Out & About
What to do and when, and Britain's best events, activities and goings on.
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‘They’re brilliantly bonkers, but who on earth would build a pier today?’In the face of ferocious storms and changing visitor tastes, how can the British pier survive and flourish over the coming decades, asks Jonathan Lee.
By Jonathan Lee Published
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What's the difference between Glastonbury and Wilderness? Apart from a posh loo, not much at allIt could be worse. You could be at Coachella.
By James Fisher Published
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The real passion of polo is found in its ordinary playersAs pony-laden lorries line up like dominos along stretches of emerald turf up and down the country, Rupert Uloth explores the lure of non-professional or 'low-goal' polo.
By Rupert Uloth Published
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Royalty, racing drivers and the Riviera’s most charming reprobates: Inside Monaco's fabulous partiesZachary Weiss takes a look back at some of the most epic evenings (and daytimes) in Monaco history.
By Zachary Weiss Published
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The enduring English vision of Midsomer Murders still captivates the worldNick Hendrix, who stars in the show as Detective Sergeant Jamie Winter, tries to figure out why a show about little England holds such sway with an international audience.
By Nick Hendrix Published
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'The Luftwaffe created plenty of space in the city that is ideal for a game': How the game of boules is taking over BritainThe game of boules was unfairly maligned by Henry VIII for inducing the deplorable state of English archery, but, in its modern incarnation, it continues to thrive in Britain, discovers Harry Pearson.
By Harry Pearson Published
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Which club is right for you?As the Season gets underway this month, our Lifestyle Editor rounds up the ten clubs shaping life across town and country.
By Will Hosie Published
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Where to eat, where to drink and where to shop in Chelsea, according to the Country Life teamThere's more to Chelsea than just the Flower Show so we've rounded up some of the best places to eat, stay and shop.
By Rosie Paterson Last updated
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'You don't want to be cast out of Car Park One, do you? A snob's guide to Royal Ascot picnicsSophia Money-Coutts goes through the dos and don'ts of Royal Ascot.
By Sophia Money-Coutts Published
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John Goodall: Every attraction has a visitor threshold and pushing beyond it is destructiveThe Natural History Museum is officially the most visited UK museum but, this week's Athena asks, how much do visitor numbers matter?
By John Goodall Published
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Under the arches of the Grand Palais, Hermès proves it's the master of leatherPhotographs by Christope Taniere; videos by Louis Sheridan.
By Rosie Paterson Last updated
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‘Never back a grey horse’: Where the Cheltenham Festival superstition comes fromJack Watkins breaks down this piece of Cheltenham folklore, as this year’s festival begins .
By Jack Watkins Published
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'It’s come to my attention that standards are slipping': Sophia Money-Coutts on how to behave at the theatreOur weekly columnist is calling out badly-behaved theatre goers.
By Sophia Money-Coutts Published
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The real rock stars: Meet the makers of the Olympic curling stonesOne of the most remarkable players in the Winter Olympics, Kays Scotland’s curling stones are both objets d’art and serious bits of sporting kit
By Harry Pearson Last updated
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It has been hard to keep track of the cascade of good news about the Arts, so we've done it for you2026 is shaping up to be a bumper year.
By Country Life Published
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Don’t old towns need saving?Out with the old and in with the new isn't always a good thing, this week's Athena argues.
By Athena Published
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‘They don’t just fling themselves at you — they choose you’: Everything you need to know about the Scottish terrierFrom Queen Victoria and Franklin D. Roosevelt to Rudyard Kipling and Humphrey Bogart — the Scottish terrier has been winning admirers for centuries, but it is a breed that chooses its people carefully.
By Florence Allen Published
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Make sure you don't skip these South of England art and history highlightsIn our final instalment of Charlotte Mullins' fifty treasures series she journeys to the South of England and the Isle of White.
By Charlotte Mullins Published
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The seven artistic wonders of the Midlands to put on your bucket listIn the latest instalment of her fifty treasures of the British Isles series, Charlotte Mullins takes a look at what's to be found in the Midlands.
By Charlotte Mullins Published
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Top arts and culture things to see in Wales — that give you a real sense of our shared historyIn our series, Charlotte Mullins continues her list of the fifty most important cultural and historical things to see in the British Isles – this time in Wales.
By Charlotte Mullins Published
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The ultimate guide to London in the rain, from the best cosy pubs and restaurants to spas, saunas and cinemas, and what to wearHere's how to make the most of the British capital — even when its at its worst. Illustrations by Tom Jennings.
By Richard MacKichan Last updated


