What better gift for a rambler than this delightful, clearly written and well researched guide to some of the UK’s best walks with watering holes en route? …. With ‘How to get there’ details and an easy-to-follow map, plus an OS Map reference, this is the ideal companion.� BBC Countryfile Magazine 100 Great Pub Walks includes classic walks and watering holes that span the length and breadth of Britain. Taking in some of the country’s most dramatic scenery, the walks range from gentle riverside footpaths and rolling fields to invigorating coastal trails and breath-taking hilltop hikes. The routes are organised by region and graded according to ease. Most are circular and suitable for all levels of fitness. There are also lots of family- and dog-friendly options. Each walk includes easy-to-follow maps and clear directions plus information on facilities, transport links, local attractions, and of course local beers, ciders and other refreshments. 100 Great Pub Walks is the perfect companion for anyone who appreciates a refreshing ramble followed by a well-earned rest in a welcoming country inn.

A beautiful little guide to one of life's simple pleasures - pebble spotting. Where science meets mindfulness. Learn to appreciate their beauty, discover the amazing journey that brought them to you, search for the rare ones. Leave no stone unturned. Turn a day on the beach or a seaside holiday stroll into a treasure hunt with this lovely little guide to identifying pebbles. Pebble spotting is one of life's simple joys. There's nothing quite like searching the rocks on a beach until that special one catches your eye - a perfect shape, a gorgeous colour, an intriguing pattern. But what is it? Use this beautifully illustrated little guide to find out, and to discover your pebble's fascinating life story and secrets. It could be even more special than you thought... Geologist and passionate pebble spotter Clive Mitchell has created a charming and wonderfully browsable book that is a perfect companion to a day out or holiday, or an idle moment at home. This book contains entries on 40 different types of pebble, complete with detailed facts about the composite rock's structure and where to find them, with examples including: Flint Feldspar veins Spotted slates Serpentinite Granite ovoids The rare rhomb porphyry - the holy grail of pebble hunting The book includes a space to ruminate on your own findings, taking note of the treasures that you pick up along the way and discovering the secrets of the stones beneath your feet. The Pebble Spotter's Guide is the perfect introduction to everything you didn't know there was to know about the mindful pleasure of pebble spotting and the wonder of pebbles. Simply sit on a beach or next to a stream for 10 minutes and find amazing treasures at your feet; there is much to discover.

A smaller, cheaper edition of this acclaimed illustrated biography of Beatrix Potter. Respected biographer Sarah Gristwood discovers a life crisscrossed with contradictions and marked by tragedy, yet one that left a remarkable literary - and environmental - legacy. This illustrated biography of the beloved writer has been a strong seller and critical success. It is now available in a smaller, more affordable format. Interest in Beatrix Potter and her characters is undimmed, with the second Peter Rabbit film being released in summer 2021 and an exhibition at the V&A from February 2022, 'Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature'. Few people realise how extraordinary Beatrix Potter's own story is. She was a woman of contradictions. A sheltered Victorian daughter who grew into an astute modern businesswoman. A talented artist who became a scientific expert. A famous author who gave it all up to become a farmer, then a pioneering conservationist. Bestselling biographer Sarah Gristwood follows the twists and turns of Beatrix Potter's life and its key turning points - including her tragically brief first engagement and happy second marriage late in life. She traces the creation of Beatrix's most famous characters - including the naughty Peter Rabbit, confused Jemima Puddleduck and cheeky Squirrel Nutkin - revealing how she drew on her unusual childhood pets and locations in her beloved Lake District. A fitting legacy for a pioneering conservationist who helped save thousands of acres of the Lake District.' - The Mail on Sunday 'Excellent, anecdotal text...' - The Times Literary Supplement 'Beautifully illustrated.' - The Sunday Express

The perfect gift for bird watchers. 70 of Britain's birds - natural history facts, folklore and literary appearances. Packed with natural history facts, folklore and literary appearances for more than 70 of Britain's birds. A fascinating and charming guide that will make a perfect gift for anyone who loves birds and natural Britain. Did you know that according to legend blackbirds were originally white? Or that the number of times you hear a cuckoo determines how many children you'll have? Or that woodpeckers have special shock absorbers built into their beaks? Or that in 1958 a puffin was blown inland and knocked a man off his bicycle near Bromley? There are 40 beautiful custom illustrations in the book too, which will help beginners to identify the birds.

