Out & About

The dogs of lockdown: How our four-legged friends are surviving (and thriving)

The beautiful Edinburgh streets and buildings which are the stars of ITV's Belgravia — thanks to a sprinkling of production magic

If you've been wondering where ITV's Belgravia is filmed, the answer may surprise you: Edinburgh. Ali Wood paid a visit to the beautiful Scottish capital to find out more.

Things to do: How to walk your dog, care for pets and and try to enjoy life in Britain during Coronavirus lockdown

Country Life rounds up the best things to see, do and book this week.

The 10 most famous dog-and-owner combinations in history, from Churchill and his poodles to the Royal dog with its own footman

Dogs have always walked alongside the great and the good — not to mention the notorious and the terrible. Annunciata Elwes follows the ‘tails’ (ho ho) of 10 of history’s most well-remembered dogs and their equally notable owners.

How to win at board games, from Monopoly and Cluedo to Scrabble and Snakes and Ladders

As millions of people around the country are set to have an enforced period at home, it'll be time to bring out the classic board games. But how can you make sure you beat the kids? Luck helps, but tactics are better as Matthew Dennison explains.

21 joyous pictures of Britain to raise your spirits on the first day of Spring

There's never been a more important time to get out into the countryside and smell the roses. Or watch the lambs. Or marvel at the views, and dozens of other things.

Six stunning woodland walks to enjoy this spring

With flowers in bloom, British forests are teeming with life and waiting to be explored.

Labradoodles: The ultimate companion, from allergy-compatible guide dog to beloved family pet

In the past 30 years, this well-mannered crossbreed has stolen our hearts, yet the man responsible has likened it to Frankenstein’s monster. Kate MacDougall finds out more.

A walk through Badley Woods: 'My memory, is on fire, and I wander through the woods looking for places half-remembered, but intensely felt'

A return to scenes from a carefree childhood rekindles happy memories for Fiona Reynolds.

11 hauntingly beautiful pictures of dogs in cars from one of the most unusual and touching books of the year

A fascination with dogs and cars has prompted photographer Martin Usborne to produce a beautiful, unusual and gently haunting book.

Crufts 2020: Best behind-the-scenes pictures from the iconic dog show

We celebrate the funny, touching and frankly exhausting-looking images from the world's top dog show, Crufts 2020.

How to choose the perfect dog to fit your lifestyle, family and home

Those who grew up with dogs probably already know which breed they want to own, and have done for years. But the rest of us might need a bit of help — so we spoke to the Kennel Club to get their tips on how to choose the perfect pedigree dog.

The Utterly Inessential Crufts Shopping List: The toys, treats and trends that your dog deserves this year

Alexandra Fraser rounds up the top dog accessories on the market right now in honour of Crufts this weekend. After all, who deserves a treat more than Man's Best Friend?

Cocker Spaniels: The irresistible dogs with loyalty to melt the coldest of hearts, who've swept all before them at Crufts

As the dog world prepares for Crufts 2020, we take a look at the breed of dog which has been crowned Best in Show more often than any other: the cocker spaniel.

26 miles of wine and cheese: The madness of the Marathon du Medoc

It’s been dubbed ‘the world’s most idiotic marathon’: a 26-mile run through vineyards, fuelled by wine and cheese. Emma Hughes finds out if she has the stomach for the legendary Marathon du Médoc.

Five top tips to make the most of your dog walk, plus five incredible National Trust spots to explore off-lead

Is it better to save our nation's footpaths or let them return to nature?

Ramblers are encouraging Brits to map any overgrown path they can find, but the CLA believe we should focus on maintaining those we have and let the rest fall back to nature.

The history of the country house drawing room

Jeremy Musson delves into the history of the country house drawing room.

Bedlington terriers: The looks of a lamb with the temperament of a terrier

Bedlingtons may be mild-mannered and sensitive, but keep an eye on them when they're off the lead...

Dandie Dinmont terriers: The adorable dogs with the soulful eyes who are bright, sparky and can't help but make you smile

The numbers of Dandie Dinmont terriers has recovered since a worrying dip a few years ago, and an anniversary year in 2020 could see the popularity of these irresistibly friendly dogs grow further.