Country Life January 27 2016
We celebrate the enormous talent of Beatrix Potter, and ask who ate all the pies?


'Men may come and men may go, but Pie goes on for ever'
This week's magazine is full of some of the best things in Britain, from beautiful gardens to talented artists and writers, historic buildings and lovely pies.
** Alnwick Garden in Northumberland has defied all expectations to be a resounding success. George Plumptre pays a visit.
** This July marks 150 years since the birth of Beatrix Potter. Matthew Dennison celebrates the author and conservationist.
** We explore the pre-Reformation history of Newstead Abbey in Nottinghamshire
** Tom Parker Bowles finds out who is eating all the pies, and Tate’s political correctness doesn’t prevent Clive Aslet from enjoying its new exploration of how artists have reflected the Empire over 400 years
** Our kitchen garden cook makes her favourite recipes this year with cauliflower
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
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Alan Titchmarsh: My garden is as pretty as I've ever known it, thanks to an idea I've rediscovered after 50 years
Thinking about an article he wrote almost half a century ago prompted Alan Titchmarsh to get sowing — and he's now reaping summer loveliness.
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Water you're waiting for? Britain's best heritage lidos were built to save swimmers from polluted seas full of potato peelings, oil and coal — and they're still in action today
The seaside lido continues to offer safe swimming for holidaymakers irrespective of the tide, but they're also architectural gems worthy of our admiration.