This gift-sized guide has delicious recipes for savory and sweet treats, from sandwiches and tart to cakes, scones, macaroons, shortbreads and preserves. Some are classic, some have a twist, such as cucumber sandwiches with minted cream cheese, toasted farmhouse bread with anchovy butter, the classic Victoria sponge, brandysnaps, cream horns or the classic scone. Plus there's everything you need to know to brew to the perfect pot of tea (not to mention the odd cocktail and bowl of punch). Sample menus help you to plan your tea, whether you're looking for a lively party, the last word in elegance or a hearty winter tea by the fire. Food historian Laura Mason also includes some fascinating and amusing historical recipes that reveal how afternoon tea was taken in times gone by and the origins of some beloved dishes. Includes dual measures.

The perfect stocking filler for beach lovers. A beautiful little guide to one of life's simple pleasures - pebble spotting. Where science meets mindfulness. Learn to appreciate their beauty, discover the amazing journey that brought them to you, search for the rare ones. Leave no stone unturned. Turn a day on the beach or a seaside holiday stroll into a treasure hunt with this lovely little guide to identifying pebbles. Pebble spotting is one of life's simple joys. There's nothing quite like searching the rocks on a beach until that special one catches your eye - a perfect shape, a gorgeous colour, an intriguing pattern. But what is it? Use this beautifully illustrated little guide to find out, and to discover your pebble's fascinating life story and secrets. It could be even more special than you thought... Geologist and passionate pebble spotter Clive Mitchell has created a charming and wonderfully browsable book that is a perfect companion to a day out or holiday, or an idle moment at home. This book contains entries on 40 different types of pebble, complete with detailed facts about the composite rock's structure and where to find them, with examples including: Flint Feldspar veins Spotted slates Serpentinite Granite ovoids The rare rhomb porphyry - the holy grail of pebble hunting The book includes a space to ruminate on your own findings, taking note of the treasures that you pick up along the way and discovering the secrets of the stones beneath your feet. The Pebble Spotter's Guide is the perfect introduction to everything you didn't know there was to know about the mindful pleasure of pebble spotting and the wonder of pebbles. Simply sit on a beach or next to a stream for 10 minutes and find amazing treasures at your feet; there is much to discover.

The ideal gift for food lovers. Big flavours for busy people. It's packed with delicious recipes that can go from page to plate in 30 minutes or so. Over half the recipes are vegetarian or vegan and they keep in mind seasonality and minimising waste for a clean conscience as well as a clean plate. If you want convenience and simplicity without compromising on taste or nutrition, this book is for you. It's packed with delicious recipes that can go from page to plate in 30 minutes or so. There's everything you need for mid-week lunches or suppers, plus some special feasts too. There's soups, salads and mains, including Black Bean & Tomato Chipotle Soup, Noodle salad with Garlic Peanut Dressing, Roast Mushroom Gnocchi with Rocket Pesto, Hot Smoked Salmon Hash, Whole Roasted Aubergines with Sweet Garlic & Tahini Sauce. There are mouthwatering desserts too, including Peanut Butter French Toast, Roasted Vanilla Plums with Oat Crumble, Hotcakes with Cinnamon & Honey Butter. The recipes include one-pots and traybakes for ultimate effort-saving. Over half the recipes are vegetarian or vegan and they keep in mind seasonality and minimising waste for a clean conscience as well as a clean plate.

