Lesley Fernández-Armesto on a superior cake for Christmas

The Doc’s Spanish sojourn leaves him with glowing surface impressions

France may be synonymous with fromage, but the terroir of our green and pleasant land gives rise to all manner of magnificent varieties of our own, declares Tom Parker Bowles, who picks his favourites

Superstar chef Heston Blumenthal reveals the one thing his Christmas can’t be without, in an exclusive chat. Discover what’s on his festive menu, his favourite wines and a Michelin-level recipe to try at home

Jim Perrin pens a paean to a famous place of threshold for climbers, equally beloved of coastal walkers: the cliffs of Gogarth and Holyhead

They say a pic is worth a thousand words. What does yours say about your special moment? Here one reader shares the story behind her favourite photo