Latest Articles
-
What’s hot this July
Music festivals, outdoor theatre, art exhibitions and more, we've rounded up the best things to see and do this month!
-
Muddy visits the elderflower harvest at Belvoir Farm
We all have our fave summer drink we turn to when the weather heats up. Mine just happens to be Sparkling Elderflower, so I couldn't resist the chance to head to the elderflower harvest at Belvoir Farm and experience the flower to bottle process for myself.
-
7 of the best bistro sets to buy now
The faintest whiff of summer sun and you'll find us out in the garden, chilled spritz in hand. And to sit at? One of these seven totally chic bistro sets, darling!
-
Meet your Muddy Awards 2022 Winners for Leicestershire and Rutland
Your votes have been counted and - drumroll please - the results are in. Here are your Muddy Awards 2022 winners. Go say hi, they're local you know!
-
10 perfect picnic spots in Leicestershire & Rutland
Dust off your wicker basket, roll out your tartan blanket and and head to one of these outdoor beauty spots across Leicestershire and Rutland to enjoy lunch al fresco.
-
Chin Chin! How to celebrate English Wine Week
It's English Wine Week (18-26 June)! As if we need an excuse to drink more wine! Head to one of these local vineyards or drinking holes to top up your glass with everything from from Leicestershire rose to Sussex fizz.
-
Gotta Have It
Out with the mismatched garden furniture and in with stylish sets and accessories that will make your garden so cosy, your guests won't want to leave.
-
FRESH! Best outdoor theatre in your hood!
Picnic hampers and fold-up chairs at the ready: it's outdoor theatre season! You've got your pick this year, from kid-pleasing comedy to family classics. Here are the best to book now.
-
7 ways to celebrate Father’s Day
Taxi driver, sports coach, cash machine… dads rock! If you’re stuck on what to do with dad this Father’s Day take some inspiration from us. (Psst! it’s on Sun 19 June).
-
How to nail the perfect picnic
The sun's out - quick, grab the wicker basket! If you're partial to a picnic (I mean, who isn't?) here's some inspo on how to pimp up your al fresco feast - including £500 of free Ocado deliveries (well hello M&S Deli range).
-
The Muddy edit: 30 hottest summer pieces from Next
Whether you're heading to the beach, on a chic city break or sipping Pimm's at a garden party - here's how to do it in style with Muddy ed-in-chief Hero Brown's picks, all new-in at Next.
-
Driving us wild! The world’s best road trips
There’s nothing like hitting the open road to give you a sense of freedom and adventure on holiday, whether it’s a 24-hour jaunt or a week-long epic escape.
-
Glorious gins to gift this World Gin Day
We're partial to a G&T at Muddy, so we're throwing the spotlight on the best ones made locally which you can gift to a fellow gin lover. Ready? Let's beGIN!
-
Indian Ocean calling: Up to 40% off Mauritius family hols
If you're going to the sun, you gotta do it in style, right? Leading luxury travel company Turquoise have teamed up with the Mauritian tourist board for three incredible deals this summer. Ready, steady, pack!
-
Island paradise: Muddy’s mad for Madeira!
Muddy jetted off to the Portuguese island for a long weekend of fun in the sun and discovered a magical mix of great food, luxe hotels and spectacular hikes.
-
6 surprising perks for teens and adults aboard Disney Cruise Line
Love the idea of a family cruise but worry that Disney Cruise Line only cater to little ones? From teen spa treatments to on-board adult cooking classes, prepare to be mightily surprised.
-
Meet the Muddy Awards 2022 Finalists!
Your nominations have been totted up and the results are in! Here are your amazing Muddy Awards 2022 Finalists in Leicestershire and Rutland. Vote to crown your local champions now!
-
A stay fit for a queen! 8 hotels with royal connections
Looking for somewhere to rest your crown? Pack the corgis and head to one of these hotels and holiday homes with the royal stamp of approval.
-
6 ways to get the best sleep you’ve ever had
Do you struggle to snooze? We’ve nobbled the pros at Healthily for the latest scientific thinking on how to conquer insomnia. Cue, walnuts, pink noise - and orgasms.
-
Your summer reading list – sorted!