Britain's nature year, from the first flower to the last leaf With a mix of evocative writing, beautiful photographs and facts that are too good to keep to yourself, this book explores 50 magical moments that define our seasons. It's an inspiring guide to connecting with the nature around you and seeing how it changes through the year. There's butterflies, blossom and bluebells. There's foxgloves, flying ants and fungi. There's snow, seedheads and shadows. You'll discover how many miles an hour spring moves, how spiders can heal us and how woodpeckers help to protect sensitive technology. The inspiration behind the book is partly the National Trust's hugely successful 'Blossom Watch' campaign, launched in March 2021. Each year we are encouraged to notice and share when we first see tree blossom, emulating the Japanese tradition of 'Hanami'.

More than 100 poems about Britain's nature in a beautifully illustrated book Seven chapters touch on different aspects of the British countryside, including seasons, birds and wildlife, woods, water, moors and mountains. This carefully chosen collection will inspire you to explore nature through a poet's eye - the perfect antidote to 'times when the world is too much with us', as Wordsworth so beautifully put it. There are celebrated poems by the greats - Keats, Yeats, Tennyson, Robert Browning, Christina Rossetti, Philip Larkin, Sylvia Plath, John Masefield, Robert Burns, Dylan Thomas - as well as others by contemporary poets whose work you will want to seek out and explore further, including Carol Anne Duffy, Simon Armitage and Jean Sprackland. Where poems have links to National Trust sites, footnotes are included to explain the connections.

This captivating book, fully revised and updated and featuring more NT houses than ever before, is a guide to some of the greatest architectural treasures of Britain, encompassing both interior and exterior design.

This new edition is fully revised and updated and includes entries for new properties including: Acorn Bank, Claife Viewing Station, Cushendun, Cwmdu, Fen Cottage, The Firs (birthplace of Edward Elgar), Hawker's Hut, Lizard Wireless Station, Totternhoe Knolls and Trelissick.

The houses covered include spectacular mansions such as Petworth House and Waddesdon Manor, and more lowly dwellings such as the Birmingham Back to Backs and estate villages like Blaise Hamlet, near Bristol. In addition to houses, the book also covers fascinating buildings as diverse as churches, windmills, dovecotes, castles, follies, barns and even pubs.

The book also acts as an overview of the country's architectural history, with every period covered, from the medieval stronghold of Bodiam Castle to the clean-lined Modernism of The Homewood.

Teeming with stories of the people who lived and worked in these buildings: wealthy collectors (Charles Wade at Snowshill), captains of industry (William Armstrong at Cragside), prime ministers (Winston Churchill at Chartwell) and pop stars (John Lennon at Mendips).

Written in evocative, imaginative prose and illustrated with glorious images from the National Trust's photographic library, this book is an essential guide to the built heritage of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Elevate your own green space and become a more confident and creative gardener with lessons from experienced National Trust gardeners in this comprehensive horticultural guide. 'An accessible, informative guide for beginners, but full of ideas and tips for seasoned gardeners.' - Sunday Mirror Elevate your own green space and become a more confident and creative gardener with lessons from experienced National Trust gardeners in this comprehensive horticultural guide. The National Trust looks after hundreds of beautiful gardens of every imaginable shape and size across Britain - from the grandest country estate to the smallest cottage garden. They manage such internationally renowned gardens as Sissinghurst and Hidcote. National Trust garden staff receive countless questions from visitors about plants growing in the gardens and techniques that can be tried at home. This in-depth guide will pass on their wisdom and provide the answers you are looking for. This book is packed with images of National Trust gardens of all types, spanning over 300 years of horticultural heritage, to inspire keen amateur gardeners and aspirational novices to realise their green-fingered ambitions. Written by expert gardener Rebecca Bevan, with the help of National Trust gardeners, the National Trust School of Gardening will make you feel confident about developing your garden rather than overwhelmed with unnecessary technical detail. From herbaceous borders to gardening sustainably, roses and climbers to growing under glass, each chapter provides snippets of horticultural history, examples of best practice from National Trust gardens, unique gems of wisdom from talented NT gardeners, and lots of easy-to-follow practical advice. Featuring a wide range of National Trust gardens both large and small, formal and informal, famous and undiscovered, high maintenance and low key. The topics covered and the insightful practical guides shared are easily applicable to private gardens, enriching even the tiniest urban spaces.

