Life: 10 majestic images that give a unique perspective on the immutable bond between Man and Horse
A new book sheds a wonderful light on the unique relationship that people have with their horses.