Entertainment
Country Life UK
A castle rediscovered: Ham Court, Oxfordshire The home of Matthew Rice
An ambitious castle in the Cotswolds area languished in obscurity after it was left unfinished in the early 14th century. Edward Impey investigates the remarkable story of this building and its recent revival
8 min |
May 05, 2021
Country Life UK
Easter, But Not As We Know It
What a peculiar Easter! Six of us eating outside, whatever the weather, ensconced under a gazebo pressed into service against the rain, with a brazier blazing beside it. The simplest of menus, but the huge joy of once again eating with others—a powerful reminder of the importance of sitting around a table and being with friends and family.
2 min |
April 07, 2021
Country Life UK
Lost in the maze
THE world’s largest classical labyrinth is currently being constructed from traditional Cornish hedging in the heart of Bodmin Moor, a project that has unexpectedly led to the foundation of the Outdoor University of Cornish Hedging.
2 min |
March 17, 2021
Country Life UK
It takes a family to raise a village
A hangover from the days of landed gentry, there are still privately owned villages scattered throughout the UK. What is it really like to be at the helm of a community, asks Alec Marsh
6 min |
March 17, 2021
Country Life UK
My favourite painting Neil Mendoza
The Painter and his Pug
2 min |
March 17, 2021
Country Life UK
Nice wheels
SIXTY years ago almost to the day, on March 15, when the Jaguar E-type first hit the tarmac, Frank Sinatra took one look and said ‘I want that car and I want it now’; shortly after, Enzo Ferrari dubbed it ‘the most beautiful car in the world’.
1 min |
March 17, 2021
Country Life UK
Myth and magic
Two homes in Devon offer unique insights into the county’s complex history, from witches and hounds to the village where time stood still
5 min |
March 17, 2021
Country Life UK
Black (and white) beauty
March is the month in which female hares bat away unwanted suitors, but, sadly, the sight of boxing hares is becoming ever more rare. Over the past century, a loss of habitat and predation has resulted in an 80% decrease in brown-hare numbers. Cumbrian sculptor Andrew Kay has created this 5ft-high artwork in steel, priced at £4,700, 15% of which will go to the Hare Preservation Trust. A smaller work, Life Size Hare, costs £840 (www.andrewkaysculpture.co.uk)
1 min |
March 17, 2021
Country Life UK
In pursuit of a social climber
Of wisteria, noble litter pickers, lockdown funerals and shaggy hounds
3 min |
March 17, 2021
Country Life UK
Roll me over in the clover
Finding a four-leafed example might be lucky, but, as we toast St Patrick’s Day, Ian Morton investigates why the clover (or shamrock) is so important to the Irish
6 min |
March 17, 2021
Country Life UK
Bright lights, empty city
For John McEwen, the enforced constraints of the pandemic have engendered a greater appreciation of our capital’s abundant parks and wildlife
6 min |
March 17, 2021
Country Life UK
A right basket case
From wet woodland to a warm Welsh kitchen: Nick Hammond meets the resourceful craftswoman who has woven a new career from her love for wild places
3 min |
March 17, 2021
Country Life UK
My Favourite Painting - Arlene Blankers
Studies of the Virgin and Child with the Infant Baptist by Giorgio Gandini del Grano
2 min |
April 07, 2021
Country Life UK
All Things Bright And Beautiful
Before the Industrial Revolution, London was awash with wildflowers. Jack Watkins traces their history and finds that, if given a chance, these opportunistic plants may still return
5 min |
April 07, 2021
Country Life UK
THE CAPITAL ACCORDING TO... Ruth Rogers
The co-founder of the River Café talks to Flora Watkins about Chelsea, bikes and keeping her business afloat
3 min |
April 07, 2021
Country Life UK
‘A noble mansion'
Margam Park, Neath Port Talbot, part II A country park managed by Neath Port Talbot Council In the second of two articles, David Robinson looks at the development of Margam from the late 18th century, with the building of a magnificent orangery and the creation of an outstanding Picturesque house in the 1830s
8 min |
April 07, 2021
Country Life UK
Talk to the countryside
THE NFU is urging all Government departments to connect with the countryside, as a Defra report shows many policies don’t work for rural communities. Published in March, Rural proofing in England examines ‘Government policies closely from a rural perspective’, looking at how much they consider the countryside’s needs and constraints, and creating ‘a baseline for evaluating [Government] performance over time,’ according to Rural Affairs and Biosecurity Minister John Gardiner.
1 min |
April 07, 2021
Country Life UK
London's little Italy
Maida Vale took its name from a small Italian town and an even smaller pub, so it’s the perfect place to celebrate the end of lockdown, says Carla Passino
5 min |
April 07, 2021
Country Life UK
April at a glance
We’re all guilty of ignoring what’s on our doorstep, so we’ve made it easier for you. Here’s what’s happening this month
1 min |
April 07, 2021
Country Life UK
Come out, wherever you are
THE Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) is calling for an extra Bank Holiday this year, in September, after last week’s release of dismal 2020 figures. Over the past 14 months, most visitor sites have been closed for every Bank Holiday and there were 45.4 million total visits to ALVA’s top 294 sites in 2020, down 70% compared with 2019’s 151.3 million.
1 min |
April 07, 2021
Country Life UK
A green space
GREENWICH PARK, SE10
1 min |
April 07, 2021
Country Life UK
My Favourite Painting Skye McAlpine
The San Zaccaria Altarpiece (Madonna Enthroned with Child and Saints) by Giovanni Bellini
2 min |
March 24, 2021
Country Life UK
Around The World In British Plates
It’s often the butt of jokes, but British food’s reach is more global than you might think, reveals Emma Hughes
4 min |
March 24, 2021
Country Life UK
Their Green And Pleasant Land
From bluebell woods to crystalline lakes and winding river valleys, the countryside in Europe is a joy to behold, reveals Carla Passino
10 min |
March 24, 2021
Country Life UK
Where Fairy Tales Come True
Buyers on the hunt for history and drama need look no further than Holly Kirkwood’s selection of the finest castles on the market across the world
4 min |
March 24, 2021
Country Life UK
Very much on song
The reimagined gardens at Nevill Holt, Leicestershire, have stepped into the limelight to offer a powerful overture to the summer opera festival, explains Kendra Wilson
5 min |
March 24, 2021
Country Life UK
Window on the world
Ceramic artist Saskia Spender reflects on a life of rich experiences across borders
3 min |
March 24, 2021
Country Life UK
Flame throwers
The trial currently being held at RHS Wisley is testing 100 different crocosmia to see how they perform. Val Bourne reports on its findings to date
5 min |
March 24, 2021
Country Life UK
In the round
This week, the Royal Albert Hall celebrates its 150th anniversary. With photographs taken during the unnatural quiet of lockdown, John Goodall looks at the remarkable story behind the creation of this world-famous venue
8 min |
March 24, 2021
Country Life UK
Between sea and sky
James Fisher revels in the history, culture and sheer beauty of Italy’s Amalfi Coast
3 min |