Spotlight

Make a splash!Where to cool off when the heat is on, without going to the sea: the Muddy pick of the best lidos, water parks and wild swimming near you
What's On in AugustYep, the Muddy What's On guide is back! Here's what's happening around Somerset and Dorset this month: markets, comedy, theatre, cream teas and more.
Summer holiday guideSummer camps and courses, open-air theatre and cinema, activities and days out in Dorset and Somerset
Property flirtTime to nosey through the corridors, cupboards – and magnificent walk-in wardrobe – of this stupendous Somerset pad. Shall we...?
Clifton College Preparatory School, BristolA super creative, stimulating all-round education for boys and girls in a school with a liberal ethos and where the parents are as part of the school community

Well, hello!

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

Move over Mr M, I'll take it from here. Make the barbecue your own this summer with these super-handy gadgets and accessories.

Our curated A-Z of the grooviest local businesses

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

Eat View more
Eat Out to Help Out – in Somerset and Dorset

Sick of cooking? Good news – throughout August, you can get a 50% discount on your dinner and drinks when you eat in. Here are the pubs and restaurants to call to make your reservation.
- Summer Lodge, Evershot
  
  Indulge yourself at the sumptuous Summer Lodge in Dorset – fine food and wine, luxury rooms, gardens, spa – and where the service and level of comfort are second to none
- In the pink: the rosé revolution
  
  Once dismissed as "lady petrol" rosé wine is now officially the drink of the summer. Read on for tips on the best to buy – including local wines – and that all important question: does it give you a hangover?
- 17 local pubs with gardens and other outdoor spaces
  
  Our pick of the pubs in Somerset and Dorset with cool outdoor spaces to enjoy a socially-distanced sip. Cheers!
- Make this! Courtesy of Giffords Circus (really!)
  
  Roll up, roll up! Put some razzle-dazzle back into mealtime monotony with a double whammy of scrumptious, summery dishes from Giffords Circus' new cookbook

Arts & Culture View more
Into London: the capital reopens

With the tourist count at an all-time low, now is the time to swerve the endless queues and enjoy London’s cultural bounty – and we know all the best places to go!
- What’s in: what to watch this week
  
  Got a hot date with your sofa? Here are this week's best new film and TV releases to spice up your evenings
- What’s in: what to watch this week
  
  Rubbish weather got you down? Settle on the sofa with a cuppa and binge-watch some of these new TV and film releases instead.
- What’s in: 10 new things to watch this week
  
  Lazy day in front of the telly? Yes please! Here are the hottest new films and TV shows for you to sink your teeth into. Just add popcorn.
- 6 drive-in cinemas in Somerset & Dorset
  
  With social distancing de rigeur this summer, cue the drive-in cinema. Here's where to park up and dive into the popcorn in Dorset and Somerset.

Home View more
- Perky picnicware
  
  With picnic season officially open, get ready for a summer of meals on the move with these stylish and practical picnic must-haves.
Wellbeing
- #PREPARETOCARE
  
  Five conversations you need to have with your parents sooner rather than later.
- 7 steps to better sleep in lockdown
  
  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.

Work View more
Which entrepreneur won Tide’s £2000 helping hand?

Thanks for asking! Say hello to Jade and her delicious bakery business and find out how the money has helped her boost her business to the next level.
Kids
- Make a splash!
  
  Where to cool off when the heat is on, without going to the sea: the Muddy pick of the best lidos, water parks and wild swimming near you
- Summer holiday guide
  
  Got stuff organised for the kids over the coming weeks? Oops! Never fear, Muddy has your back - just read our nifty guide to kids' summer activities in Dorset and Somerset

Fashion View more
Our new favourite fashion trend

Puff sleeves are as du rigueur as a mojito in hand this summer and we’ve found eight totally wearable sartorial stunners to add to your summer wardrobe now.
- The final straw: 7 chic hats to buy now
  
  What keeps you cool, but is this summer's hottest accessory? The straw hat, of course! Nail the trend with one of these affordable woven beauties.
- Wear the rainbow (and find gold)
  
  The weather’s been pants, but we’re giving Joseph and his technicolour dream coat a run for his money with the best rainbow brights. Prepare to be dazzled.

People View more
Muddy meets: Shlomo, beatboxer

He’s worked with Ed Sheeran, Lily Allen, and Rudimental, and now record-breaking beatboxer Shlomo has a new project on his hands – raising money for the NHS in association with theatres like The North Wall. Tell us about it, Shlo!
- What I’ve learnt in lockdown
  
  Love it or loathe it, lockdown has given us time to learn new skills but has it taught us something deeper? Muddy tapped five busy writers and presenters, juggling careers, babies and even a tumour, to tell all.
- Muddy gets chefy with Olivia Burt
  
  We catch up with the 'Masterchef: The Professionals' finalist to find out her backstage goss, favourite dishes and top spots to eat in London.

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.

The insider’s guide to the Top 200 places to live outside London

Travel View more
Summer Lodge, Evershot

Indulge yourself at the sumptuous Summer Lodge in Dorset – fine food and wine, luxury rooms, gardens, spa – and where the service and level of comfort are second to none
- Mini break anyone? The best hotel deals to book now
  
  If you're hankering for a few days away from your own four walls, then you'll need these mini break deals from hotels across the Muddy counties. Race you to check in.
- The Muddy insider guide to Norfolk
  
  Summer holidays incoming! Read our brand new and brilliant curated guide to Norfolk, with luxe SPF brand Saltee, and start planning your staycation (PLUS enter our sexy £2,888 summer giveaway!).