The most haunted houses that you can visit in England and Wales
Ghosts and country houses go together like strawberries and cream. We name some of the country's best known haunted houses that you can actually visit.
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Country getaways for gourmets
You'll find great food and wine right across the British countryside. Emma Hughes offers her pick of the best gastropubs, restaurants and hotels.
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The secret history of ice cream from Marco Polo to the Queen of Ices, a 'proto-Nigella in a pinny'
Ice cream is the subject of a new exhibition at the British Museum of Food. Emma Hughes went along to have a look – and, of course, a taste. It would have been rude not to.
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Florence: The destination for an art lover
Emma Hughes visits the Tuscan capital.
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Swimming with your dog: ‘Like a cross between an Olympic diving final and the closing scene of Grease’
Swimming with your dog – yes, really – is here. And it can do you both a power of good, says Emma Hughes.
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The five golden rules of wearing a hat to a wedding
If you've a wedding or two (or three) coming up this year, Emma Hughes steps forward with advice for an essential of a lady's wardrobe: the hat.
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The butter connoisseurs who are spreading joy
If you're spending £3 on a top-notch loaf of bread, you don't want to spread any old stuff on it. Emma Hughes meets one of the new breed of butter entrepreneurs whose fine wares are earning recognition across the country.
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Designing your own engagement ring – the dos and the don'ts
Designing a bespoke engagement ring for the love of your life is a daunting prospect. Luckily, there’s expert help at hand, says Emma Hughes.
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Britain's best chocolate? Here are eight of the best hand-made, small-batch chocolate bars you can buy
Once a cottage industry, small-batch British chocolate is booming. Emma Hughes unwraps eight of the best small-batch bars.
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How the Suffragettes won the battle for the vote – and paved the way for universal suffrage in Britain
It's 100 years this week since women in Britain first won the right to vote. Emma Hughes picks out the key steps which led to the success of the Suffrage movement.
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The nine greatest cats in literature, from Macavity to the Cat Who Walked By Himself
Macavity, Macavity, there’s no one like Macavity – apart from the other eight on this list, as picked out by Emma Hughes.
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The life of a modern magician: Razor blades, ballet shoes and bumping into the Obamas
What does it take to be a modern-day magician? Emma Hughes finds out. Main photograph by Richard Cannon.
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The best hot chocolates for Christmas
Our favourite hot chocolates: delicious, rich and perfect for sipping by the fire.
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Special delivery: The finest mail-order food companies
Lobster through your letterbox? Cheese by courier? Emma Hughes goes behind the scenes with the firms keeping connoisseurs posted.
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How to make gingerbread vodka
Nutmeg is the taste of Christmas, but it’s always had a wild side. Emma Hughes delves into its past and reveals her favourite recipe that infuses this festive spice into vodka.
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Meet Britain's best hotel animals: The quack pack, the doggy doorman and the moggy maître d'
Emma Hughes gets to know the dogs, cats and ducks bringing animal magic to some of Britain’s best hotels.
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Country Life announces the Gentleman of the Year winner
The results are finally in. We reveal Country Life's Gentleman of the Year-and the names of the others you gave the thumbs-up to
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Strand and deliver: Simpson's is back
Saved from being swallowed up by a high-street chain, Simpson’s is back. Emma Hughes inspects the menu.
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Recipe: How to make perfect chocolate truffles
If you're off to stay with friends for the weekend, these delicious truffles make a perfect present for your host or hostess.
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Five ultimate clotted cream recipes
Cooking with clotted cream turns any summer meal into a special occasion.