Need a new read to bring to the beach (or, y'know, to keep on the bedside table)? The literary brains at Muddy have rounded up the best new and upcoming novels to add to your TBR pile.
-
8 beautiful barn conversions on the market right now
Ooh, what is it about the combo of an exposed beam and an open-plan room that sets our hearts aflutter? If you're in the market for a barn conversion, here are eight stunners currently up for grabs
-
5 stylish sleepwear sets for him
Threadbare boxers begone! The style gods have spoken (aka Gucci and Harry Styles) and pyjamas for men are in - here are five sets that hit the spot.
-
Food for thought: the best gourmet getaways
Eat, sleep, repeat! Food and travel go together like, er, gin and tonic (cheers!). If you find top nosh plays a key part in making your holiday a success, take things a step further and make it the focus.
-
A quick veggie supper dish from Georgina Hayden
This Mediterranean twist on roast potatoes, with coriander and olives, makes a perfect side dish, or the main event for lunch alongside a crisp green salad.
-
The best cruise holidays for 2023
When one destination isn't enough, try several! Now throw in luxury accommodation, spa, gym, restaurants and activities for the whole gang, and raise a cocktail to your new travel BFF - the cruise.
-
23 of the best places to holiday in the UK
Staycationing this summer? Then you're going to want to check out our bang-up-to-date insider guides to these top towns and cities across the Muddy counties.
-
Incoming: 10 hot new hotels you need to know!
Tripadvisor has revealed its top ten Travellers’ Choice Hottest New Hotels in the World 2022 - wanna see? From an adult-only Himalayan hideaway to a family favourite in Brazil, it's all the travel inspo we need for the year ahead.
-
8 gorgeous new gardening books
Bountiful borders, striped lawn and artfully placed sculptures here we come, but first, sit down, grab a coffee and get lost in the sublime pages of these beauties (those weeds can wait another hour or so)
-
Your new go-to chicken supper dish by Ella Risbridger
This easy recipe for cardamom and cinnamon chicken rice is a one-pot wonder from Ella's latest cookbook, A Year of Miracles
-
Gotta have it! KITRI’s first interiors collection
Palm Springs calling! Mega-chic fash brand KITRI has launched its first homeware collection, and it's giving us major retro vibes. We love.
-
Sunshine escape: 48 hours in Lisbon!
Stop the city break search! Portugal’s hilly capital’s bursting with colour, culture and great places to eat, drink and stay (not to mention custard tarts at every turn...).
-
Summer 2023 Ahoy!
Struggling to nail the perfect family holiday for next year? Drop anchor and relax, Disney Cruise Line and its new European voyages, including departures from Southampton, could be the answer to all your problems.
-
Muddy Review: Hotel Meudon, Falmouth
Off the beaten track and with a private beach and acres of subtropical gardens, the newly revamped Hotel Meudon is a bit of a Cornish coastal gem.
-
Lady of the manor! 7 stately homes you can stay in
The new Downton film is here, and we fancy channelling Lady Mary. For a stately staycay, here are seven manors you can overnight in (butlers sadly not included).
-
50 gorgeous glamping stays to book now
Pitching a tent? No thanks! These 50 luxurious stays across the Muddy counties put the 'glam' in glamping, from stunning yurts to chic lodges and charming shepherd's huts.
-
Review: The Kings Arms, Egham, Surrey
Not your usual pub with rooms, The Kings Arms in Egham is a stylish and sumptuous boutique inn with a thoughtful menu and a warm welcome.
-
5 jaw-dropping coastal homes on the market
From seaside stunners fit for a queen, to A-lister-worthy waterfront homes - these incredible coastal properties are on our 'dream homes' Pinterest board right now.
-
Hotels we heart! 53 stylish staycations to book now
Fancy cool interiors, facilities to die for and plenty of space at the inn? Your wish is our command! Feast your eyes on the chicest large hotels the Muddy counties have to offer
-
Review: Wild Thyme & Honey, Ampney Crucis
Cotswolds corker! Brand new for this year and showing all the honey-stoned charms you'd expect of an historic 16th century inn (with some multi-million pound mod-cons), read on and book in. You'll love it.
