LONDON & THE HOME COUNTIES

LONDON: London Soundtrack Festival 2025, across London, Wed 19 – Wed 26 Mar

If you’re a big fan of music scores from film, TV and video games you’re going to want to get involved with the brand new London Soundtrack Festival (19-26 Mar) this weekend. Think Silence of the Lambs in Concert at Barbican Hall, and Director David Cronenberg and composer Howard Shore in Conversation at Royal Festival Hall.

HERTFORDSHIRE: Rothamsted Manor Wedding Show, Harpenden, Sun 23 Mar

Recently engaged and set with the task of planning your big day? Fret not. Help is at hand over at Rothamsted Manor in Harpenden. This Grade I listed manor house is hosting a luxe wedding show with top wedding suppliers and planners on hand to give you stacks of inspo and ideas. Entry free. Grab your ticket here.

SURREY: Matisse: Drawing with Scissors, Lightbox Gallery, Woking, until Sun 11 May

A Matisse exhibition in Surrey! Well we’ll be darned. It’s the sort of arty loveliness that you long for. Woking’s Lightbox Gallery will be exhibiting Matisse: Drawing With Scissors – a collection of 35 lithographic reproductions of the famous cut-outs from London’s Hayward Gallery, including the infamous The Snail and the Blue Nudes. It’s on now until 11 May at the Lightbox Gallery in Woking. 

KENT: New for 2025: Plant Fair, Hever Castle, Sun 23 March

One for the garden enthusiasts as we (finally) slide into spring – Hever Castle is hosting its first ever plant fair, which will basically consist of all the best independent nurseries from across the south east, coming together under one roof, well rather, under a series of gazebos actually. Hever Castle (famously the childhood home of Anne Boleyn) makes the perfect backdrop for a green fingered shopping spree, with its 125 acres of glorious grounds which, at this time of year, are awash with a sea of daffodils.

KENT: Margate Ceramics Market, Turner Contemporary, Sat 22 – Sun 23 March

The Margate Ceramics Market is back at the Foyle Rooms at Turner Contemporary, featuring more than 40 new and established makers over two days, including some of the recent participants of The Great Pottery Throw Down. So there’s plenty to suit all tastes. Sitting right on the seafront, this art gallery also has an on-site café for refreshments, plus entry is free.

THE SOUTH-WEST

SOMERSET: Bath & West Food & Drink Festival and British & Irish Cheese Awards, Shepton Mallet, Sat 22 & Sun 23 March

Say – and eat – cheese (and all kinds of other artisan food and drink) at the Bath & West showground. While the judges are pinning gongs on every iteration of fromage, you can hear talks and demos from celebrity chefs, kids can have a go at milking a ‘cow’ and you can all sip and nibble to your heart’s content. You may never eat cheese again (perhaps for a few days).

GLOUCESTERSHIRE: Craft Festival Cheltenham, 21 – 23 March, Cheltenham Town Hall

A mecca for all craft lovers, the inspiring and hugely popular Craft Festival Cheltenham returns for this popular event at Cheltenham Town Hall this weekend. Bringing together scores of the finest designer makers from across the UK, you’ll be able to browse and buy from 100 stalls, including jewellery, ceramics and furniture, and chat with artisan crafters. Then, get stuck into one of the learn-a-skill workshops or watch a fascinating demo. Top of our list? Catch broadcaster Kate Humble chatting all things hand-crafted with Sarah James MBE, Craft Festival director in The Capital of Craft LIVE. Online advance tickets from £7.

DEVON: Festival of Blossom, Greenway, Galmpton (Thur 20 Mar – Sun 20 Apr) 

Devon is positively littered with delightful springtime places to wander, and there are signs of spring aplenty at National Trust Greenway (Agatha Christie’s former holiday home), including so much blossom they have a Festival in its eagerly anticipated honour. You can snap a seasonal selfie under a blossom archway, enjoy the magnolias, fruit trees and wild hedgerow flowers blooming, or try your hand at blossom origami in the house kitchen.

