Out & About

Sir Keir Starmer: 'I want everyone in the countryside to know that I will roll up my sleeves and restore respect'

We invited Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the Opposition, to set out the Labour Party's ideas for the countryside.

Problems with your dog? Here's how to contact our canine agony uncle Ben Randall

Here's how to submit your question to award-winning dog trainer Ben Randall.

A complete guide to the sharks you'll find in the seas of Britain (and the one you'll be glad isn't here yet)

From elusive angelsharks to chunky, sprinting shortfin makos and glow-in-the-dark velvet belly lanterns, award-winning marine biologist Helen Scales gets up close and personal with the sharks that swim in British waters.

'70% of the flavour and colour of whisky comes from the cask in which it is aged'

Crafting wooden casks is an ancient art form that requires traditional makers to jump through hoops to construct vessels strong enough for the task of maturing precious Scotch whisky, says Joe Gibbs. Photographs by Jeremy Flint.

Joe Gibbs: How we found out the hard way that taking Jack Russells to a golden retriever festival is a BIG mistake

Joe Gibbs visits Retrieverfest, one of Britain's finest golden retriever festivals — and rues not taking a golden retriever.

How to stop a dog chewing things, by A-list dog trainer Ben Randall

Almost all puppies have an urge to chew things, but it usually passes as they mature. But what if it doesn't? Ben Randall is here to help.

The Ship Inn Cricket Club: The tale of the world's only cricket club to play its matches on the beach

A game of beach cricket with captains and kings leaves Steve King with hazy memories, but the all-encompassing glow of a perfect game (despite losing by three wickets).

10 of Scotland’s most magical white sand beaches

What better day to celebrate some of Scotland's most stunning locations than St Andrew's Day? Here's our pick of 10 of the finest white sand beaches in the country.

Jason Goodwin: The day our little corner of England changed forever

An archaeological discovery near Jason Goodwin's idyllic spot has sparked excitement far and wide — but not a little dismay nearer to home.

A walk from Adder’s Copse to Gallows Down, Berkshire: 'I've rarely done a circular walk as perfect as this one'

Fiona Reynolds takes a stroll on a quiet part of the North Wessex Downs that is redolent with history and wildlife.

How to stop your dog barking at loud noises and passers-by using the 'in' command, by Ben Randall

Dogs who become overly territorial and bark at loud noises or passers-by can be a headache for their owners — but it's a problem easily dealt with, as Ben Randall explains.

The remarkable tale of the bathing machine

When the British fell in love with the seaside, they invented a mobile building to convey them to the water. Kathryn Ferry tells the remarkable tale of the bathing machine.

Lurchers: The Ferraris of the dog world who 'can steal anything from anywhere'

Once the scourge of gamekeepers, lurchers have since leapt to dizzying heights of desirability and now make endearing family pets, says Katy Birchall. Photographs by Millie Pilkington.

Britain's elite fossil hunters on their finds of a lifetime

From a kamikaze ichthyosaur to a gigantic shell with sinister tentacles, Britain teems with fascinating fossils. Simon de Bruxelles meets the collectors following in Mary Anning’s footsteps. Photos by Millie Pilkington for Country Life.

How to stop your dog ignoring you when they’re playing with other dogs, by award-winning trainer Ben Randall

Training a dog to have perfect recall is all well and good when it's just the two of you in your house, garden or out on a walk. But what do you do with a dog who ignores you the moment one of his own kind comes in to the equation? Ben Randall explains more.

How to stop a dog playing with rocks in the water, by top trainer Ben Randall

Some dogs get it into their heads to try to retrieve all manner of dangerous objects, such as sticks, rocks, stones and pebbles. Ben Randall advises on how to keep your dog calm around water and avoid them getting into such a frenzy.

How to enjoy the fun of a country fair with your dog by leading trainer Ben Randall

Taking your dog to one of the big country fairs across the country this summer can be a joy — but it can also be overwhelming for your canine companion. Ben Randall shares his tips on how to handle it.

The BBC Proms are the most ambitious, eclectic and successful classical music festival in the world — and we should celebrate them

The Proms are a great British institution and a remarkable success story, says Country Life's cultural commentator Athena.

Walking the Llŷn Peninsula: A trip to the ends of the earth

Fiona Reynolds ticks off another extreme point of Britain with a trip to the end of the Llŷn Peninsula in Wales.

'Help! My dog will only eat if I feed him by hand!': Ben Randall answers your canine questions

Expert dog trainer Ben Randall deals with one of his most unusual problems so far: a dog that will only eat out its owner's hand.