Discover Britain

Celebrating the best of our nation, every issue of Discover Britain is packed with features from history to travel. Read about the events that changed history, as well as British traditions and their origins, or be inspired for your next trip with great ideas for where to go and what to see. Whether you’re planning a weekend city break or an escape to the countryside, Discover Britain is your essential guide to getting the most out of your stay.

Welcome!

Discover Britain

Brit Edit • Your curated guide to Britain this season

Over to you... • We answer a niggling question and receive a request for the return of a favourite: your letters this issue

DISCOVER THE HEART OF ENGLAND

Hidden HEREFORDSHIRE • Clare Gogerty takes us on a tour of this little-known county, which could well be England’s best-kept secret

Shakespeare COUNTRY • Caroline Butterwick brings us some of her favourite places to stay in and around the Bard’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon

A man of MANY WORDS • Did you know that many words and phrases we use daily were invented by Shakespeare? Here are some of the most surprising and their intriguing origins…

City of Ceramics • Caroline Butterwick meets some of the people who are continuing the tradition of pottery making in the Midlands

Birmingham • Richard Franks says with its pioneering prowess and a cool 1.2 million residents, his home city is proud to be considered the UK’s second city

FOOD Stories • There’s a wholesome honesty to the food traditions of the Heart of England, Lara Dunn discovers as she tastes her way around the region, making sure to leave room for pudding

Ludlow Castle • With beautiful views over the Shropshire countryside, this castle is considered one of the finest medieval ruins in England

The SECRET is out • Historic homes, each with their own stories to tell, are at the beating heart of England – don’t miss these ones…

The TUDORS in LOVE • Love in the Tudor era was not for the faint-hearted, says Nancy Alsop

Cotswolds Diary • Heritage is crucial to identity at 175-year-old Hook Norton Brewery, as Caroline Millsexplains

Wild West • Sally Coffey visits a favourite spot in Pembrokeshire for welly walks, coastal views, open fires, and a cosy-cottage stay

The GREATEST KING who NEVER WAS • Triggered by a painting that hangs in Parham House, Lizzie Enfield ponders one of the biggest what-ifs in British history

Flipping out • British towns and villages often have their own quirky traditions, and few display them quite as ardently as Olney, says Nancy Alsop

London SPOTLIGHT • This issue our Londonphile Russell Higham finds five unique ways to travel around London

CROSSWORD & QUIZ