In this issue

The spirit of the age
In the first of two articles, John Goodall explores Holkham Hall in Norfolk, the apotheosis of a grand gentleman’s seat.

The new bronze age
Across the land, compelling modern sculptures, from hares to minotaurs, are catching the eye, finds Anna Tyzack.

Art for east's sake

The eastern stretches of London are home to some of the capital's largest and most accessible art collections, including sculptures by Damien Hirst and Antony Gormley. Carla Passino takes a look at what you can visit on foot

5 mins

Get the scoop

Rising temperatures mean many of us will find ourselves reaching for an ice cream. Jack Watkins traces the sweet treat's roots and discovers that its popularity owes a lot to London's ingenious residents and Regent's Canal

3 mins

The spirit of the age

In the first of two articles, John Goodall revisits the splendours of this celebrated house created in the mid-18th century by Thomas Coke, Earl of Leicester

8 mins

The new bronze age

A talking point that can inspire passions and transform a landscape, large-scale sculpture is increasingly valued by modern collectors. Anna Tyzack meets the artists bringing grand visions to life

10 mins

My field of dreams

Even managing the smallest of acreages for wildlife, by carefully considering what you plant and when, can make a massive difference to all sorts of flora and fauna, advocates Simon Lester

5 mins

Sweet with the evening rain

There are few scents quite so evocative of summer as that of rain upon warm earth-but why does it smell so good? Martin Fone explores petrichor

4 mins

The only way is Essex

Two starring country houses with ancient origins have recently been rescued and another has emerged unscathed from wartime action

5 mins

A new lease of life

Lucy Denton examines the highs and lows of renting an estate property

4 mins

Planting stories

When the author Justine Picardie took on a new garden, she turned to her friend Jo Thompson, a Gold medal-winning designer. Together, they have made a quiet haven filled with roses and memories, reveals Caroline Donald

5 mins

Eat your greens

MOST Oriental greens or leaves are brassicas M that originate from China and surrounding countries.

3 mins

Friend or foe?

Country folk have always known to rip up ragwort whenever and wherever it appears, but this native perennial supports a host of species, finds Ian Morton

6 mins

Old masters know best

Depth of knowledge still tells, with experienced dealers faring well at London Art Week

4 mins

Read all stories from Country Life UK

Country Life UK Magazine Description:

Country Life; architecture, gardens, countryside, property, the very best of British life Published by IPC Media. Country Life, the quintessential English magazine, is undoubtedly one of the biggest and instantly recognisable brands in the UK today. It has a unique core mix of contemporary country-related editorial and top end property advertising. Editorially, the magazine comments in-depth on a wide variety of subjects, such as architecture, the arts, gardens and gardening, travel, the countryside, field-sports and wildlife. With renowned columnists and superb photography Country Life delivers the very best of British life every week.