THE SOUTH EAST

SUSSEX: Make it flow festival, St Georges Church, Brighton, Sat 22 Mar

Muddy can’t actually think of a better combination of mindfulness and relaxation classes alongside creative and art workshops. Which is why we’re booking in to head to this festival that’s all about going with the flow. Including in your ticket are talks, lunch and then two craft workshops and one wellbeing activity. There’s almost too much choice from marbling to macrame and massage to mindfulness. Get 10% off tickets but using the code MUDDYSTILETTOS.

SUSSEX: Jazz by the sea, The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa, Bexhill-On-Sea, Sundays from 12.30pm

Fancy spending Sunday afternoon being serenaded by the sea? Sure you do! Head off to this Muddy-approved hotel to hear live jazz from pianist and singer, Neal Richardson. You can enjoy a classic Sunday roast or pair a glass of English Sparkling and some small plates. You can warm up by the fire pits on the terrace on the hotel’s private beach, or cosy up indoors and still enjoy the sea views. 

SUSSEX: Wim Hof day retreat, Tillingham, near Rye, Sat 22 Mar

And breathe…. Release yourself into this day retreat and be immersed in the peace at this biodynamic farm and vineyard. You’ll learn all about the transformational method of Wim Hof and be guided through powerful breathing techniques. If you want to, you can take the plunge and have an ice bath with the assistance of a Wim Hof certified instructor. Lunch is included too. 

THE NORTH

YORKSHIRE: Eun-Me Ahn’s Dragons, Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, Fri 21 & Sat 22 Mar

Eun-Me Ahn is one of the most important artists in South Korea. In Dragons, the celebrated choreographer introduces five young guest performers from around Asia in a joyful kaleidoscope of dance, music and non-stop movement. All born in the year 2000, they appear as holograms and interact with Euan-Me Ahn’s company of South Korean performers. Spell-binding. Alhambra Theatre, 21 & 22 Mar.

STILL GOING

NORFOLK: Can the Seas Survive Us?, Sainsbury Centre, Norwich, from Sat 15 Mar – Sun 3 Aug

For an arty party, the Sainsbury Centre in Norwich continues its stellar series of investigative exhibitions in 2025. The newest programme, Can the Seas Survive Us? features three interlinked exhibitions, two of which launch this weekend and are well worth a trip east. A World of Water looks at human impact on the sea and brings together pieces by British and international artists from Maggi Hambling to George Vincent. Darwin in Paradise Camp, meanwhile, features fabulous colourful work by Yuki Kihara, an interdisciplinary artist of Sāmoan and Japanese descent. There’s also an amazing outdoor sculpture park to have a nose round, including pieces from Francis Bacon, Henry Moore and Antony Gormley. Lovely stuff.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE: Stroud Film Festival, until 23 Mar

Stroud Film Festival, now in its 11th year, is taking over the Cotswold town this weekend, with a brilliant programme of films, workshops and  events. There will be award-winning new features, films tackling global issues and classic movies, plus the chance to meet and chat to film-makers and crew. This weekend (Sat 15 March), drop in and see a selection of films all screened entirely using bike generated power, or take the kids along to do an awesome shadow puppet short film workshop. 

DERBYSHIRE: The Gorgeous Nothings: Flowers at Chatsworth, Peak District, from Sat 15 Mar

Waking up from its winter sleep, glorious country house Chatsworth opens to visitors again from Sat 15 March. With an enticing new exhibition – The Gorgeous Nothings: Flowers at Chatsworth – flowers in all their forms take centre stage in the house and the garden with an array of botanical treasures on display. Muddy’s getting a sneak peek a day early so watch this space if you fancy a first look.

YORKSHIRE: Extraordinary Portraits with Bill Bailey exhibition, Loading Bay, Bradford, Thu 13 Mar – Sun 6 Apr

Have you been enjoying BBC One’s Extraordinary Portraits with Bill Bailey on Friday nights? You need to get out more – and what better excuse do you need than to meet the paintings and sculptures from the TV series when they’re exhibited (for free) at the opening of Bradford’s latest exciting art venue, the Loading Bay. It’s all part of the many City of Culture celebrations. All ages from 13 Mar – 6 Apr.

