Spotlight

What's on AugustWell hello awesome August! ... it's a month of festivals, alfresco theatre, big-hitter shows and oodles of fun. Plan the most supreme summer ever (god knows we need it!) with our handpicked curation of what's on near you in Glos and Worcs.
12 Alfresco picnic spotsWhat can top a delicious picnic on a summer's afternoon? Pack the scotch eggs and fizz and head for these supremo snacking spots for a fabulous alfresco picnic in a gorgeous beauty spot.
Muddy meets royalty! Peter Phillips epic new festivalThere's a hot new festival coming to Glos and it has a fabulously royal stamp. Muddy chats to Peter Phillips (son of HRH Princess Anne) about his new 'baby' - a food and drink festival with a sustainable twist. Want to know the royal MC's plans (and his own favourite foodie spots in the county?!) Then read on.
Book This: The Malvern Autumn ShowYes yes, it may be all flip flops and SPF now, but Autumn's just around the corner. Plan in something to look forward to and banish those dark, chilly days with the best awe-tumn show in the counties. Want to know what it's all about? Read on.
No passport required: Go globe-trotting in StroudHow much have you missed travel? Scratch that wanderlust itch at Five Valleys, the newest and coolest 'shop and scoff' destination that takes you around the world without even having to step foot outside the shires. Buckle up and come with us ...

Well, hello!

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

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Gotta Have It

Inspired by Wimbledon last week? Us too. So here's to sharp blazers, pretty dresses, and pleated skirts - and where to buy them!

The most awesome lifestyle businesses across 25 counties will be announced 29th July.

Visit the Awards

Eat View more
12 Alfresco picnic spots

What can top a delicious picnic on a summer’s afternoon? Pack the scotch eggs and fizz and head for these supremo snacking spots for a fabulous alfresco picnic in a gorgeous beauty spot.
- Muddy meets royalty! Peter Phillips epic new festival
  
  There's a hot new festival coming to Glos and it has a fabulously royal stamp. Muddy chats to Peter Phillips (son of HRH Princess Anne) about his new 'baby' - a food and drink festival with a sustainable twist. Want to know the royal MC's plans (and his own favourite foodie spots in the county?! ). Read on.
- No passport required: Go globe-trotting in Stroud
  
  How much have you missed travel? Scratch that wanderlust itch at Five Valleys, the newest and coolest 'shop and scoff' destination that takes you around the world without even having to step foot outside the shires. Buckle up and come with us ...

Arts & Culture View more
What’s on August

IIt’s awesome August! Here are 20 brilliant ways to have fun this month across Glos and Worcs, from festivals and theatre to live music and unmissable shows … find your fun now!
- Book This: The Malvern Autumn Show
  
  It may be all flip flops and SPF now, but Autumn's just around the corner (we'll be knee deep in pumpkins and blackberry gin before you know it!). If you want something to look forward to as we head into dark evenings and chilly days, pay a visit to the Three Counties Malvern Autumn Show. Want to know what it's all about? Read on.
- Escape the heat: this week’s best TV
  
  Sometimes, when the mercury is pushing 30 degrees, the only thing to do is open all the windows, shut the curtains, draw yourself a long, cool drink and shelter in-living room. Here’s what to watch while you do it.

Little Black Book

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

Ingleside House, Cirencester

Queens Hotel, Cheltenham

Jolie Maison, Cirencester

Lisa Cartlidge Hypnotherapy, Stow-on-the-Wold

West Midland Safari Park & Safari Lodges, Bewdley

Tewkesbury Park Hotel, Tewkesbury

Bathurst Arms, North Cerney

Nikki Kirk Photography, Gloucestershire

Charlotte Ferrier, Life Coach & Hypnotherapist, Nailsworth

Lavender Blue, Winchcombe

Mac & Jac's Cafe, Malvern

Memsahib Gin and Tea Bar, Cheltenham

Travel View more
Muddy Reviews: Tewkesbury Park Hotel

Want a getaway that’ll set your heart racing? Then put this stunning bolthole on your wishlist. With stand-out food, stylish decor and a truly cinematic setting Tewkesbury Park Hotel is a big hitter. Want to know what it’s like to stay? Read our review here.
- Best beaches in the South & South West
  
  Heading south for the summer? Then you'll be needing our guide to the 18 best beaches including the inside line on the best activities, foodie joints and sundowner spots.
- The Muddy insider guide to The Cotswolds
  
  Plotting a UK staycay this year? Head to the Cotswolds - the honey-tinged heart of England. Curate your summer holiday in this glorious AONB with our bang-up-to-date, in-the-know guide on where to head.

Home View more
Buffalo Mozzarella with Clementine Salad

Need a new speedy lunch? Try this 15 minute fab mozzarella salad from Tart London – the super-cool caterers of choice for the fashion set (plus Naked Wines at 63% off).
- New wines to try this summer
  
  Naked Wine sommelier and Gordon Ramsay alumnus Ray O'Connor spills the grapes on why he won't pay thousands for wine, what's in his cellar - and how to dodge hangovers.
- Pan-fried sea trout with chilli and saffron broth
  
  Simple to make, yet a showstopper on the plate, this fragrant fish dish is a winner for impressing dinner party guests - especially when served with Naked Wines (at 63% off, natch).
Wellbeing
- 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
- The anti-anxiety guide: 9 top tips
  
  Tired of pushing your problems under the proverbial carpet? Working from her studio in Stow-on-the-Wold, Lisa Cartlidge is a hypnotherapist with a passion for helping people. Want to know how to get out of a rut? Read her advice here.

Life View more
Back in the office? We’re here to help!

Feeling unprepared to head back to the office after a year WFH? Muddy to the rescue with eight essential Do’s and Don’ts (and yes, you will have to change out of sweatpants).
Kids
- 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
- Sun, sand and surf: It’s the Costa del Cotswolds!
  
  Think you have to schlep to the coast to bask on a beach, ride a pedalo or go wild in a wetsuit? You'd be wrong. Welcome to the Cotswolds Country Park Beach - a slice of beachy heaven on your doorstep. We donned our flippers and headed down to see what you can get up to there.

Instamuddy

Fashion View more
Rent your clothes like Carrie!

Ethical, eco and everywhere – with Carrie Symonds showing us how to work a sustainable wardrobe, here’s where you can rewear, repair and renew your clothes in style.
- Best swimwear for 2021
  
  Nothing says summer like new swimwear. Who cares if it's the Med or the back garden, it's time to splash out. Whether it's eco, floral, striped, shaping, nautical or sporty, we've found your perfect bikini or swimsuit.
- Sunglasses to suit your face shape
  
  The weather's perked up - time for new sunnies! We have you covered with our guide to the hottest frames to suit your face shape this summer. Just don't sit on them.

Beauty View more
- 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
- How to get that perfect sun-kissed glow
  
  Forget pale and interesting... we're channelling the St Tropez vibe, minus the orange tint. Here are some lotions and potions for a natural-looking tan without the UV damage

People View more
Muddy meets royalty! Peter Phillips epic new festival

There’s a hot new festival coming to Glos and it has a fabulously royal stamp. Muddy chats to Peter Phillips (son of HRH Princess Anne) about his new ‘baby’ – a food and drink festival with a sustainable twist. Want to know the royal MC’s plans (and his own favourite foodie spots in the county?!) Then read on.
- 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.
- Grape escape: The mum & daughter winemakers
  
  Ever dreamt of living on a vineyard? We chat to the mother and daughter team behind the vines at Woodchester Valley Vineyard who do just that. Plus WIN! a wine tasting tour worth £45.