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 • The curated guide to Britain this season

Over to you... • A beautiful scarf, some divided opinions, and a very happy holiday-maker: our pick of our reader letters this issue

Isles of wonder • The Channel Islands are fringed with beautiful beaches, lapped by clear waters, teeming with wildlife, and rich in history, and yet remain relatively under-visited. Henrietta Easton uncovers some of the islands’ best-kept secrets

PLAN YOUR VISIT • Our tips on getting to the Channel Islands by sea and air

Holding out for your HEROES • Russell Higham discusses some of the people who could be considered Britain’s greatest heroes, but we want to hear from you about the figures you believe have helped shape our proud nation into what it is today

The darling of Georgian society • As her former home reopens following major restoration work, we tell the story of Henrietta Howard, Countess of Suffolk, who defied the odds to become one of the most influential women in Georgian Britain

The real witch-hunter • When Claire Boobbyer discovered strange marks above her fireplace, her curiosity led her down a macabre path

Stamp of approval • Kate Youde meets some of the people upholding the traditions of the 700-year-old Goldsmiths’ Company – one of the oldest consumer watchdogs in the world

HALLMARKS DECODED • A hallmark must include the first three of the below marks, though the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office includes all five as standard.

Railway Children Country • With the release of the long-anticipated sequel to the heart-warming film, we take a nostalgic journey through Yorkshire

Win a luxury Cumbrian escape • Enter our competition for a chance to win a stay at historic Farlam Hall

HISTORIC VILLAGES WARKWORTH • This ancient Northumberland village is home to one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Britain, says Anthony Toole

Inside the Poppy Factory • As Remembrance Day approaches, John Greeves visits a national charity that helps hundreds of veterans across the country find employment, and meets everyday hero, Jamie Micklefield

Pubs with eerie pasts • With Halloween on the horizon, Samantha Priestley dares you to book a stay in one of these historic inns with horrible histories

The TOLKIEN TRAIL • In celebration of the 85th anniversary since the publication of The Hobbit, Lynn Houghton takes a Tolkien-esque walk through the Lancashire valley that inspired it

My Britain • Gary Thynne has been a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London for seven years, and he lives at the Tower with his wife, Tamika. Yeoman Warders guard the 900-year-old fortress, which is still a working royal palace, conduct tours for visitors, and take part in ceremonial duties, including royal visits. We spoke to Gary to find out what it is really like to live and work at one of Britain’s most iconic and historic landmarks.

Teatime QUIZ • Test your knowledge of Britain – answers below!

The Victoria Cross • First created during the reign of Queen Victoria to honour the incredible bravery of ordinary British soldiers, the Victoria Cross is still one of the highest awards a British soldier can receive