BRISTOL: Barbara Walker: Being Here, Arnolfini, Bristol, until Sun 25 May

This exhibition of figurative works by the Turner prize-nominated artist includes 60 works from the last 30 years. There are paintings of her Birmingham family, friends and community, as well as the series Burden of Proof (2022-23), which deals with the Windrush scandal.

SUSSEX: 25 Mile Menu, dining series, The Jolly Sportsman, Lewes, every Sat in Mar

How’s this for reducing air miles? This gorgeous pub focuses on farm-to-table dining, but for this series every single item on your plate will be sourced within 25 miles of the pub. From super-fresh veggies to grass-fed meat and fish from the South Coast, you’ll be treated to four courses for just £45 per person. Yum.

KENT: Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Sat 8 March – Sun 31 Aug

Are you harbouring a Lego fanatic in your house? The Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks exhibition has docked for its UK debut at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. It features epic shipwrecks, brought to life in Lego by designer Ryan ‘The Brickman’ McNaught. The exhibition covers 3,000 years of naval history, from the ancient Uluburun shipwreck to the Titanic. Loads for the kids, sure, but there’s plenty to keep the biggies engaged too.

BERKSHIRE: Craft workshops, various locations, dates throughout Mar

If you’re a crafty type, we’ve got more workshops happening in Berkshire this month than you can toss a paintbrush at. Start at the Base at Greenham – the holy grail of all things creative. Their Master Crafter programme is celebrating National Craft Month this March with a series of workshop including Painting & Prosecco (Thu 6 Mar), Creative Mindfulness: Rejuvenate (Sat 8 Mar), Painting on Silk (Thu 13 Mar), Living Spring Wreath Making (Sat 29 Mar), and many, many more. It’s the perfect opportunity to try something new, make new pals, and just take a bit of time for ourselves. Desperately needed if you ask me.

LONDON: Leigh Bowery Exhibition at Tate Modern, Southbank, until 31 Aug

Leigh Bowery‘s short but uniquely remarkable life is being celebrated at Tate Modern until 31 Aug, and we can’t wait to visit. He wore a lot of different hats, literally and figuratively – artist, performer, model, TV personality, club promoter, fashion designer and musician, known across the board for his taboo-busting tastes. This eclectic and immersive exhibition shows his many ‘looks’ and their influence across all that we have considered ‘cool’ ever since. Yep, Leigh’s still cutting-edge.

YORKSHIRE: The Magic Flute, Opera North, Hull (27 & 29 March) and other venues

If you missed Opera North’s The Magic Flute last autumn, then you have been granted another chance as it returns to Hull and the north. Mozart’s masterpiece is a great introduction to opera, packed with fantasy, romance, comedy and daring. James Brining’s captivating production, Colin Richmond’s shape-shifting design and the maestro’s musical fireworks make for a dizzying, magical ride through a world where nothing is ever quite as it seems. The Magic Flute Lite shorter matinee performances are ideal for children and there are family-friendly pre-show workshops to get everyone in the mood. Make sure you read Muddy’s review before you go! Hull New Theatre 27 & 29 March.

DEVON: Mary Poppins The Musical, Theatre Royal Plymouth, until Sat 29 Mar

In Plymouth, a spoonful of Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s hit musical is sure to make the medicine go down. It’s on until the end of the month, so spit spot! If you missed it in the West End, here’s your chance to catch the world’s favourite nanny on her UK and Ireland tour.