Delicious recipes to enjoy this Christmas. 80 recipes for home-cooked meals that will make your day. From the National Trust's cafes. Meals that make your day The National Trust's cafes are a British institution, enjoyed by the millions of people who visit its historic houses and sites every year. For some, a stop at the cafe is a bonus; for others, it's the main event. Either way, it promises delicious, hearty food that tastes like the very best home cooking. Over 80 of the recipes are in this book. Starters, mains, salads, desserts - everything you need. Recipes include: wild mushroom & barley soup; chicken, leek & tarragon pie; spring vegetable risotto; sausage & fennel seed pasta with spinach; spiced apple & plum crumble; rhubarb & ginger cheesecake. It's not just the classics and favourites that you might expect, but twists and new takes too - whether it's unusual ingredients (for example lemon & thyme sprouts; pea and mint scotch egg) or vegetarian and vegan options (chili non-carne; vegan pasty; vegan chocolate fudge cake). The recipes highlight seasonality and sustainability throughout - the National Trust's cafes are at the forefront of both areas.

The perfect stocking filler this Christmas. A gift book celebrating how much happiness can be found in 100 simple, everyday things - from the feel of fresh sheets to the joy of daydreaming. The perfect antidote to the pressurised, disconnected modern world. From feel of fresh sheets to the joy of daydreaming, this book reminds us how much happiness can be found in the smallest things. The writing is tender and uplifting with touches of humour. It's a balm for the soul in our increasingly screen-based, disconnected world. There are beautiful illustrations dotted throughout. The 100 simple pleasures include: Climbing a hill The smell of autumn leaves Fresh sheets The sun on your back People watching Holding hands Planting a seed The first coffee of the day Writing a Letter.

Discover the history, legends and folklore of Britain’s most intriguing landmarks This beautifully illustrated book reveals the secrets and stories of fifty icons of Britain’s landscape. Some are natural wonders, such as Cheddar Gorge, Sherwood Forest and the white cliffs of Dover. Others were made by our distant ancestors: the standing stones of Avebury and Calanais, the Uffington White Horse, the burial mounds of Sutton Hoo. Discover how they came to be, the legends and traditions that surround them, and how they have inspired famous writers and poets. Reconnect with our ancient landscape with this fascinating and surprising guide. .

The National Trust cares for some of the most spectacular countryside in Britain. This guide features 100 walks from across the country, from the ancient majesty of Avebury's stone circle and the wonder of Giant's Causeway to the dramatic peaks towering about Lake windermere. The walks are organised by region, making it easy to explore historical sites, spot wildlife and stunning views wherever you are. The routes are graded according to ease, from two to eight miles in length, to include family-friendly rambles across parkland, adventurous hikes and everything in between. With information on transport links, facilities, local attractions and fun stuff for the kids, along with maps of each route, this is the perfect guide for exploring Britain's countryside and discovering your new favourite walk.

In the latest book in this bestselling series, food writer and cook Sara Lewis brings together 70 mouthwatering recipes for jams, marmalades and preserves.

Whether it's the quintessential English strawberry (to dollop onto a scone!) or the more unusual minted marrow & blackberry jam, there is a something for everyone.

As well as delightful fruity jams like spiced apple & bramble, raspberry & rhubarb and High Dumpsy Dearie (a mixture of apples, pears, plums, ginger and lemon) there are tangy jellies such as sloe & blackberry or elderberry & orange, and curds such as gooseberry or St Clement's. Or why not try windfall apple butter on your toast? In addition, there are reduced sugar jams ideal for anyone trying to cut down sugar in your diet.

There are recipes sourced from National Trust properties, making the most of their seasonal produce from their kitchen gardens. Enjoy the Oxford marmalade enjoyed by Churchill at Chartwell, or rose geranium and orange jelly made with fruit from the orangery at Saltram.

