Spotlight

Things to do this month: DecemberFestive fun – Christmas lights, fashion, theatre, drive-in cinema, nighttime train rides (not forgetting panto) – this month around Somerset and Dorset
What's on in NovemberWhat's still open in Somerset and Dorset – and stuff to do from home – during Lockdown 2.0
Taunton School, TauntonA school for the 21st century, that wears its 150-year history lightly, embraces difference, and excels in involving all its students in a whole-person educational experience
Is it time to start your own business?2020 has forced many of us to radically rethink our careers, goals and dreams. Muddy meets four inspiring women who took control and started their own businesses during Covid. Are you ready to take the leap, too?
Stroll and scoffIs there anything better than a beautiful Autumnal walk that ends in a stonking good lunch? (spoiler alert: NO). Here's my starter for 10 walks – with pitstops – across Somerset & Dorset

Well, hello!

I'm Sue, editor of Muddy Dorset & Somerset, here to bring you the quirky, cool and downright unmissable in the area.

Forget colour co-ordination - this year we're dressing our trees with the most bonkers baubles we can find!

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

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

Eat View more
Eat out! The Oyster & Fish House, Lyme Regis

It’s all about that bass – Lyme Bay sea bass that is – and plaice, oysters, prawns, haddock, sole, crab (and a juicy steak). Wonderful sea views too.
- The best cookbooks for 2020
  
  Got a foodie in your life? Sick of making the same seven meals? Just a sucker for pictures of food? If any of the above apply, we’ve got you covered.
- Support local! The best farm shops near you
  
  Vowed to stay away from the supermarkets and to shop more locally? Let us help you keep your promise with our pick of the best farm shops in Somerset & Dorset
- Top takeaways to take you through lockdown
  
  Pubs, restaurants and cafes may be closed but you can still support our brilliant local businesses – and eat fab food – by ordering a takeaway. Oh go on, if we must...
- 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 to kickstart your day.

Arts & Culture View more
Sofa day! 13 new TV shows and films to watch this week

With a new month comes new TV shows and films to sink your teeth into! From documentaries to festive flicks, here’s what Muddy is watching this week.
- Cheese-free Xmas films? It can be done (just)
  
  'Tis the season to hit the Baileys and get on a Christmas movie marathon. Here's 17 non-cheesy festive films for your viewing pleasure.
- Best coffee table books for Christmas
  
  Ahh, the coffee table book - the perfect blend of form and function. Here are some of the best releases of the year to add to your Christmas list...

Home View more
- Get sprucing! Christmas tree farms are open
  
  It’s December and that means it’s time to drag a 7ft tree into the house and cover it with sparkly plastic! Here’s where to go to make it happen.
Wellbeing
- 7 steps to better sleep
  
  So you've downed a chamomile tea and ignored your phone but still can't get to sleep. Sound familiar? Read on for our guide to getting some Z's during lockdown.
- Lockdown anxiety: 7 ways to keep it in check
  
  Lockdown is back and with it, hours and hours to listen to the rising panic in our heads. Don’t fancy that much? Nor us, so read on for seven ways to tackle the tension.

Travel View more
20 Muddy approved attractions in Somerset

From the big-beast tourist destinations to our cool insider alternatives, read on for our pick of 20 unmissable attractions in Somerset
- 20 Muddy approved attractions in Dorset
  
  From the big-beast tourist destinations to our cool insider alternatives, read on for our pick of 20 unmissable attractions in Dorset
- Book now: 10 European-style staycations
  
  Love a continental jaunt but staying in Blighty this year? These 10 UK holiday spots have a distinctly European feel - can you guess where this is?

Work View more
Ready, steady… SHOP INDIE!

You want to ‘shop small’ but lockdown is making it tricky. Not on my watch! Our latest launch, The Indie Store, is all about supporting brilliant local retail, and here’s how you can help too.
Kids
- 6 reasons to consider InterHigh
  
  If you're one of the many parents considering an alternative to mainstream education right now, virtual school InterHigh could be the answer to your prayers.
- Taunton School, Taunton
  
  A school for the 21st century, that wears its 150-year history lightly, embraces difference, and excels in involving all its students in a whole-person educational experience

Fashion View more
Fur baby! Cosy coats for winter

‘Tis the season for wrapping up warm and a new fur coat is on our wish list. Here are six cosy options to buy now from the brilliant shops on The Indie Store.
- 9 stylish pyjamas for a luxe lie-in
  
  It's dark, cold and wet outside, so let's hunker down with some new pyjamas that are chic enough to wear to your morning Zoom meeting (we won't tell!).
- New season fashion trends: A/W 2020
  
  The fashion mavens spoken and, yes please, we'll take that excuse for new clothes and run with it! Here are the five top trends to help you nail autumn/ winter style this year.

People View more
How to run well by a pro marathon runner

Need some work-out motivation? You’re in the right place. Muddy talks to endurance athlete Nick Butter about how to motivate yourself out the door and onto an exerciser regime.
- What’s cooking? Calum Franklin, The Pie Room
  
  Fresh from the launch of his mouth-watering new cookbook, we caught up with the London Pie King himself to talk Scotch eggs, the Breville toastie masker and cooking for Axl Rose.
- Yes, people, this is Meg Mathews!
  
  Primrose Hill party queen turned wellness guru? Stranger things have happened! Muddy chats to the always glamorous Meg Mathews about her new book, self-care and, er, vagina facials.