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

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Gotta Have It

The grimmest day of the year is here. But here's how to make Blue Monday blue in a pleasingly different way this year (not like that, you pervs!)

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

This girl can!Juggling motherhood, jiggly bits and the barriers to exercising, This Girl Can is back with its brand new campaign and we *love* it!
Win £2000 to kickstart your business dreamsHave a brilliant business that needs a helping hand? We’ve teamed up with business banking alternative, Tide, to offer a whopping two grand (yes, you read it right) to give you the boost you need. Win it here.
Special Muddy hotel deal!January getting you down? I know, go on holiday. Marvellous Muddy extras for you and yours if you book one of the five stunning Luxury Family Hotels before 31 Jan. Get in quick!
Book now! The 2020 cultural picks you must not missThere's a ridiculous amount of amazing art, books, film, TV, music and theatre landing this year. Muddy's culture vulture Kerry Potter picks out the best of the bunch.
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.

Eat OutView more

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, nr 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.
- Five of the best mocktails
  
  Still on the wagon for Dry January? Get our chops around these local mocktails - all the thrill of a cocktail, none of the hangover.
- 13 places to eat yourself slim
  
  No need to put a lock on the fridge and banish all fun for January - we've scoured Bucks & Oxon for the best 'skinny' places to pig out in peace.
- Ain’t no party like a Muddy party!
  
  For our office 'do' this year, we shimmied over to Stoke Park in Bucks for dinner, dancing and drinking. Here's how we got on. Anyone got any paracetamol, please?

School Reviews

Our honest reviews of the UK’s best schools

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The UK’s most prestigious local lifestyle Awards

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TravelView more

Call me Cupid! 46 romantic stays across the Muddy counties

In 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.
- 5 West Country wellbeing stays
  
  Looking for a Devon, Cornwall or Somerset escape? Hell yeah! Check out these stunning self-catering properties, all with on-site extras, from yoga and wine tasting to massage.
- The 37 coolest party palaces
  
  Got a big birthday celebration looming? Or fancy a weekend away with your squad? We've sniffed out the 37 dreamiest party palaces across the land, available for exclusive hire. Grab your gang and let's go!

FashionView more

Witness the fitness

New 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.
- Let it snow
  
  Heading on a skiing holiday this year? Here's our shopping checklist for looking stylish on the slopes.
- Party dressing made easy
  
  It's so easy to end up looking like a Christmas tree at this time of year. Muddy's fashion expert Kerry Potter shows you how to nail going out style.

BeautyView more

- J’adore/ J’abhor
  
  To Ink or not to ink? That is the question that's getting the Muddy office fired up this week. Two editors battle it out (*ducks for cover*).
- J’adore/ J’abhor
  
  It's Movember, the month when blokes grow moustaches to raise money for charity. Turns out the Muddy crew have VERY mixed views on men's facial hair. Where do you stand?

Arts & CultureView more

Afternoon tea with the cast of The Gift

The Gift is based on the true story of an African princess adopted by Queen Victoria. Muddy was invited to meet the cast over afternoon tea ahead of a national tour – and we don’t need any encouragement to scoff a scone or two!
- This month’s best new reads
  
  What kind of insaniac leaves the house in January? Retire to the sofa pronto and get stuck into one of pro bookworm Kerry Potter's enthralling new literary picks.
- Book now! The 2020 cultural picks you must not miss
  
  There's a ridiculous amount of amazing art, books, film, TV, music and theatre landing this year. Muddy's culture vulture Kerry Potter picks out the best of the bunch.
- REVIEW: The Boy in the Dress
  
  The RSC’s new musical about a 12-year-old boy who goes to school dressed as a girl, attunes with a modern desire to celebrate difference in a kinder way.
- Muddy’s 10 best books of 2019
  
  So many rip-roaring reads, so little time. But Muddy's books editor Kerry Potter has made it easy for you - here's her definitive list of the year's best books. Get stuck in!

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HomeView more

- House beautiful! 5 chic interiors trends for 2020
  
  New year, new decade, new home trends - time to go shopping, methinks...
- Property flirt
  
  It's mahoosive, magnificent and a stunning mix of old and new but aha my little snoops: can you guess the price?
Wellbeing
- This girl can!
  
  Juggling motherhood, jiggly bits and the barriers to exercising, This Girl Can is back with its brand new campaign and we love it!
- Three bonkers wellbeing trends for 2020
  
  Will you be, um, honouring your vagina this year?

WorkView more

- 7 of the best… notebooks
  
  Finding the January admin rush a bit unbearable? Cheer yourself up with some shiny new stationery.
- Flexible working – a personal view
  
  It's a contentious issue, that's for sure! As a full-time working mum and business owner, I can see both sides of that fence. Wanna know what I think?
Kids
- Kingswood Prep School and Nursery, Bath
  
  Muddy says: Children can be children at this co-ed prep and nursery with Scandi-style facilities and more, set in 100-acre of parklands overlooking the city
- Waverley Prep School, Wokingham
  
  A modern day school in Wokingham for boys and girls, aged 0-11 years. This family focussed prep is ranked highly in the Sunday Times Top 100 for its superb academic record.
- Polam Nursery and Pre-Prep School, Bedford
  
  This is a small school with a big heart, where happiness comes first, which provides a valuable stepping stone for both ambitious and more cautious children towards the next step in their education.
- Get yer skates on!
  
  Ice ice baby! Nothing like a whizz around a rink to make you feel festive (followed by a mulled wine obvs). We've rounded up the best ones for your skating pleasure.

People View more

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.
- How Helen Glover does it
  
  Champion rower, mother, partner to Steve Backshall and all round marvel - Muddy meets Helen Glover to talk fitness, family and breaking her Olympic gold medal (oops).
- Q&A with Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson
  
  The Sussex resident, starring in a show for half term, talks books, performing, fave local attractions and buying a post office