The book includes advice on how to grow your own fruit, the best way to use up gluts from the garden and how to achieve the perfect consistency. There are also fun bits of trivia about jam throughout history and in literature. The perfect gift book for any jam-maker.

Discover white sandy beaches, fly a Spitfire and tuck in to the perfect fish & chips.

If you want to skydive or swim with sharks, stop reading now. This book is all about achievable adventures that celebrate the very best of Britain. Travel writer Richard Madden has compiled the ultimate bucket list of unique experiences that can be enjoyed in the UK from cheese rolling in Gloucestershire and stargazing in Northumberland, to a cliff- top theatre in Cornwall or an opera with a champagne picnic and magnificent views of the South Downs.

The adventures to be ticked off the list also include glamping, exploring ancient castles and foraging for wild food. And of course (this being Britain) there are plenty of ideas for rainy days.

Escape reality and reconnect with nature Journey to 40 unforgettable getaways in Britain’s wild corners, from floating cabins to miniature castles, tree pods to moored boats. Lose yourself in cosy reading nooks after a day hillwalking in the Peak District, go foraging in Yorkshire’s woodlands, or warm up by the campfire after taking a dip in coastal Cornish waters. Stay in the heart of Wales’ myths and legends, or pitch up at the birthplace of scouting. These rural retreats are ideal for slowing down and switching off, with tips on local walks and watering holes on the doorstep. With spectacular photography on every page, just reading Wild Escapes is an escape in itself.

Making your own bread is a brilliantly satisfying experience. With these simple recipes you can create the perfect loaf in just a few steps and learn how to conjure up all sorts of baked treats, from mouth-watering cinnamon rolls to fluffy hot-cross buns.

Baking enthusiast Jane Eastoe starts with the basics, so you can perfect your bloomer, granary loaf and cottage loaf before moving on to English muffins, crumpets and sourdough. Try your hand at National Trust recipes such as Cornish saffron buns, or wild garlic focaccia and tempting treats such as Danish pastries or jam doughnuts.

There are golden rules to follow throughout and helpful tips that will transform a simple loaf into a thing of beauty. Packed with recipes for breads (including gluten-free), buns and pastries that will taste great and look spectacular, this is the perfect book for bakers of all levels.

Laetitia Maklouf is a garden writer and busy mother of three who has realised that the secret of gardening without becoming overwhelmed is to do something small every day. She's packed this book with little bursts of activity - spruce, chop, nurture, fuss or tackle a larger project - that can all be managed in five-minute forays. Spruce the lawn by raking fallen leaves in October, or fuss with your snail defences in May. Nurture your hardy annual seedlings in December, and chop your hydrangeas in March. Every day, rain or shine, do something for your garden with whatever time you can spare. Before you know it, you will have a daily gardening habit and a beautiful garden you can enjoy all year round.

A reissue of the classic reference work on the history of cooking and eating. Sara Paston-Williams has used the great wealth of National Trust houses and records to produce this wonderful book which is a feast for the eye as well as a fascinating guide to all the arts of dining. " ....a brilliant marriage of historical picture research, well-chosen recipes, and historical narrative..." Taste " ...the best single treatment of British food history that we have seen for years - or possibly ever." Anne Willan, Petits Propos Culinaires A reissue of the classic reference work on the history of cooking and eating. Behind the curious ingredients and mysterious language of old cookery books lies a completely different world, where the foods that we take for granted were often not available, their preparation, cooking and preservation were laborious and skilful tasks, and the art of dining reflected social attitudes quite removed from modern culinary practice. The Art of Dining includes historical recipes, together with their modern adaptations and covers Medieval, EarlyTudor, Elizabethan, Stuart, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods. Sara Paston-Williams has used the great wealth of National Trust houses and records to produce this wonderful book which is a feast for the eye as well as a fascinating guide to all the arts of dining.

