The urban guide to the countryside -

Well, hello!

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

Gotta Have It

Our curated A-Z of the grooviest local businesses

Half term funA bit lastminute.com with your half term plans? What you need is the impeccably curated Muddy pick of the half term children’s activities in Somerset and Dorset. Et voilà…
I have newsYour resident newshound signing in to deliver your fab Feb newsflash, so read on for all the goss, hot off the Muddy press....
Spectacular snowdropsThe best places to see snowdrops in Somerset and Dorset – they're in bloom from now until the end of Feb
Is it getting hot in here?Apply a cold compress and loosen that corset! It's historical hunk time in film and telly (well, hello, Rufus Sewell!), with three new sizzling period dramas to look forward to.
Monart Day Spa, Poundbury, DorchesterOne of the top spas in the world – the 5 star Monart Destination Spa, Ireland – has come to Dorset. Lucky us!

FRI 14 – SUN 16 FEB

MON 10 – SUN 16 FEB

FEBRUARY 2020

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

The Old Dairy cafe, Bower Hinton

Oh goodie! A brand new farm-based cafe in Somerset with great coffee and laid back nosh, all homemade using (very) locally produced ingredients.
- Top 50 Gastropubs 2020
  
  Whose tripled-cooked chips got them into the gastropub hall of fame? Roomy pants on, let's tuck in – NINE of the West Country's foodie pubs made the grade
- The Marlborough Tavern, Bath
  
  Great food and drink in a central Bath pub where you feel like a local and far from the madding crowd
- Happy Veganuary!
  
  Where to eat vegan in Somerset, Bath, Bristol and Dorset: from a takeaway, through cafes and fast food to a Michelin star restaurant
- Somerset’s cosiest winter pubs
  
  Cosy nooks, roaring fires, locally sourced nosh, craft ales and ciders – and a warm welcome – in our pick of Somerset's countryside pubs

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.

Holiday planning? 10 European-style staycations

Love a continental jaunt but staying in Blighty this year? These 10 UK holiday spots have a distinctly European feel.
- Call me Cupid! 46 romantic stays across the Muddy counties
  
  In the mood for love? Of course you are, pussy cat! Here, allow us to assist with the rumpy pumpy with 46 romantic boltholes across the Muddy counties.
- 5 West Country wellbeing stays
  
  Looking for a Devon, Cornwall or Somerset escape? Hell yeah! Check out these stunning self-catering properties, all with on-site extras, from yoga and wine tasting to massage.

4 new season trends to try (and one to avoid)

The high street is awash with new spring/summer goodies. Overwhelmed? Here’s our pick of the new trends worth exploring – and how to wear them.
- Rings and things
  
  Handmade in silver, gold and using semi-precious materials, Frome's Eleanor Christine Jewellery is bold, unique and unforgettable (just like you?)
- Wedding dresses 2020
  
  This year's dreamiest wedding dresses – and they're made in Somerset by one of the UK's top bridalwear designers, Sassi Holford

The 5 best books out in February

Muddy’s pro bookworm Kerry Potter has got five Feb fancies for your delectation. Read all about ’em here!
- Blithe Spirit
  
  A classic comedy with Jennifer Saunders in one of the leads was always going to be popular and tickets are selling fast for Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit at the Theatre Royal in Bath
- Romantics Anonymous
  
  This soft-centred confection about a pair of shy chocolate makers, at the Bristol Old Vic, brings some Gallic warmth to long winter nights
- 20 for 2020
  
  Crack out your calendar, folks (and maybe your credit card). Here are the hottest tickets for Somerset and Dorset in 2020 - see you there!
- January’s best new reads
  
  What kind of insaniac leaves the house in January? Retire to the sofa pronto and get stuck into one of pro bookworm Kerry Potter's enthralling new literary picks.

Win £2000 to kickstart your business dreams

Have a brilliant business that needs a helping hand? We’ve teamed up with business banking alternative, Tide, to offer a whopping two grand (yes, you read it right) to give you the boost you need. Win it here.
Kids
- Half term fun
  
  A bit lastminute.com with your half term plans? What you need is the impeccably curated Muddy pick of the half term children’s activities in Somerset and Dorset. Et voilà…
- 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

Muddy meets Josie Long

We caught up with (we reckon) the most positive comedian in the business about motherhood, MasterChef, making people laugh and her new tour, Tender, coming to Bath in February.
- GBBO contestant: Rosie Brandreth-Poynter
  
  Five things you may not know about the Somerset baker as she whisks into Week Seven of the Great British Bake Off
- Everyone’s talking about…
  
  Jude Law, baby! Or should that be his itty bitty very pretty papal white budgie smugglers? Banish your other half for five minutes and ogle the trailer in peace