What to find in the August 1997 issue:

Editor's notebook
Bed and breakfast on National Trust properties, the Fraser Gathering, a new American air museum at Duxford, the first exhibition of Raeburn paintings in 40 years and much more.

Letters to the Editor
Funny tales, holiday memories and what you think of IN BRITAIN magazine.

The West Country in Bloom
SUE PHILLIPS explores her favourites from the spectacular choice of gardens in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

Picture Esk
ALISON HELLIWELL follows the course of the River Esk through the southern Lake District.

A Property of Poetry
What inspired poet T S Eliot to write Burnt Norton, the first of his Four Quartets? Head for the Cotswolds to find out.

Signs from the Sky
How do crop circles get there? Are they the work of aliens, young farmers or students, or are they a natural phenomenon? ROBIN NEILLANDS investigates.

A Celtic Contest
JACKIE NEWEY joins in the annual celebration of all things Welsh at the National Eisteddfod.

City of Reivers and Railways
MIKE GERRARD takes a walking tour through Carlisle, the Borders city.

Paradise on their Doorsteps
SUE PHILLIPS explores the Scottish Isle of Bute.

In Britain Directory
If you're planning a trip - here are some suggestions for where to stay, what to see and do, and lots more.

Forthcoming events
Festivals, exhibitions and shows for the summer months.

My bit of Britain
Actor DEREK JACOBI raises the curtain on theatre life in Devon and West Sussex.