Spotlight

Wealth - how to get it, grow it, and keep it in the familyFrom university fees to care homes and to buying property, families are stepping in like never before to beat the tax man and help their relatives. Here's what you need to know to join them.
48 Mother's Day afternoon teas that deliverCan't give mum a hug? This is a close second: tiny sandwiches, a lot of clotted cream, and an optional bottle of fizz. Here are the 48 best afternoon teas for delivery and takeaway around the country.
Letterbox cheer: best gifts by postShare the love in lockdown (we’re almost there!) with one of these fun letterbox gift ideas, from book bundles and candles, to beauty boxes and wine.
Fast forward to fun! Fab things to do in 2021Is that a hint of spring I feel in the air? No? Oh well, take solace in the fact that by summer there'll be warm weather and hopefully loads of things to do - right! Here’s our list of fab events to pencil in the diary.
Packing a pooch: the best local dog walksDoes your four-legged friend need a change of scene? Set the tails wagging with these Leicestershire and Rutland walks with woodland, rivers and plenty of off-lead opportunities

Well, hello!

I'm Keya, editor of Muddy Leics & Rutland, here to bring you the quirky, cool and downright unmissable in the area.

Gotta Have It

Enough with cosy interiors and soft greys - here’s our edit of the fabrics, paints and tiles to lift your spirits and inject some spring into your step, hallway, walls, sofas...

The UK’s most creative and unique independent shops, makers and producers local to you.

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Home View more
And the Best Place to Live in Leicestershire is…

This leafy town in the heart of Leicestershire has a fabulous community spirit and a brilliant buzzing indie scene, we have a worthy winner!
- And the Best Place to Live in Rutland is…
  
  Sitting proudly in England’s smallest county, this tiny market town oozes charm from every corner and is made up of pretty stone buildings, cosy pubs and so much more.
- 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.
Wellbeing
- Four ways to become more Zen
  
  Whether it's social anxiety about lockdown ending, or panic that it's not coming soon enough, a new book claims the ancient art of Zen will see us through. Ready to try it?
- Splash! Outdoor open swimming spots
  
  We’ve been in lockdown for what feels like FOREVER and now that there’s light at...

Arts & Culture View more
Pass the remote! 5 things to watch this week

From guilty pleasure TV and true-crime documentaries to cult comedy and feminist flicks – there’s something for everyone in our curated pick of new releases this week.
- Fast forward to fun! Fab things to do in 2021
  
  Is that a hint of spring I feel in the air? No? Oh well, take solace in the fact that by summer there'll be warm weather and hopefully loads of things to do - right! Here’s our list of fab events to pencil in the diary.
- Feet up: 7 things to watch this week
  
  A week's worth of great telly content, picked out across the channels and streaming sites. Put your feet up and settle in with one of these great things to watch.
- Why Emerald Fennell is our new girl crush
  
  She juggles horror and humour and always comes out on top; and from Killing Eve to The Crown to Young Promising Woman, she's written or acted in the most talked about film and TV in years
- Top TV: 6 things to watch this week
  
  We've unearthed this week's cream of the TV crop to save you the endless scrolling. From Bear Grylls to Patrick Dempsey we've got every genre and, erm, gorgeous gigastar covered...

Little Black Book

Want to support local? Our curated pick of the most creative, unique and brilliant businesses near you.

The Willoughby Book Club

zestEAT

Tailored Taste

Nutrition with Harry

John's House Restaurant

Let's Get Lost Leicester

The Jam Garden, Loughborough

The Stag and Hounds, Burrough on the Hill

Simon Cawthorne

The Dog House, Leicester

Nada, Zero Waste Leicester

Restore Therapies

Eat View more
Best places for coffee and catch ups outdoors

Remember when could meet a friend for coffee? Well from next week we’ll be able to do just that but, only outdoors. Make a date and stop off at one of these local cafe/delis before your long-awaited rendezvous.
- 48 Mother’s Day afternoon teas that deliver
  
  Can't give mum a hug? This is a close second: tiny sandwiches, a lot of clotted cream, and an optional bottle of fizz. Here are the 48 best afternoon teas for delivery and takeaway around the country.
- Comforting classics from The Pie Room
  
  Ooh, is there anything more satisfying than good flaky pastry? These two tasty recipes from Calum Franklin's new cookbook The Pie Room are just the ticket.

Work View more
Ideas to get your finances into shape for 2021

The beginning of the year is always about renewal, resolutions and healthy regimes. But the fallout from Covid has shown how financial wellbeing is also vital – and too often overlooked. Muddy limbers up for a money MOT.
Kids
- Splash! Outdoor open swimming spots
  
  We’ve been in lockdown for what feels like FOREVER and now that there’s light at...
- Half-term hack: the best online courses for kids
  
  Run out of ways to entertain the kiddos? Check out Muddy's list of the best online classes and workshops that you can do from anywhere across the country, just in time for half-term.

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Fashion View more
Word up! Slogan sweats to buy now

Can’t find the words to say it yourself? Say it with a sweater! Here are eight cool slogan jumpers we’re coveting right now, all from indie shops and brands.
- 2021 fashion collabs you need to know
  
  When high fashion met high street. Here are the new season fashion collabs we're lusting after this month (with surprisingly affordable price tags).
- The trouser brigade: stylish alternatives to jeans
  
  It's time to cast off the joggers and emerge from your style hibernation. We've found some comfortable but chic alternatives for those days when denim isn't doing it for you

Beauty View more
- Skincare SOS – your winter essentials
  
  Zoom close-ups making you wince? Cold winter days and dry central heating are playing havoc with our skin. Try these hero products for a dose of much-needed hydration.
- 7 divine bath oils for a long soak
  
  We've put Blue Monday behind us. I think that calls for a relaxing bath, don't you? Here's how to make your evening soak more luxurious than ever.

People View more
Five lockdown heroines to celebrate IWD

It’s been a bit of a year so to mark International Women’s Day 2021, we thought we’d big up five women who have impressed, delighted and inspired us over the past 12 months.
- The local creatives behind The Indie Store
  
  As we gingerly step back into the real world, it's more important than ever to support local. Here some of our Indie Store businesses recount their journey and show what makes them special
- Muddy meets… Melissa Hemsley
  
  It turns out the healthy cooking queen has culinary disasters too! Melissa spills the beans (then whips them up into a tasty frittata) on burnt pans, how to waste less food and keeping an endless supply of cookie dough in the freezer.
- WONDER WOMEN
  
  To celebrate International Women's Day on Sun 8 March, Muddy is shining the spotlight on some of our favourite trail-blazing, commotion-causing women from the creative industries.
- Muddy has a laugh with comedian Sarah Johnson
  
  Muddy chats to the funny lady about why she turned down the chance to act, how she gets her kids involved in comedy and her new show.

Travel View more
Grab the sunnies: our 2021 travel bucket list

It’s been so long, holidays have taken on a rather emotional hue. So we asked our editors how they really want to spend their annual leave. Expect cocktails, cities, and plenty of sun.
- Muddy-approved attractions in Leicestershire
  
  From the big-beast tourist destinations to our cool insider alternatives, read on for our pick of must-sees in the county.
- Muddy approved attractions in Rutland
  
  From the must-see hot spots in England's smallest county to cool insider alternatives, here's the most unmissable attractions in Rutland.