Spotlight
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Want to play property flirt?Remember the drill? We all have a nose around a spectacular local property – in this case a luxury modern mansion near Bruton – and you guess the price. Hint: it's a pretty penny.
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Is your sex life suffering in lockdown?Is lockdown 3.0 wrecking your sex life and pushing your relationship to the limits? We hear you. Read on for our expert guide on how to Covid-proof your love life.
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Is that who I think it is…?! Our favourite music video cameosIn need of some light-hearted fun? Er, hell yeah! Here, check out Harry Styles and Phoebe Waller-Bridge dancing around in sparkly suits (plus five more brilliant music video cameos).
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Ideas to get your finances into shape for 2021The 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.
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Ultimate dream properties for 2021We’ve been staring at our walls, like, forever and we’ve completed every last bit of DIY imaginable. So you know what that means? That’s right: time to move. See if any of these incredible properties take your fancy.
Well, hello!
I'm Sue, editor of Muddy Dorset & Somerset, here to bring you the quirky, cool and downright unmissable in the area.
Find out moreGotta Have It
Want to do Veganuary without giving up cheese and chocolate? Here's your loophole: go vegan with your beauty routine instead with these eight kind-to-animals brands.
Ready, steady... Shop!

The UK’s most creative and unique independent shops, makers and producers local to you.
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Want to support local? Our curated pick of the most creative, unique and brilliant businesses near you.
EatView more
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Fast and filling recipes for an easier January
No time/energy to cook (let alone make it healthy)? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Here are two low-effort, speedy suppers under 500 calories to feel good about.
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Veganuary – let’s do it!
Do your bit for Veganuary – and support local businesses - by tucking into vegan choc and cakes, knocking back vegan wine and having a vegan bubble bath.
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Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s winter warmers
Spent all of December scoffing crisps and mince pies? Whip up a veg-packed soup or hot pot from Hugh's new cookbook, 'Eat Better Forever: 7 Ways to Transform Your Diet'
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The best cookbooks to buy now
Sick of making the same seven dinners, week in, week out? Or just a sucker for tempting pictures of food? If any of the above apply, we’ve got you covered.
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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.
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Arts & CultureView more
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TV Saviours! What to watch this week
Another week, another seven days to roll around the house, eat crisps, pretend to homeschool and daydream about the return of double-figure temperatures. Here’s some fun TV to make it *slightly* more interesting.
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Is that who I think it is…?! Our favourite music video cameos
In need of some light-hearted fun? Er, hell yeah! Here, check out Harry Styles and Phoebe Waller-Bridge dancing around in sparkly suits (plus five more brilliant music video cameos).
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Hello TV! 11 shows you need to watch this week
It’s a new year but nothing much is new. No matter: we know how this lockdown lark goes. Grab a cuppa, a nice cosy blanket, load up on the carbs and settle in for the night.
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HomeView more
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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.
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Fast and filling recipes for an easier January
No time/energy to cook (let alone make it healthy)? Don't worry, we've got you. Here are two low-effort, speedy suppers under 500 calories to feel good about.
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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.
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TravelView more
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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
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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
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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?
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WorkView more
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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.
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Kids
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Stop fussing! And other lockdown lessons
Parenting can be a little fraught when you're essentially under siege in your own house. So we decided to talk to our young people to find out what they think we could be doing better.
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How to help your child in 2021
Where do we begin when seeking to help our children cope with lockdown and everything this brings? Headteachers at three top Somerset and Dorset schools give their advice.
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FashionView more
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Best fitness gear for 2021
New year, new fitness routine? We’re with you! Here’s the Muddy edit of stylish sportswear and accessories that’ll have you in tip-top form in no time.
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Sustainable fashion gets sexy
Ethical, eco and everywhere - with the likes of Selfridges now pushing a new sustainable outlook, here's where you can rewear, repair and renew your wardrobe in style.
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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.
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BeautyView more
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Veganuary: The beauty edit
Want to do Veganuary without giving up cheese and chocolate? Here's your loophole: go vegan with your beauty routine instead with these eight kind-to-animals brands.
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The essential no make-up make-up kit
It’s a trend that’s not going away anytime soon; make-up so subtle that it just makes you look like a brighter and better version of yourself. Here’s the Muddy guide.
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PeopleView more
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Weekend Escapes
Making plans? Find your perfect Pub, Inn, Hotel, Café, Restaurant or Bar across the Muddy counties.
Find your escapeMost Read
Living in lockdown with teens – eek!
Here are 20 things to do that might encourage your teenagers to get out of bed by midday – or at the very least by nightfall (fingers crossed).
A Muddy call to arms
The escalation of COVID 19 means our local businesses are battling to survive – but we have some ideas to help. Ready, steady, support!
Worried about CV Lockdown?
We’ve chatted to experts at Age Space to get some practical advice if your parents are over 70 and facing imminent isolation.
Bruton School for Girls, Bruton
Muddy says: A progressive outlook combined with core values of co-operation and kindness, allows girls to reach their potential without ruthless competition or pushing
Property Flirt
Is there anything more fun than peering around other people’s houses, imagining yourself in situ and guessing the price? Er, nope! Let the nosiness commence.
Downside School
Muddy says: This Catholic day and boarding school with Benedictine values may be steeped in history and tradition but is keeping ahead of the game

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