Country Living UK August 2022

BE INSPIRED EVERY MONTH Read the magazine for a wealth of ideas GET AN UPDATE WITH THE CL LOOK Buy the Country Living Collections at Homebase SIGN UP TO OUR DATING SITE Start a rural romance at country-loving.co.uk JOIN OUR CAMPAIGNS Get involved in our ventures throughout the year STEP INSIDE OUR BOOKAZINES Our beautiful editions showcase stylish interiors BRING COUNTRY STYLE TO YOUR HOME Browse our flooring range with Carpetright SHOP FOR ORIGINAL CRAFTS Discover our artisans @CLartisans on Instagram RELAX ON OUR DFS SOFAS Sit back and enjoy British craftsmanship and design DISCOVER ALL OF THIS AND MORE AT countryliving.com/uk…

I love the gardens that we feature throughout the year in Country Living. Evocative and dreamy, they provide a source of inspiration and a momentary escape from the humdrum of everyday life. For the past six years, our gardening pages have been expertly produced by talented editor Paula McWaters (below) and I’m sad to say that Paula has decided, metaphorically speaking, to hang up her CL trowel. She will still contribute to the magazine, but plans to spend more time visiting gardens for personal enjoyment. As a relative newbie to gardening, I’m always eager to glean advice from the experts, so I asked Paula to share a final thought. “Be in the moment,” she says. “If you’ve created – or are viewing – a glorious planting combination, just drink it…

The brilliant poppy flaunts her head Amidst the ripening grain, And adds her voice to sell the song That August’s here again’Helen Winslow QUAINT AND CURIOUS… Scarecrow Festival, Kettlewell Visit the Yorkshire village of Kettlewell from 13-21 August and you may spot some unusual residents – from Wurzel Gummidge to doppelgängers of A-list celebrities. The annual scarecrow festival started in 1994 as a fundraiser for the local primary school and is now a permanent fixture in the calendar. Wander through casually or follow an official trail: you’ll find the straw-stuffed characters sitting in doorways, fishing in the rivers or poking their heads above the wall. Just make sure you tuck into the homemade tea and cakes along the way. kettlewellscarecrowfestival.co.uk 12 The number of seconds an ice-cream van can play its chimes. O Sole…

Chepstow Castle looks out across the River Wye, once a key crossing between England and Wales. Raised by William FitzOsbern, an ally of William the Conqueror, in 1067, building work continued for six centuries, resulting in a sprawling stronghold that snakes across the limestone cliffs. Visit Britain’s oldest post-Roman ruins to retrace the steps of medieval royalty, including Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine (cadw.gov.wales). Turn the page to read more about the wonders of the Wye Valley.…

Wye Valley An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Wye Valley straddles England and Wales. Creatives such as Coleridge, Wordsworth and Turner flocked here, taking inspiration from Gothic relics and resplendent riverbanks. Take your own Grand Tour to the verdant valley and you might spot hummingbird hawkmoths, peregrine falcons and even otters. WHAT TO SEE AND DO For sweeping views of the Wye Valley, from limestone cliffs to ancient yew woodlands, head to Symonds Yat Rock. With walking trails in all directions, choose a circular one-mile mooch through an Iron Age hill fort or an 11-mile trek, including a ride over the river in a hand-drawn ferry (forestryengland.uk). Nearby Puzzlewood is featured in a Harry Potter film. Wander under wizened branches and between mossy rocks and imagine you’ve entered another realm (£8.50;…

Follow @CLArtisans on Instagram to see more unique products from talented makers FOR STOCKISTS see Where to Buy COMPILED BY CARA LASKARIS. PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAN DUCHARS; GEORGIA RAYBOULD; MATT WREFORD. PRICES AND AVAILABILITY CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS…