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Henry Wood: The man who made The Proms
As the 2024 Prroms get under way, we take a look at the man who began this great British summer institution: Henry Wood.
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Burleigh Court hotel review: 'An unassuming, elegant and comfortable destination'
This intimate Cotswolds hotel is fast becoming known for its food and is dog friendly to boot, says Country Life's Octavia Pollock.
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'If we hadn't managed to land our troops... this world would have been a different place': New photographs tell the stories of our D-Day veterans through their own words
To commemorate 80 years since the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944, military charity Blind Veterans UK is paying tribute to the men and women who served in that decisive operation with portraits of survivors, overlaid against images taken at the time they remember too well.
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How the Stevenson lighthouses saved the sailors of Scotland
The Stevenson family saved countless thousands of lives off the coast of Scotland with their network of hundreds of lighthouses — and their designs made life safer for sailors around the globe.
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The stories behind the strangest phrases in English from being 'gone for a burton' to 'caught red-handed'
Learning a language is one thing, getting to grips with a pig in a poke is another altogether. Octavia Pollock explores some of our best idioms
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Babylonstoren hotel review: 'As close to paradise as one can imagine'
Octavia Pollock passes through the portals of Babylonstoren and enters an enchanted world of ancient plants, fine wine and historic design, where every element, from scented field to owl box and beechnut path, contributes to the farm-to-table ethos.
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How a British team of mountaineers conquered Everest, the 'goddess of the sky'
Seventy years ago, on the eve of the Queen’s coronation, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Everest. Octavia Pollock considers the legacy of their achievement and what it meant for British mountaineering.
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The craftswomen who weave — and paint — their magic on Rolls-Royce's spectacular cars
The artisans at Rolls-Royce spend millions of hours each year producing the world's most exclusive cars, and personalising each one to fulfil the dreams of their well-heeled clients. To mark International Women's Day, Octavia Pollock visited the factory to meet some of the female craftspeople at the heart of the process, from the endlessly patient embroiderers to the steel-nerved artist who paints the coach line by hand on each vehicle.
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'This is how riding holidays should be': Across Dartmoor by horse, with Mary King
Those people who say 'never meet your heroes' have clearly never run into Mary King, says Octavia Pollock, as she heads off on a horseback trail with the equestrian and Olympian.
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Andrew Cotter on how his labradors became Britain's most famous dogs: 'They have no idea why so many people talk to them now — I think they assume it’s because they’re good dogs!'
The sports commentator Andrew Cotter on the startling rise to fame for his labradors.
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The Halfway Bridge Inn review: A dog-friendly South Downs oasis
If you're looking for a spot to lay your head in West Sussex, The Halfway Bridge seems a tempting and brilliantly located spot between Midhurst and Petworth. Octavia Pollock paid a visit.
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In Focus: Alfred Munnings, the straight-talking, self-promoting artist who preached that art was 'to fill a man’s soul with admiration and sheer joy'
Pictures should ‘fill a man’s soul with admiration and sheer joy’, Sir Alfred Munnings famously said. Octavia Pollock charts his eventful life and argues that he perhaps does not receive the credit he deserves for the enjoyment his varied and vivid work has brought.
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Rothay Manor — The Lake District as it should be: fresh air, breathtaking views, hearty food and a good night’s sleep
Octavia Pollock checks into Rothay Manor in Ambleside, Cumbria.
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Best walks in London, from Kew Gardens and Eltham Palace to Lesnes Abbey and the 'Cathedral of Sewage’
Our capital city is more inviting for walkers than you might expect, with meadows, towpaths, unexpected sculpture and great houses to draw the eye. Octavia Pollock sets off to explore London on foot.
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A weekend in Charlestown: What do do, where to eat, where to stay — and what to sail
Keen sailors ahoy! Octavia Pollock shares tips for those looking to enjoy a watery getaway in Charlestown, on Cornwall's south coast.
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Riding in the Magnolia Cup: 6am starts, a total ban on chocolate, and the chance to go on board 'the ultimate equine athlete'
Country Life's Octavia Pollock rode in the Magnolia Cup at Glorious Goodwood, the charity race for female amateur jockeys which is one of the highlights of the meeting. She tells the tale of what it's been like to take on this gruelling but hugely-rewarding physical and mental challenge.
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How to make a two-course meal at home, with Raymond Blanc's chefs from Le Manoir on hand to help
Raymond Blanc's cookery school is running online cookery classes, with live advice beamed to your kitchen from Le Manoir aux Quat-Saisons. Octavia Pollock gave it a try.
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The High Weald AONB: Rolling hills, endless forest and steam railways puffing through a very English landscape
The High Weald AONB's rolling landscape is the archetypal image many of us have of rural England. Octavia Pollock takes a look.
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Cannock Chase AONB: Heathland, ancient woodland and grand country houses
Cannock Chase is the smallest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Britain. Octavia Pollock takes a closer look.
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The Lincolnshire Wolds AONB: The beauty spot where Tennyson found 'calm and deep peace on this high Wold'
Octavia Pollock takes a look at the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB, a landscape where the hands of Man and Nature have worked together for centuries.
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11 breathtaking images of The Gower, the spot so magnificent it inspired the creation of Britain's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Octavia Pollock takes a look at the magnificent Welsh coastal landscape of The Gower Peninsula, whose tales are as eye-opening as its beauty.
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Adare Manor: The 19th century Gothic masterpiece that's become a very 21st century hotel
Adare Manor is no-expense-spared labour of love created by a billionaire owner — and it makes a wonderful weekend away, as Octavia Pollock discovered.
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The penguins of London Zoo: Traditionally good parents, occasionally clumsy and strictly not monogamous
'Once, the BBC was filming here and the penguins would take apart the equipment and run away with it, always the most expensive bits.'
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The nativity camels: Unbelievably clever, a tad greedy and undeniably festive
‘They know we’d never take them anywhere dangerous. They trust us so much.'