-
Star stay: take a peek inside Pharrell Williams’ new hotels!
Celebs love a glam hotel but some go one step further and open their own, like singer Pharrell Williams' new Miami and Bahamas resorts. No wonder he's so happy...
-
Fresh air, fresh fashion!
Seven compelling reasons to head to Bicester Village including up to 20 per cent off prices in April's renowned Private Sale and the Do-Good pop up boutique. Trust us, no-show is not an option.
-
Psst! Laidback French family ski resort alert
Missed out on skiing due to you-know-what? Muddy's just back from Chamrousse, Isère, and we're in love with its laidback family charm. Book a sneaky a flight and use our guide for a gorgeous late escape.
-
Inside Kate and Wills’ luxury Bahamas resort
Amazing outfits and controversial PR moments aside, what we were really fixated on during Kate and Will's Caribbean tour was the dreamy hotel they checked into in the Bahamas.
-
25 stunning coastal stays to book now
Ready to book that spring/summer seaside staycation? Then you'll want to book into one of these super-luxe coastal stays - and pronto - before they're all booked up!
-
Bridgerton filming locations you can visit IRL
Remember being obsessed with Bridgerton? Well, Netflix’s hit show (82 million viewers and counting) is back for a second series on 25 March, and Muddy’s already buying in the popcorn and keen to visit all the key locations!
-
Arit Anderson: what’s hot in garden design for 2022
The do's, the don'ts and the garden must-haves! Muddy nabbed BBC TV garden designer, Arit Anderson, for all the intel (and where she gets her fab frocks).
-
Your 2022 social calendar – the ultimate Guide
Diaries out? Read on for our insider guide on where to go, what to do, and - of course - how to nail the dress code with perfect prints and dazzling dresses from Ted Baker.
-
51 brilliant afternoon teas to book now
Celebrate spring with clotted cream and dainty sarnies! We've found 51 of the best afternoon teas across the Muddy counties. But you'd better book 'em fast — here today, scone tomorrow.
-
Is this the world’s best family-friendly resort?
Beaches Negril, Jamaica’s all-inclusive family resort, has beaten off the competition to take top slot at the World Travel Awards for years - but did it get a gold star from Muddy?
-
How to plan the perfect Thai holiday
You asked - and we have the answers! From the best spas and beaches, to idyllic family escapes or adventure trips, Thailand expert James Bell from the luxury Turquoise Holidays has the lowdown on how to go east in style
-
Kids & eco anxiety: how to tackle it
Getting past the doom and gloom to focus on positive action isn't always easy - but here's how from Leisa Stewart-Sharpe, who's written books for Sir David Attenborough's TV series
-
Oscar nominations 2022! The ones to watch
Get ready to walk the carpet and take the best seats in your house for this year's Oscar nominated movies. Here are the ones to watch (and where)…
-
Hey, sexy pants! The Muddy lingerie edit
Bridget Jones enormo-pants, be gone! Update your underwear drawer ahead of Valentine's Day with our curated pick of the slinkiest, sexiest (and comfiest!) lingerie to buy now.
-
20 Rom-Com classics blokes will love
Looking for a date night movie? Suggesting a rom com to a man is like offering garlic bread to a vampire. But we've found 20 will-watch films to cosy up to.
-
Lorraine Candy: “Put your oxygen mask on first.”
Ex Elle editor, parenting author and mum of four Lorraine Candy talks hormones (yours!), pot-plant parenting, and how adults need to look after their own mental health
-
Vive la France! Where to book for any occasion
To celebrate French borders reopening to Brits, we've curated a list of our favourite escapes across the channel from ski holidays to under the radar city breaks and multi-generational getaways.
-
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.
-
Witness the fitness! Best sportswear to buy now
There's loads of gorgeous new sportswear in the shops and online at the moment. Hop, skip and jump this way for the Muddy edit.
-
Trend barometer! What’s hot (or not) for 2022
Pinterest has released its predictions for the biggest (and most bonkers) trends in 2022 - but what do you think? Let's head to the Muddy trend-o-meter to find out…
-
Period drama hotties coming in 2022
Ladies, loosen that corset lest you faint dead away! Here's a sneak peak at the upcoming period drama men getting us hot under the collar in 2022, plus 11 more historical hotties to drool over.
