Out & About

Isabella Tree on how rewilding took the Knepp Estate from a ruin in the red to a miracle of Nature

Isabella Tree tells the incredible tale of Britain's first rewilding project.

The seven greatest winners in the history of the Badminton Horse Trials

The Badminton Horse Trials, the oldest competition of its kind in the world, celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2024. Kate Green chooses seven heroic winners in its history.

What you need to know about buying an equestrian property

Owning a house with land where you can keep and ride your own horses is the dream for equestrians everywhere — but there are a number of things you need to know before you take the plunge. Annabel Dixon spoke to experts in the field to share their advice.

Everything you could ever want to know about Badminton, 'the most important and most typically English' eventing competition in the world

In the latest edition of The Legacy, we look at the 10th Duke of Beaufort who, so disgusted at Britain's eventing performance at the 1948 Olympics, decided to set up his own competition at his home at Badminton.

How to stop your dog from chasing and barking at cats, by expert trainer Ben Randall

The conflict between cats and dogs seems to be as old as time, but it really doesn't have to be that way as award-winning trainer Ben Randall explains.

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.

Charcuterie, chilli oil, pickling and pastry: how to make the world's best picnic

With picnic season fast approaching, it’s time to elevate your alfresco feast to Michelin-star levels of deliciousness. We ask some of the finest chefs their top tips for portable culinary success.

14 things to book today to make the most of the 2024 Summer Season

Music, sport, gardens and more — here are some of the best events to attend this summer.

Jonathan Self: These are a few of my favourite things (audio version)

Forget bright copper kettles and warm woollen mittens — Jonathan Self loves the sound of a burning log shifting in the stove and a tractor misfiring on its way up the lane.

Rough collies: The dogs made famous by Lassie that are hardy, clever, agile, and 'good for the soul'

With the initiative to rescue sheep and the daring to question its master, the rough collie not only lives up to its heroic reputation, but is always right, discovers Katy Birchall.

Curious Questions: Was music's famous 'Lady of the Nightingales' nothing more than a hoaxer?

Beatrice Harrison, aka ‘The Lady of the Nightingales’, charmed King and country with her garden duets alongside the nightingales singing in a Surrey garden. One hundred years later, Julian Lloyd Webber examines whether her performances were fact or fiction.

How to stop a puppy waking up at 5am, by award-winning dog trainer Ben Randall

What to do when your four-legged friend becomes a four-legged alarm clock.

Curious Questions: Who wrote the Happy Birthday song?

There are few things less pleasurable than a tuneless public rendition of Happy Birthday To You, says Rob Crossan, a century after the little ditty came into being

19,000 miles of exquisite beauty: Britain's incomparable coastline

Our beautiful, infinitely varied coast has become central to our national concept of what makes Britain so special, says Peter Waine.

Farmers warn of looming food crisis after 'wettest winter in 150 years'

'To still be underwater in spring is unheard of. Our whole arable operation is on hold.'

The Badminton Horse trials at 75

Country Life's Kate Green joins the podcast to talk about the tale of how the world's best three-day eventing competition came to be.

How to help a rescue dog with food issues and separation anxiety, by expert trainer Ben Randall

Saving a street dog from a harsh life is a noble thing to do, but often comes with issues. Expert trainer Ben Randall explains what to do.

Curious Questions: Who was the first person to take a driving test?

For years, all you need to drive a car was to jump behind the wheel — but that all changed. Martin Fone traces the history of the driving test.

Why do we get so many April showers?

It's the time of year when a torrential downpour can come and go in minutes — or drench one side of the street while leaving the other side dry. It's all to the good for growing, says Lia Leendertz as she takes a look at the weather of April.

Help for our four-legged heroes: the charity that looks after retired service animals

In 2016, the Countess of Bathurst set up the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals, which continues to look after blue-light families and their animals.