CATEGORIES

A Fresh Perspective

Friends of COUNTRY LIFE argue in favour of four holiday destinations that have fallen out of favour–thanks to party-hard reputations and mass tourism–and show how you can still do them in style

Poignant Poinsettia

Mark Griffiths on the extraordinary story of human sacrifice, secret agents and international shenanigans behind the Christmas bestseller

The First Crib

The humble stable is so vital to the Nativity that St Francis re-created the scene in a cave with ox and ass, and paintings of Christ in a manger are among the most enduring of all Renaissance images, observes Caroline Campbell

Pulling Power

A good pub within walking distance is on most buyers’ wish lists and can even uphold an area’s value. But what makes the perfect village pub? Arabella Youens investigates

Symphony In Blue And Green

The conductor designate of the London Philharmonic Orchestra on the Norwegian sound

O Come, All Ye Faithful

The tiniest country churches, understated beacons of beauty and rural tranquillity, often have the most loyal support and atmospheric Christmas worship. Kate Green talks to some stalwart churchwardens

One Day I'll Fly Away

Sporting luxury has long been a trademark of the Bentley marque and the new Flying Spur stands as a shining example

Happy And Glorious

The Queen might have been broadcasting her Christmas Day message on television since 1957, but the ritual of gathering to watch at 3pm is as popular as ever, believes Adam Jacot de Boinod

I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas

We have Charles Dickens and the Little Ice Age to thank for our obsession with glittery snow scenes and charming Christmas cards, says Felicity Day

Do Not Falter, Little Donkey

Renowned for their stubbornness and comedic ways, donkeys are taking the spotlight in Nativities around the land. Julie Harding meets some Christmas stars

Animal Magic

Vera Akehurst’s Shetland ponies

Very Chilled

The Winter Walk at Harlow Carr, Harrogate, North Yorkshire Steven Desmond finds plenty of colour to cheer up the coldest winter day

The Great Christmas Treat

Drawing on 40 years of experience–and a missing-child story or two–Jonathan Self shares his top tips for planning a family-friendly, festive day out

The Name's Bond, James Bond

When Ian Fleming first sat down on a Caribbean beach to write his ‘spy story to end all spy stories’, could he ever have imagined how successful it would be? Daniel Pembrey delves deeper into the inspiration behind 007

Passage To Parliament

A recently restored town house in the shadow of Ripon Minster offered its owner a voice in Parliamentary elections. James Legard unravels its development.

Leave It To The Imagination

An enterprising production of C. S. Lewis’s enduring story and the clever staging of a famous mountaineering drama prove captivating

Jon Snow: ‘The Environment Should Be The Backdrop To Everything We Do'

The Channel 4 news presenter and tree champion on how he woke up to climate change.

Brains, Beauty And Bird Sense

Developed by the 4th Duke of Gordon, the handsome black-and-tan Gordon setter has fallen out of fashion as a gundog, but deserves our attention as a potential pet, discovers Matthew Dennison.

Bohemian Paradise

From John Keats to Dame Judi Dench–Hampstead has long been the home of Britain’s best, with good reason, discovers Carla Passino

Just A Spoonful Of Sugar

’Tis the season for a treat. The musical is vying with the pantomime as the traditional Christmas outing, but the main thing is that hearts are warmed and spirits cheered

In A World Of Pure Imagination

There may not be any Oompa Loompas, but The Chocolate Libertine’s mesmerising confections are more than a little reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s wares. Mark Palmer dives in

They're Justified And They're Ancient

There are many things that improve with age: firewood, wine, friends and most certainly cigars

The Squire And The Rectors

Two Georgian-era properties, one created by a noted hound breeder, the other by a series of clergymen, make rare appearances on the market

In The Library With The Lipstick

Agatha Christie set many of her murder mysteries in country houses. With the help of specially commissioned drawings by Matthew Rice, Jeremy Musson looks at the architecture of the buildings she knew and imagined

Holy Smoke!

Are much-derided kippers the new avocado on toast? Emma Hughes finds out

Halls Of Festive Cheer

Royal florist Shane Connolly tells Jacky Hobbs how garden evergreens and hedgerow clippings can make beautiful Christmas decorations

Going Round The Bend

From Stonehenge to modern apartment blocks, Nicola Venning explores the undying appeal of architectural curves

Doing It By The Book

Sir Quentin Blake reveals the inspiration behind his new exhibition, ‘Anthology of Readers’, in which he affectionately caricatures the bookish among us

A Blaze Of Northern Lights

The Scottish Colourists are enjoying a rare outing in the north and south of England. Mary Miers visits a pair of shows that dispel the winter gloom

Restoration Of The Decade

COUNTRY LIFE has asked a group of leading commentators and professionals to name their favourite restoration project– undertaken by somebody else–over the past decade. They reveal a rich, impressive and varied field of recent work