-
Green for go! 10 sustainable holidays
Want to do your bit for the environment while enjoying your hols? Check out these eco-friendly hot spots which are clean, green and keen on a bit of luxury too.
-
8 health and fitness books to kick-start your 2022
New year, new bod: Get your exercise groove on with one of these new wave of bespoke fitness books catering for everyone, from angry yogis to gym sceptics
-
Hair trends 2022: the new styles to try this year
Is this the year to shake up your style? From the French bob to buttermilk balayage, awesome award-winning salon group Haringtons give the lowdown on 22’s most coveted looks
-
Best spa breaks to book now
Robe and fluffy slippers at the ready! It's time to revitalise for the new year with some serious pampering, and these spa breaks are the best way to do it. Meet you in the jacuzzi...
-
Escape by rail to these 7 heavenly new hotels
No flight, no faff... hop on the train to these gorgeous new hotels from the newest Pig Hotel to a Peaks treehouse and a cheeky little number in Paris
-
Muddy meets: Phoebe Dynevor & Kerry Fox
The hottest new UK actress and the queen of indie film star in the new Sky Original biopic The Colour Room. They talk kissing protocol, brave film choices and 1920s girl power.
-
How to nail the perfect script, by The Colour Room’s Claire Peate
Autumn’s hottest film is nearly here starring Phoebe Dynevor as 1930s ceramicist Clarice Cliff. We talk pottery, writing tips and channeling Clarice with writer Claire Peate
-
5 easy ways to go plastic-free in your kitchen
You've got your canvas shopping bag and your food bin - now try these five simple swaps to earn serious eco creds (and save the planet, obv).
-
Where to rent, repair and sell gorgeous designer clothes
Madonna's cone bra is now available to rent! It's ethical, eco and everywhere... here's where you can rent, repair and sell-on stylish clothes, from Christmas party outfits to eye-catching clutch bags
-
Where are the Best Places to Live 2022?
Our obsession with upping sticks and moving shows no sign of abating. Lucky then that for our new intake of Best Places to Live we've partnered with Strutt & Parker estate agents!
-
5 of the best… sofas
Kick those shoes off and settle in: it's the speed-round Muddy edit of the most important thing you'll ever buy — a sofa. Squashy, stylish, easy to clean...how do you like 'em?
-
Wow house: how to style (and shoot) your home like a pro
We scrolled through the fabulous portfolio of photographer Ellie Walpole to glean her top tips and tricks for making your interiors stand out.
-
How to hang art in your home
Left-a-bit-right-a-bit. Yup, that's it.... we speak to the experts at an award-winning gallery to demystify the art of hanging art. Rawlplugs at the ready?
-
4 simple, stylish ways to revamp your home
'Tis the season to make your house beautiful - so kickstart your dream project with our tips on what's trending right now, PLUS £500 to spend at the brilliant Brewers Decorator Centres
-
Italy, Mr Bond? 24 hours in Matera
Make mine a martini, shaken not stirred while we tell you our insider tips on how to best experience the coolest city you've probably never heard of.
-
A new leaf: your 10 autumn wardrobe essentials
Bright knits, checks, big handbags, even bigger boots. We've got your autumn/winter 2021 fashion fix sorted.
-
65 paw-fect dog-friendly stays
Have pooch, will travel? You betcha! Here are 65 stays across the Muddy counties that are all Fido-friendly, from stunning stately homes to rural cottage staycations.
-
Does the world need another online school?
Pearson Online Academy UK Global thinks so! With the launch of the educational behemoth's founding school in September, Muddy gets the lowdown from Principal Jo Vigneron
-
Your health questions answered!
Don’t understand why the weight won’t shift? Have a back that’s reminiscent of Quasimodo? Muddy puts your questions to Healthily’s chief medical officer, Professor Maureen Baker
-
Muddy talks parenting with Lorraine Candy
“All teenage girls think their mums are a bit rubbish”. Journalist and mother of four Lorraine Candy talks parenting, moody teens and motherhood with Muddy.