'Garden Book of the Year' - Garden Media Guild Awards 2022 The perfect gift for National Trust members this Christmas. Discover Britain's most beautiful and inspiring wild gardens, and how you can make your own. Winner 'Best Garden Book of the Year' Garden Media Guild Awards 2022 Despite our best efforts, and no matter how much we prune, tidy and shape our gardens, they are inherently wild. In fact, it is often the most unrestrained and untamed areas that add drama and romance. In this glorious celebration of exuberant, naturalistic planting, we take a walk on the wild side. Be transported to lush valleys and tropical jungles with exotic gardens shaped by Victorian plant hunters. Wander through beautiful bluebell woods, blossoming orchards and magical wildflower meadows, and explore prairie-style gardens inspired by North American grasslands. Discover special places influenced by natural landscapes, and sustainably managed spaces designed with wildlife in mind. You'll find out how wild play areas can help children to connect with nature and how immersing yourself in quiet woodland can immediately benefit your sense of well-being. A helpful guide also offers advice and tips on how to create and manage your own wildlife-friendly garden so that you can attract birds, bees, bats, bugs and many other wild and wonderful creatures.

The definitive guide to hundreds of Britain's most outstanding gardens, in the care of the National Trust The National Trust has the finest collection of gardens in the United Kingdom. In this book, Stephen Lacey paints a vivid picture of the individual gardens, and places each one in its context within British horticultural history. All the major periods and styles of garden design are represented, from the formality of early gardens such as Hanbury Hall and Ham House, magnificent 18th-century landscapes like Stowe and Croome Park and the heady Victorian creations of Biddulph Grange and Waddesdon Manor to the famous plantsmen's gardens of the last century, such as Nymans, Hidcote Manor and Sissinghurst Castle. The text and pictures have been fully updated, with new entries including Allan Bank, High Close Arboretum and Wentworth Castle. Several gardens have undergone major redevelopment since the previous edition, while others have colourfully expanded the acreage open to visitors. Extensive tree planting, including reinstating a lost eighteenth-century avenue at Dyrham Park and recreating the pear tree arch at Rudyard Kipling's home, Bateman's, are just a few of the new and exciting additions to this classic guide to Britain's most outstanding gardens.

Colourful flowers are aplenty in this delightful sticker and activity book. Join in the fun by finding the missing petals, matching seeds to flowers, and adding a bee or two to the scenes. With plenty of dot-to-dots, colouring and sticking to do, Flower Explorer is sure to keep little hands entertained for hours. Bright, colourful flowers are aplenty in this delightful sticker and activity book. Join in the fun by colouring in the missing petals, matching seeds to flowers, adding a bee or two to the scenes. What makes a flower so brightly coloured? Did you know that flowers can be beautiful and fierce all at the same time? Well, that's if you're an unsuspecting insect! Flower Explorer is much more than just a sticker book, there's fun and interesting facts dotted throughout. With dot-to-dot, easy entry-level sudoku which uses pictures of flowers (rather than numbers) and a wordsearch, this is sure to keep little hands entertained for hours. Suitable for children ages 3-6.

Want to feel happier, healthier and more fulfilled? Now s the time for a breath of fresh air.

It s easy to go through life on autopilot. To follow routines and to-do lists, just getting on with what we do without really thinking too much about it. Yet if we slow down a little and consider more carefully how we spend our time, why we re doing something and how to get more from our experiences, it could help us all to feel more fulfilled, happier and healthier.

This book will inspire you to think differently, try new things and fully embrace each season. Think of it as a handbook for health and happiness that you can dip in and out of for inspiration on how to spend your precious free time in a way that will also enhance your wellbeing. Pause and wonder at the bluebells in spring or the stillness of snow in winter.

Paddle a canoe. Reach out and make a friend or stranger smile with a thank you, compliment or kind gesture. From cloud spotting to meditating in a meadow, running on the beach to dozing in a deckchair, you don t need to invest a lot of time or money to improve your wellbeing nor venture far to have an adventure. A breath of fresh air can be enough to change the course of a day.