English pastoral

I’m sceptical about news stories you sometimes read of big black cats roaming the countryside. I was, however, tempted to don my boots for a hike I found on the internet titled In the Footsteps of the

Part of a cluster of cottages in Shropshire, just seconds from the Welsh border is Marrington Escapes -an ideal base for long leafy walks and cosy pub visits

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

Get into the festive spirit with a trip to one of England’s most historic cities

INGREDIENTS Plain flour Salt and black pepper 4 generous slices of beef shin at least 1in thick, on the bone Two or three good glugs of olive oil 1 large onion, diced 2 sticks of celery, diced 2 carro

Ingredients Plain flourSalt and black pepper4 generous slices of beef shinat least 1in thick, on the boneTwo or three good glugsof olive oil1 large onion, diced2 sticks of celery, diced2 carrots, dice