CORNWALL: Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery reopening

Who needs a culture fix? Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery in Truro (once the Royal Cornwall Museum) has just re-opened after two months of renovation works, and we’re buzzing about it! It’s back with a bang with exhibitions by Kurt Jackson (Biodiversity) and artist and environmentalist Tony Foster (Exploring Time: A Painter’s Perspective), and that’s not all – kids will love the multi-media exhibits and hands-on activities in the brand new Heart of Cornwall Gallery and Mineral and Nature Galleries. Playing and learning – everybody’s happy.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE: Cotswold Farm Park’s Live Lambing, Guiting Power, Cheltenham, throughout March

What beats seeing bouncy lambs at this time of the year? Very little we say, and the awesome Cotswold Farm Park has 900 of them to coo over. Make a beeline for the Animal Barn where you can see lambs popping into the world. Tune into fascinating daily talks from keepers and have a go at bottle-feeding (hold on tight, those little guys are strong!). Don’t miss the chick hatching room next door where you can stroke fluffy baby chicks. Plus, book in for the new Lambing After Dark experience, a unique behind-the-scenes session hosted by the farm team, followed by a delicious meal at the Park restaurant, all included in your ticket price.

DEVON: John Lyons: Carnivalesque, The Box Museum & Gallery, Plymouth, until 5 May

Add a pop of carnival colour to your life with this new touring exhibition curated by The Whitworth at Plymouth’s award-winning museum and gallery.  The first major retrospective exhibition of the Caribbean British artist and poet John Lyons, it brings together six decades of his work, based on Lyons’ childhood experiences of carnival, and the customs and folklore of Trinidad.

WARWICKSHIRE: Marshmallow Laser Feast exhibition at Compton Verney, until Sun 6 Apr

Fancy paying the Amazon rainforest a visit? Head to Compton Verney instead for an immersive video installation by experiential artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast. Breathing with the Forest is set on three huge screens in the Adam Hall and depicts the life cycle of the rainforest. 

YORKSHIRE: The Flying Dutchman, Hull New Theatre and other venues, until 28 Mar

Opera North is on a roll, with The Flying Dutchman touring Yorkshire, Newcastle, Manchester and Nottingham. Wagner’s music is always spine-tingling and this bold reinterpretation of the classic tale of a ghost ship adds contemporary themes. Until 28 Mar.

DEVON: Candlelight Concerts, National Marine Aquarium, until 23 Mar

The perfect antidote to the tail end of winter, this series of candlelit concerts in Plymouth covers all styles of music from Vivaldi and Hans Zimmer to Pink Floyd. Making it even more special, the backdrop is the city’s mesmerising National Marine Aquarium.

HAMPSHIRE: Austenmania! at Jane Austen’s House, Chawton, until 2026

Hampshire’s first lady is back in the spotlight 250 years after her birth and will be celebrated with 250 cultural events around the county. These include Austenmania!, a new exhibition at East Hampshire’s Jane Austen’s House Museum. Tour the rooms where Jane wrote her groundbreaking novels, then take a nostalgic look back at TV and film adaptations of her work since 1995, including that classic BBC series (who can forget Colin Firth emerging from the lake?) and Clueless. While you’re at it, check out our guide to the best Austen TV adaptations.

SOMERSET: Iconic: Portraiture from Francis Bacon to Andy Warhol, The Holburne Museum, Bath, until 5 May

The former Georgian party palace turned fabulous art gallery’s new exhibition explores the ways artists – including Francis Bacon, Peter Blake, Richard Hamilton, Gerhard Richter and Andy Warhol – are inspired by photography. The permanent collection of fine and decorative arts is well worth a look, too.  The bookshop and a café opening out onto Sydney Gardens are lovely.

YORKSHIRE: David Hockney: Pieced Together, Bradford, until Sun 18 May

After its recent sparkling, if sub-zero, launch, Bradford is now shining in the spotlight as UK City of Culture 2025, so don’t miss the jam-packed menu of art, film, theatre, music, dance and community-led programmes throughout an exciting, exhilarating year. A new David Hockney: Pieced Together exhibition until 18 May 2025 will showcase the Bradford-born, now world-renowned, artist’s pioneering use of film and photography as well as his early ‘joiner’ photocollages, two of which are part of the recently reopened National Science and Media Museum’s collection. He is also the inspiration and support behind a nationwide drawing project called – drum roll, please – DRAW! Members of the public are invited to take part, so pencils at the ready for sketches more creative than the title.