The urban guide to the countryside -

Well, hello!

I'm Sophie, editor of Muddy Gloucestershire & Worcestershire, here to bring you the quirky, cool and downright unmissable in the area.

Gotta Have It

Well, who could have predicted THIS as the must-have summer 2020 accessory? If you've gotta wear one, it may as well look chic, right?

Our curated A-Z of the grooviest local businesses

Property Flirt! Can you guess the price?Cabin fever levels rising exponentially? Let's get some sweet relief with a virtual meander around this four bed des res for sale in Maisemore, Gloucestershire.
Superflashy newsflashWant to know what's hot for July? We've super-sleuthed all the latest under the radar news for you, from gourmet glasshouse dining pop-ups to new boutique openings.
Stay-in Saviour – what to stream this weekIf 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.
The Muddy insider guide to NorfolkSumer holidays incoming! Read our brand new and brilliant curated guide to Norfolk, with luxe SPF brand Saltee, and start planning your staycation (PLUS enter our sexy £2,888 summer giveaway!).
Stream these now! What to watch this weekSuffering from boxset fatigue? I hear ya! Crank up the excitement level with our top picks from this week's TV, film, theatre and music.

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

Eat View more
In the pink: the rosé revolution

Welcome to the rosé renaissance. Once dismissed as “lady petrol” (ugh), it’s now officially the drink of the summer. Read on for top tips on buying the best bottles and that all important question – does it give you a hangover?
- Giffords Cauliflower Salad and Eton Mess
  
  Roll up, roll up! ... Put some razzle-dazzle back into mealtime monotony with a double whammy of scrumptious, summery dishes from Giffords Circus new cookbook.
- Smokin’! The perfect summer burger recipe
  
  The weather's pulling a blinder this week, so fire up the BBQ and rustle up this bad boy with homemade ketchup (fancy!) from Muddy favourite The Pig group.
- Quarantini time! Heston’s Gold Rush
  
  Looking to up your cocktail creds during lockdown? We've rifled through Heston Blumenthal’s cocktail bible, so perk yourself up with a Gold Rush.
- Provençal fougasse with green and black olives
  
  Lockdown is the perfect time to get to grips with our favourite chewy loaf: sourdough. Ready, set, bake with this savoury share-and-tear number (you can skip the sharing bit if you like).

Arts & Culture View more
We’re all going on a big-screen holiday

Choose your destination, fasten your seats and get ready for take off. Here’s 30 films, set in exotic locations that are almost as good travelling abroad
- Staying indoors? Here’s what to watch this week
  
  Bored of boxsets? I hear ya loud and clear lady! Here's our latest round up of what's new for TV, film, theatre and music to keep you entertained this week.
- Read these new releases this month
  
  After a little escapism? With flights grounded, we're reaching for the next best thing - a good book! Here are seven sizzlers to add to your reading list.
- Read THESE this month
  
  Reasons to be cheerful: spring has sprung and a brilliant new batch of March books has arrived. Gather around, and let Muddy's pro-bookworm Kerry Potter tell you a story.
- 5 things I’ve learned about motherhood
  
  Acclaimed author (and Muddy favourite) Clover Stroud is in the midst of raising her 5 children. Miraculously she's found time to write a book about it all. Here's a taster.

Home View more
- Property Flirt! Can you guess the price?
  
  Cabin fever levels rising exponentially? Get some sweet relief with a virtual meander around this four bed des res for sale in Maisemore, Gloucestershire.
Wellbeing
- 20 wonderful Spring walks
  
  It's National Walking Month! Sling on your boots, pack the flask, and get a much needed boost on one of our wonderful walks.
- 7 steps to better sleep
  
  You've downed a chamomile tea, ignored your phone for an hour and shoved your 900th sheep over a gate - but still can't get to sleep. Sound familiar? Time to pandemic-proof your sleep with our guide to getting some Z's during lockdown.

Work View more
Muddy opinion: let’s support our shops

I’m itching to get into a real shop when they’re given the green light to open on 15 Jun – here’s why I think hitting our local high streets is a good thing.
Kids
- Is it time to try an online school?
  
  With many children struggling to study at home and doubts over September start dates, ‘virtual’ schools are gaining traction - but what do they offer that’s different?
- Parent ‘Lockdown learning’ survey – the results
  
  We asked and you talked! Read the results of our exclusive parent survey into how lockdown learning is affecting our children, and what we can do to help them.

Fashion View more
The 9 most stylish face masks

Well, who could have predicted THIS as the must-have summer 2020 accessory? If you’ve gotta wear one, it may as well look chic, right?
- Trend alert! Artisanal style
  
  Delicate embroidery, expert craftsmanship and dreamy fabrics - we're coveting artisanal chic for summer. Here are 14 items to add to your (handwoven) basket.
- 6 pairs of trainers for racking up miles
  
  Whether you've rediscovered your love of running during lockdown, or just wanted an excuse to escape the house (guilty!), it's essential to have right kit. Try on these for size.

People View more
Gin genie … Muddy Meets Sarah Gordon-Jones

It’s World Gin Day (our new favourite day of the year) so we caught up with Cheltenham’s gin genie about how she swapped the rat race for the ‘still’ life … and her profesh cocktail tips of course.
- Muddy meets: Shlomo, beatboxer
  
  Record-breaking beatboxer Shlomo has a new project on his hands - raising money for the NHS in association with UK theatres. Tell us about it, Shlo!
- What I’ve learnt in lockdown
  
  Love it or loathe it, lockdown has given us time to learn new skills but has it taught us something deeper? Muddy tapped five busy writers and presenters, juggling careers, babies and even a tumour, to tell all.

Our honest reviews of the UK’s best schools

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

Travel View more
The Muddy insider guide to Norfolk

Summer holidays incoming! Read our brand new and brilliant curated guide to Norfolk, with luxe SPF brand Saltee, and start planning your staycation (PLUS enter our sexy £2,888 summer giveaway!).
- Muddy’s insider guide to Devon
  
  If Devon's on your holiday hit list this year you'll be needing our totally brilliant insider guide to the county. PLUS we have £2,888 of summer goodies up for grabs!
- The Muddy insider guide to The Cotswolds
  
  Prepping for a staycay this summer? Our curated guide to The Cotswolds is packed with our-in-the-know tips and up-to-date openings. Just add sandals and sunshine. PLUS read on for £2,888 of sultry summer goodies to give away).