John Craven Shares Poignant Final Wish to Return to His Yorkshire Roots

After more than four decades on British television, John Craven has revealed that he hopes his final journey will take him back to the Yorkshire landscape that shaped his childhood.

The 86-year-old presenter, who has been a familiar face on Countryfile for decades, spoke about his lasting connection to the county while guiding viewers around some of its most treasured locations.

Born and raised in Yorkshire, Craven displayed an intimate knowledge of the area as he explored places he described as hidden gems. Although he now lives with his wife in a quiet Oxfordshire village, his affection for his home county has never faded.

A final resting place on Otley Chevin

Craven previously discussed his hopes for the future during a 2019 interview with The Yorkshire Post.

“Still one of my favourite places in the world is Wharfedale and Otley Chevin, where I used to cycle with my mates,” he said.

He also recalled the family holidays of his youth and his fondness for the Yorkshire coast.

“I love the coast too, especially Whitby, though we had family holidays in Bridlington because I suspect it was a bit cheaper.”

Craven then revealed his deeply personal wish to return permanently to the region after his death.

“I’d like to come home and have my ashes scattered in Yorkshire, maybe on the top of Otley Chevin.”

Despite living elsewhere, the presenter continues to visit Yorkshire regularly, both to film Countryfile and to maintain his family connections.

More than four decades on television

Craven joined Countryfile in 1989 and has since become one of the long-running programme’s most recognisable presenters.

Before that, he was best known as the face of the children’s current-affairs programme Newsround, which he presented for 17 years after its launch in 1972.

His broadcasting career now spans more than 40 years, but Craven has shown little interest in stepping away from television. During an appearance on BBC’s The One Show, he explained that he still feels he has something valuable to contribute.

Artist Adebanji Alade asked whether Craven regarded himself as the living legend that many viewers consider him to be.

“I don’t really like being called a legend because, yeah, I’m getting on a bit, but I still feel quite useful,” Craven replied.

Why audiences still feel connected to him

Craven believes his enduring popularity comes from the unusually personal bond he has developed with generations of viewers.

Rather than seeing him simply as a television presenter, many people regard him as a familiar and trusted figure who accompanied them through their childhood.

“I think it’s because I’m regarded as almost a friend,” he said. “To this day, people come up to me and say, ‘Thank you for being part of my childhood. Thanks for telling me what was happening in the world.’”

Decades after first appearing on British television, Craven remains an active broadcaster and a cherished presence for viewers. Yet when the time eventually comes, his final wish is simple: to return to Yorkshire and rest among the landscapes he has loved since childhood.

Countryfile is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.