-
Can Haringtons tame the Muddy mane?
Fly-away hair with lots of grey? Not just me then... The challenge for award-winning hairdresser and colourist Barry was to create a style that will still look good a week later
-
Their words: what kids really think of online school
What if you're too scared to put your hand up in class, too exhausted to get out of bed, struggle with SEN, or too busy playing golf? Four kids explain why they made the switch and what they think of life at InterHigh, an online school.
-
Affordable French skincare for va-va-voom glow
We've unearthed eight French pharmacy brands with that certain je ne sais quoi. Here's your passport to a natural glow a la Marion Cotillard... and the best bit? It won't break the bank
-
Nine divine holiday rentals to book now for an autumn break
If you didn't have sharp enough elbows to get your summer holiday staycation nailed, fear not. Here are the holiday rentals to book now for an autumn weekend escape
-
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
The rainclouds may be out in force (seriously spring, what's going on?!), but this sunny griddled pineapple with vanilla and cinnamon ice cream should brighten up your day.
-
Jason Atherton’s Spanish Chicken Casserole
Michelin-starred casserole for dinner? Yes please! Make this Spanish dish from chef Jason Atherton, plus save up to 63% on Naked Wines to pair with it. Muy bueno!
-
Waffles for breakfast? Yes please!
What do you get when you cross a chocolate brownie, a waffle maker and a handful of strawberries? Heaven on a plate! Sate your sweet tooth with this delicious recipe.
-
Weekly watchlist: the 10 best things on TV this week
Comfies on! We've compiled ten of the best things on TV this week, ripe and ready for you to binge. From monster-packed rom-coms to Oscar-buzz dramas, it's your pick...
-
15 must-have accessories for outdoor dining in style
Out with the scratched melamine, in with stylish cups, cocktail shakers, candelabra, and cutlery. Here's our guide to the wow accessories that will make your alfresco meal sparkle
-
58 things to glam up your garden
Garden parties are go, people! But, oh God — is that really the state of the patio? Glam up the garden and impress your guests with these 58 must-have garden objects.
-
This year’s 12 must-see Oscar movies
Cinemas are shut, popcorn consumption is dangerously low but the Oscar noms are in. We have the skinny on what, where and when you can watch this year's best in show.
-
Two Minute Truths: School Fees
Worried about your child's education? Watch our brand new Two Minute Truths video on how to plan for school fees, in association with Schroders Personal Wealth.
-
Cheaper than therapy: brilliant self-help books
Being stuck inside for a year hasn’t done us a ton of good, but help is at hand. Try one of these tomes designed to get our work, home and head space in order.
-
Wear the rainbow! Bright knits for a lockdown lift
Lockdown monotony getting you down? Here's a fun idea: brighten up your Zoom calls (and your mood) with a different rainbow knit for every day of the week.
-
Boredom begone: online courses & classes to do right now
Bored at home? No longer! Muddy's been hard at work finding you the very best online class to do in your county. From computer coding to nipple tassels, we've got it all.
-
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.
-
Two Minute Truths: Financial care for parents
Organising care for ageing parents can be a tricky topic to handle – and expensive too. Watch our video for the insider info you need to plan properly for this lifestyle stage.
-
The Simple Life: pared-back properties in nature
Looking to get away from it all? Try one of these dreamy pared-back properties for a taste of pastoral living. From projects crying out for TLC to sprawling listed mansions, we've got it all.
-
Best new fitness tech for 2021
Need something to help those workouts along? Itching for some new tech in the new year? Read on for the Muddy edit of the best flashy fitness buys of 2021.
-
Listen up! Best wellbeing podcasts
Want to boost your wellbeing? Hell yeah! While we can’t go to the gym right now, we can go on long solo walks with inspirational podcasts. Here's our pick.
-
Two Minute Truths: Going Single
Decided to call time on your relationship? Watch the first video in our brand new Two Minute Truths series for expert advice on planning financially for your new beginning.
-
40 of the best indie coffee roasters
Can't function without your morning brew? Try one of these delicious artisan blends, from indie coffee roasters across the Muddy counties, to kickstart your day with a caffeine boost.