Spotlight

Christmas gift guide: for himWhat to buy the bloke who has everything (or 'wants nothing')? We've sorted his Christmas list with 25 cool gifting ideas from independent brands and businesses across the Muddy counties
Five gripping reads to give your working life a boostWhat better inspo for giving your career a shake-up than the story of a creative genius who defied her generation and became a living legend. We've found the best books that embrace the Clarice Cliff spirit...
Let it glow!Festive trails – and trains – around Somerset, Dorset and nearby. Scarf on, boots strapped: let’s admire some twinkling.
Christmas gift guide: for kidsTime to get cracking on the Crimbo presents! Nail your shopping for nippers with this curated guide of the sweetest gifts from indie brands and businesses.
6 reasons to watch The Colour RoomThis Autumn’s hottest new film release comes courtesy of Sky Cinema and it's a corker! A period drama with real punch and passion, here's why you need to make time in your diary or on your sofa to watch it.

Well, hello!

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

With luxury designer Anya Hindmarch launching a bag for the big supermarkets, it's time to raise your shopper game. Check out these seven beauties.

Fancy doing something fun? Er, always! Read on for our curated picks of the best things happening near you right now

Muddy reviews: HOLM, South Petherton

We’ve been eagerly awaiting this new opening in south Somerset from the team behind three successful London restaurants but does it live up to expectations?
- Christmas shopping at eat:Festivals
  
  Shopping bags at the ready! Stock up with treats at the Christmas editions of the locally focused food and drink markets
- Muddy stays At the Chapel in Bruton
  
  The super chill and long-established dining favourite of locals is also a fab place to hang your hat (at least for a weekend)

14 pantos and Christmas shows to book now

Oh no it isn’t! Oh yes it is! It’s the Muddy guide to the best pantomimes and Christmas shows in Somerset, Dorset and Bristol
- 8 things to watch this week on the big and small screen
  
  What to watch this week, you cry? From Lady Gaga serving looks in her murderously glam new movie to tension in the tent with the Bake Off 2021 final, here are your eight must-watches.
- 7 new releases to watch on TV this week
  
  Sweeping fantasy, bouncy musicals, the second series of Tiger King…it’s all happening on the box this week. Get into something comfy, pop open the Pringles and settle in for a watch.
- 6 reasons to watch The Colour Room
  
  This Autumn’s hottest new film release comes courtesy of Sky Cinema and it’s a corker! A period drama with real punch and passion, here’s why you need to make time in your diary or on your sofa to watch it.
- 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.

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

The best Black Friday travel deals!

Staying in a gorgeous hotel or lying on a tropical beach never fails to make us happy, which is why we’re excited to bring you all the best discounts around the world. Just think of us as your BFF when it comes to BF!
- 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
- 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.

Ten bulbs to plant now for a dreamy spring garden

Want to know how the Wormsley Estate in Bucks looks so fabulous come spring? Head gardener Charlotte Tremlin reveals her secret for glorious beds and baskets.
- Best English wines for Christmas 2021
  
  Make merry this festive season with Muddy’s guide to the best English wines. Plus, get your mitts on an exclusive case from The English Wine Collection for free!
- Letterbox love: 47 gifts to send to their door
  
  Choose from these gorgeous artisan present boxes, sent nationwide, from bespoke biscuits to gin and chocolate, and pamper packs to paperbacks. That’s Christmas sorted.
Wellbeing
- New: Exmoor yoga retreat
  
  Immerse yourself in a weekend of yoga, relaxation and meditation this October – with gourmet dining, pampering and outdoor hot tub. Yes please!
- 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

Five gripping reads to give your working life a boost

What better inspo for giving your career a shake-up than the story of a creative genius who defied her generation and became a living legend. We’ve found the best books that embrace the Clarice Cliff spirit…
Kids
- 14 pantos and Christmas shows to book now
  
  Oh no it isn’t! Oh yes it is! It’s the Muddy guide to the best pantomimes and Christmas shows in Somerset, Dorset and Bristol
- Wells Cathedral School, Wells
  
  Wells has been educating cathedral choristers for over 1000 years. Today it excels in sport, the arts and academics as well as giving career musicians one of the best musical educations in the world.

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
- Pyjama party! 8 chic sets to buy now
  
  With autumn being peak PJs-on-the-sofa season – hey, it’s raining again, let’s stay in!- it’s the ideal time to round up our favourites to buy now. Just add slippers.
- 6 of the best… trench coats
  
  It goes with everything — from knockout dresses to comfy tees. Shop this workhorse of the fashionista wardrobe with Muddy’s top six picks for autumn / winter 2021.
Beauty
- 5 nail polish shades we’ve fallen for this autumn
  
  Here’s how to update your autumn look for under £10, and be bang on trend to boot. Our five fave nail polish shades, from sparkles to berry to mustard.
- 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

5 minutes with Emily Atack

Actress/comedian Emily Atack brings her new show to the West Country and squeezes in a quick chat with Muddy
- Muddy meets: Ed Byrne
  
  On tour in Dorset & Somerset this Autumn, Muddy caught up with the comedian to chat jokes, famous friendships and not being a d**k
- Muddy meets: celeb ventriloquist Paul Zerdin
  
  He won America’s Got Talent and is finally back on tour. Muddy talks to ventriloquist Paul Zerdin about weird fan mail, dressing up as Maggie Thatcher and his beef with Barney the Dinosaur.