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THINGS TO DO. ARTS. EAT. TRAVEL. FASHION. BEAUTY. KIDS. HOME

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Things to do

  • ASHLEY BIRD FEATURED LUMSDALE

    7 stunning waterfall walks in Derbyshire

    Just because we’re landlocked doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the water this summer. Grab your walking boots, pack some snacks, and head out to see these epic waterfalls across Derbyshire and Notts.

  • Splash! Best outdoor swimming spots

    It's getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes! Now dive into our guide to the best open water swimming locations in Bucks and Oxon. Just kindly refrain from bombing, running or petting please.

  • The Muddy insider guide to Norwich

    Headed to Norwich for a holiday, or a local going "up the city"? Either way, you'll want to check out our brand new insider guide to this irresistible city.

  • Bridgerton S3 penelope Featherington Image Shonderland/Netflix

    Superflashy newsflash! The hot gossip in Berks

    Have you heard the latest? We're talking Bridgerton, celeb spots, new pubs, cafes and fashion openings, and – er – Christmas. It's all happening in Berks!

  • Ascot Racecourse Parade Ring

    Psst! Snoop backstage at the royal racecourse

    Horses, hats and high society, but Ascot Racecourse is so much more. We skulked behind the scenes to find out all the goss and fun facts

  • Beach bonanza: cool down on the Essex coast

    All the Essex coast insider info you need, from the best beaches and beach huts to scenic coastal walks and where to get seafood suppers with a view.

  • Review: The Red Lion at East Chisenbury

    This charming but unassuming pub hidden deep in the Salisbury Plains serves some of the best food in the county that Muddy has ever eaten. Want to find out more?

  • 27 of the best beaches in East Anglia

    Summer's here so we've got the inside scoop on the best East Anglian beaches for all tastes. Buckets at the ready, sandwiches packed, bring on the sun!

  • The best of outdoor art in Bucks and Oxon 2022

    Sculpture, photography and street art... we've rounded up the best temporary and permanent art you can enjoy en plein air (beret optional)

  • 13 lovely local vineyards to visit

    Sunshine, glorious countryside and home-grown tipples – now that’s what we call a Muddy outing! Taste and explore at these brilliant vineyards around Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Sussex and Kent.

  • 13 lovely local vineyards to visit

    Sunshine, glorious countryside and home-grown tipples – now that’s what we call a Muddy outing! Tour and taste at these brilliant vineyards around Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Kent and Berkshire.

  • The-Ivy-windsor

    The Muddy insider guide to Windsor

    Thanks to the Platinum Jubilee, royal weddings and family tensions, the spotlight's fixed on Windsor right now. Ditch the guide book, here's where to hang out during your visit.

  • Man the forts! The best castles within 90 minutes

    Ready for a right royal day out? We've rounded up 12 of the coolest castles in Bucks, Oxon and beyond for the Jubilee weekend. Tiara at the ready, let's go!

  • Let’s go boating on the River Thames

    Life slows down on the water, and whether you're with a bunch of mates or have the family in tow, the GoBoat experience from Kingston-upon-Thames is one of the most enjoyable days out you'll have.

  • 9 outdoor cinemas to book now

    Nothing says summer like an alfresco night out watching fab movies under the stars. From gardens to amphitheatres, here's where to head, popcorn and blanket at the ready

  • Milsoms

    The Muddy insider guide to Essex

    Close to London yet home to beautiful countryside and a stunning stretch of coastline with in-the-know islands and hidden estuaries, Essex is the underrated jewel of East Anglia and it’s time you paid a visit.

  • Our insider guide to Southend & Leigh-on-Sea

    Oh we do like to be beside the seaside! Fancy visiting the UK's newest city this spring? Don't miss Muddy's insider guide to this picturesque stretch of Essex coast.

  • Your bang-up-to-date insider guide to Oxford

    Staycationing this spring? Then you'll be needing Muddy's amazing insider guide to the city of dreaming spires, including the tourist classics and hipster hangouts.

