The urban guide to the countryside -

Well, hello!

I'm Hero, founder of Muddy Stilettos, here to bring you the quirky, cool and downright unmissable across the counties.

Gotta Have It

Bottom's up! We love this cheeky Anissa Kermiche voluptuous vase that's cropping up on every fashion editors' Instagram.

Making plans? Find your perfect Pub, Inn, Hotel, Café, Restaurant or Bar across the Muddy counties.

Easter activities SORTED!Are you in Half-Term recovery mode? Now the kids are back at school (praise be), plan for an easier Easter with Barracudas Activity Day Camps – I reckon your ankle biters will love them.
Dog-friendly staysHave pooch, will travel? Here are 43 stays across the Muddy counties that are all Fido-friendly.
Top 50 gastropubs in the UK - did your local make the cut?Whose tripled-cooked chips have got them into the gastropub hall of fame? Check out the best foodie destinations in the Muddy counties.
Witness the fitnessNew year, new fitness routine? We're with you! Here's the Muddy edit of stylish sportswear that'll have you in tip-top form in no time.
Call me Cupid! 46 romantic stays across the Muddy countiesIn the mood for love? Of course you are, pussy cat! Here, allow us to assist with the rumpy pumpy with 46 romantic boltholes across the Muddy counties.

Best cheap eats in Bucks and Oxon

Caned the credit card but still fancy a dinner date? What you need is a Muddy-approved cheap but chic dining spot. Table for two, madame?
- Is this Surrey’s best-kept secret?
  
  A bit of a hidden gem, the restaurant at Warren House offers intimate fine dining in sumptuous surrounds. Muddy nails three delicious courses.
- Top 50 Gastropubs 2020 revealed
  
  Whose tripled-cooked chips have got them into the gastropub hall of fame? Roomy pants on, Let's tuck in because FOUR of Berkshire's foodie pubs made the grade.
- REVIEW: The Ultimate Veganuary Treat!
  
  Pinkies at the ready! Muddy pops in to review the Vegan Full Afternoon Tea at Mallory Court Country House Hotel, near Leamington Spa.
- The Bull Inn, Limpsfield
  
  This community-owned 16th-century pub is the heart and soul of Limpsfield village life. And with great food, a friendly vibe and super-stylish interiors it's one to add to your list.

Our honest reviews of the UK’s best schools

The UK’s most prestigious local lifestyle Awards

Insider’s guide to Reigate

This medieval market town is bursting at the seam with independent shops, pubs and restaurants, beautiful green spaces and annual events you’ll be desperate to attend.
- A boutique masterpiece
  
  The Artist Residence in the hamlet of South Leigh, Oxfordshire with its slick styling and cleverly chosen art, is a welcome antidote to traditional Cotswolds inns. Muddy loves.
- Holiday planning? 10 European-style staycations
  
  Love a continental jaunt but staying in Blighty this year? These 10 UK holiday spots have a distinctly European feel.

Why heritage Laura Ashley is trending

When was the last time you set shopped in Laura Ashley? Er, never. And yet vintage pieces are making a mint on eBay and have inspired SS20’s high street collections.
- 4 new season trends to try (and one to avoid)
  
  The high street is awash with new spring/summer goodies. Overwhelmed? Here's our pick of the new trends worth exploring - and how to wear them.
- 3 new online bridal collections
  
  Here comes the bride... and she's got next-day delivery! First time collections from the likes of Matches, Kitri and even the recently revitalised Warehouse.

Behind-the-scenes of… A Monster Calls

After a successful run at London’s Old Vic in 2018, Sally Cookson brings her Olivier Award-winning production to the Belgrade Theatre Coventry from March 3-7, as part of its first ever UK tour.
- REVIEW: The Whip, Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
  
  Kimberley Sykes latest work at the RSC is a riveting collaboration with former BBC journalist and playwright Juliet Gilkes Romero about the hidden scandal of the £20 billion loan to compensate British slave-owners.
- The funniest show on TV is back
  
  The Cotswolds is all creamy stone cottages, exquisite gastropubs and picture perfect villages, right? Erm...
- The 5 best books out February
  
  Muddy's pro bookworm Kerry Potter has got five Feb fancies for your delectation. Read all about 'em - and then win the lot!
- Is it getting hot in here?
  
  Apply a cold compress and loosen that corset! It's historical hunk time in film and telly (well, hello, Rufus Sewell!), with three new sizzling period dramas to look forward to.

The 4 funniest people on social media

Fancy a giggle? These Instagram and Twitter accounts are happy to oblige.
- Exclusive interview! Muddy meets…. Laurence Fox
  
  The actor-turned-singer has been front page news since an incendiary appearance on Question Time last week. In this exclusive interview, he talks midlife crises, death threats and groupies with Muddy's Kerry Potter.
- Muddy meets Josie Long
  
  We caught up with (we reckon) the most positive comedian in the business about motherhood, MasterChef, making people laugh and her new tour, Tender.
- Where you heading, Curtis?
  
  From playing Dick Whittington in Wycombe Swan's panto to BBC's The Greatest Dancer the Love Island star has been busy! He talks tans, secrets and AJ's budgie smugglers. Curtis, we're all ears.
- Muddy meets… Forbes Masson
  
  Versatile Scots actor Forbes has gone from reading David Walliams' books to his kids to playing scary headmaster Mr Hawtrey in the RSC’s new musical adaptation of The Boy in the Dress.