  • The Retreat Elcot Park Menu

    Tickle your tastebuds! It’s a foodie newsflash

    The UK's hottest new hotel opens, a snazzy new restaurant to spice up your life, a cool new deli and more tipples than you can shake a bottle opener at. It's all going on in Berks

  • Let’s take a day trip to Chelmsford!

    Looking for a top-notch day trip just outside of London? Discover 12 of the best things to do in Chelmsford in our carefully-curated Muddy guide. You’re welcome…

  • Culture’s calling! What to see in London in 2022

    Thrilling theatre, exhilarating art, fantastic festivals - these are the tickets you need to book now. Settle in for a capital city culture hitlist, and a jam-packed 2022.

  • Girls with guns: Ladies’ Day at Bisley Shooting Ground

    We're going on a clay shoot. Clay shooting is great fun, but it's even better when you're surrounded by a gaggle of great girls and it includes breakfast, elevenses and lunch.

  • Newbury Victorian Christmas Market vintage carousel

    Five festive reasons to visit Newbury’s Victorian Fayre

    Christmas is back with a bang in Berkshire – and a brand new Victorian Christmas Fayre. Here are five reasons why you should there with (jingle) bells on.

  • 49 lovely light trails across the Muddy counties

    You glow, girl! At least, you will at one of these fabulously festive light trails to visit up and down the Muddy counties. Scarf on, boots strapped: let's admire some twinkling.

  • 28 best Christmas markets across the Muddy counties

    Is it even Christmas if you haven't eaten scalding chestnuts from a chalet hut? Do your festive shopping right this year with these 28 merry markets worth a visit across the Muddy counties.

  • Your festive guide to the big smoke this Christmas

    Eat, drink, and be merry in the capital this festive season with our holly jolly hitlist. From glam pop-ups and glittering fairgrounds to cocktails and carols, here's the best of the best.

  • Skates on! 33 best ice rinks across the Muddy counties

    We're heading into the season of slip-sliding, wall-grabbing, and pirouetting. Skate queen or just here for the mulled wine, check out these festive ice rinks across the Muddy counties and beyond.

  • City slickin’: what’s on in London this autumn

    London's heading into the cooler months with a host of unmissable cultural highlights. Bag yourself the best tickets now with our guide to what's worth seeing in the big smoke.

  • Muddy goes back to school. Gin school!

    Forget gin tasting, REAL lovers of gin are learning how to make their own. So naturally Muddy heads into the lab at Wessex Distillery in Surrey to get to the bottom of a bottle, I mean, all those botanicals.

  • How to get your kids off screens and into gardens

    You know the struggle. Chilling with the laptop/TV/tablet for company is always tempting — but getting a kid outdoors can be that bit easier, thanks to these five expert tips.

  • My Favourite Places: Grace Regan

    Introducing the awesomely cool, gorgeous and talented chef Grace Regan - owner of critically acclaimed London curry house, Spicebox, who lives in Margate. To celebrate her delicious vegan cookbook we got Grace to tell us her fave places to hang out locally.

  • Ready, aim, fire? Let’s go shooting

    More women and children than ever are taking up shooting, so Muddy takes her teenager along to Bisley Shooting Ground and gives it two smoking barrels. Boom!

  • Iford Manor Estate – It’s your passport to Italy – bella bella!

    Discover this Italianate garden that's a little slice of heaven on the Wiltshire-Somerset border. The recent addition of a gorgeous cafe equals hard-to-beat day out, and they now have their own holiday cottage so you don't have to leave!

  • 47 adult courses to book this summer

    Fancy learning a new skill? From mastering mixology to crafting jewellery to keeping bees, Muddy has the lowdown of all the best and brightest adult courses to book this summer.

  • Shazia Mirza is back in town

    She’s an ex-science teacher - “I hated them, they hated me” - yet former student Dizzee Rascal still calls her Miss. This fierce comedian pulls no punches - we catch up with Shazia Mirza as she heads to Norwich.

  • Royal Ascot 2021 Second Hand Clothes

    Royal Ascot 2021: It’ll be a vintage year

    And we're off… to the charity shop for a stylish and sustainable Royal Ascot. This year's all about second-hand style, so here's where to buy and rent the chicest outfits.

  • 96 ultimate outdoor meet-ups

    Walking is sooo Lockdown 3. Come March 29, we’re ready for some new outdoors activities with friends or family. Try one of these fresh ideas from the Muddy counties.

  • The best local delis (and nearby picnic spots)

    From 8 March picnics on benches are THE hottest social event. Dig out your hamper and waterproof blanket, and order your sausage rolls from these divine Bucks & Oxon delis.

  • Bring the bar to you: how to have a virtual night out

    Counting down the days until that chilly pub garden come April? God, us too. Here's the next best thing: bar-quality cocktails, perfect ambience, and a whole lot of glam.

  • Staying in saviour – what to stream this week

    If the sofa is your No.1 destination this week (rain, rain go away!) then you'll be needing my guide to the best telly, theatre, film and online festivals.

  • Guy Pearce as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol

    Superflashy Newsflash

    Hollywood in our 'hood, the end of an era for Parky's pub, openings, closures and a gorgeous swirl of gossip around Berkshire!

  • Tom Gates on stage

    Part play, part living cartoon, part gig, Tom Gates live - in Brighton Wed 2 - Sat 5 Oct - stays pleasingly close to Liz Pichon's best-selling books.

  • Art’s rising rock stars

    Blank walls but your budget doesn't stretch to an Emin or Hirst? Here are 12 cool, collectable artists who won't require you to sell a loved one. Plus FREE Fresh:Art Fair tickets for Muddy readers.

  • Stratford Lit Fest 2019: What’s on for children?

    Looking for a cultural family-friendly jaunt this spring? There's a brilliant line-up of best-selling and much-loved children's authors and illustrators at the 12th annual festival. Before you book, check out our top picks..

  • Lee Mead Q&A

    The Joseph and Holby City star talks career, pinch yourself moments and wardrobe malfunctions to Muddy ahead of his My Story shows coming to Sussex

  • South Downs stargazing festival

    Find an event near you for a spot of guided stargazing or a family-friendly workshop over the 2019 Dark Skies Festival

  • Inside The Haunted Castle

    Muddy intrepidly goes in search of the scariest thrills for Halloween at Warwick Castle on a family day out.

  • What’s On in Sussex in October

    30+ things to do in Sussex in October including bargain feasting, touring musicals, performance poetry, comedy, a David Walliams story on stage, Halloween highlights & more

  • What’s On in February in Sussex

    Feb 2018

  • South Downs stargazing festival

    Catch astronomy events throughout Sussex during the South Downs Dark Skies Festival this February

  • The secret gardens

    Head to the stunning gardens at Ramster Hall near Chiddingfold this half term - kids are free and there's a lovely teahouse.

  • sharp angular architecture at Silverstone racecourse stairs leading to entrance

    OMG braaaaake!

    For new drivers or those of us who *sniff* may have had a prang or two, go pass the Silverstone driving test.

  • Further Afield

    MON 29 MAY - SUN 4 JUNE 2017

  • Don’t Miss Sussex Modernism

    You’ve just a couple of weeks to catch the free London exhibition Sussex Modernism: Retreat and Rebellion on at Two Temple Place until 23 April. I visited a few weeks ago and found it really tied together various bits and pieces I knew about the county’s cultural heritage. There were several items that were familiar to me […]

  • Muddy reviews: The Glass Menagerie, London

    If you’ve ever had a relative nag you about settling down, or a friend who is an unsubtle matchmaker, you’ll get an extra layer of cringe from Tenneesse Williams’ The Glass Menagerie. There’s a great production of the play on at The Duke of York’s Theatre in  London until April 29, directed by Olivier and Tony Award-winning John Tiffany and I […]

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