Spotlight

Where to stop off en route to Cornwall and the rest of the South WestDriving to Cornwall or Devon for a staycation and need somewhere to have lunch, walk the dog, let the kids run or even take a nap? We've sniffed out best places to stop en route...
The TV is calling: 7 shows you should watch this weekFrustrated that every bar and restaurant is now booked-out until Christmas? Well, don't stress: the entertainment is just as good indoors. Pour yourself a gin and grab the remote.
Bluebell bonanzaBlooming 'eck! Bluebells are bustin' out all over! Here's where to wander through the bluebell woods in Somerset & Dorset
Want to play Property Flirt?Come and have a nosey around this splendid, six bed, Grade II listed Georgian house with glorious walled garden in Wells – and then guess the price.
58 things to glam up your gardenGarden parties are go, people! But, oh God — is that really the state of the patio? Glam up the garden and impress your guests with these 58 must-have garden objects.

Well, hello!

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

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Gotta Have It

15 must-have accessories for outdoor dining in style

Out with the scratched melamine, in with stylish cups, cocktail shakers, candelabra, and cutlery. Here's our guide to the wow accessories that will make your alfresco meal sparkle

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

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Home View more
The Muddy Stilettos guide to hangover cures

Socialising is back (and so are the hangovers). From gravy granules to cold lager, we asked some Muddy hell-raisers for their emergency remedies.
- Waffles for breakfast? Yes please!
  
  What do you get when you cross a chocolate brownie, a waffle maker and a handful of strawberries? Heaven on a plate! Sate your sweet tooth with this delicious recipe.
- Recipe: Jersey Royal potatoes with peas, wild garlic & crème fraîche
  
  Grab some Jersey Royal potatoes and a handful of wild garlic to make this delicious spring dish from Michelin-starred Bristol chef Rob Howell’s debut cookbook, Root.
Wellbeing
- Easy! Buy these, and sleep better
  
  Having trouble sleeping? Us and half the world right now! Here's what the Muddy team have in their shopping baskets to help with some much-needed shut-eye.
- 20 wonderful walks near you
  
  Walks by the sea, walks by rivers and walks in the countryside in beautiful Somerset and Dorset

Arts & Culture View more
17 of the best podcasts to listen to now

Whether you’re after an informative deep-dive or a mindless laugh, we’ve compiled the best podcasts to listen to for downtime, me-time or just pass-the-time.
- The TV is calling: 7 shows you should watch this week
  
  Frustrated that every bar and restaurant is now booked-out until Christmas? Well, don't stress: the entertainment is just as good indoors. Pour yourself a gin and grab the remote.
- Weekly watchlist: the 10 best things on TV this week
  
  Comfies on! We've compiled ten of the best things on TV this week, ripe and ready for you to binge. From monster-packed rom-coms to Oscar-buzz dramas, it's your pick...

Little Black Book

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

Heartwood

No. 15 Great Pulteney, Bath

The Newt in Somerset, Bruton

MAKE Skincare

Lindsay Punch Styling

Annie Webb Interiors

Swim, Lyme Regis

The Greyhound Inn, Corfe Castle

Railway Carriage Cafe, near South Petherton

Cloud Nine, Ultimate summer glamping in Dorset

Flow Bar Frome

The Anchor Inn, Seatown

Eat View more
Top 50 gastropubs 2021 revealed

What better week for the reveal of the country’s best gastropubs than the start of lockdown easing? Here are the 15 West Country winners – phones at the ready to bag your table.
- 20+ places to eat out(side)
  
  With pubs and restaurants opening for outdoor eating and drinking from Mon 12 April, you'll want to book your table at Somerset & Dorset's coolest al fresco dining spots right now!
- Try this light but warming spring supper
  
  Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's healthy take on this Scottish fish soup makes for a quick and hearty but healthy supper that's perfect for cool spring evenings.

Work View more
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.
Kids
- Sidcot Junior School, Winscombe, nr Bristol
  
  This independent day school for boys and girls aged 3-11, founded on Quaker principles, is inclusive, unpretentious, grounded – and fun
- Sidcot School, Winscombe, nr Bristol
  
  It's a Quaker school but you don't have to be a Quaker – or even religious – to come to this progressive, outward-looking school which values independent thinkers of all abilities

Instamuddy

Fashion View more
Word up! Slogan sweats to buy now

Can’t find the words to say it yourself? Say it with a sweater! Here are eight cool slogan jumpers we’re coveting right now, all from indie shops and brands.
- 2021 fashion collabs you need to know
  
  When high fashion met high street. Here are the new season fashion collabs we're lusting after this month (with surprisingly affordable price tags).
- Trouser brigade: stylish alternatives to jeans
  
  It's time to cast off the joggers and emerge from your style hibernation. We've found some comfortable but chic alternatives for those days when denim isn't doing it for you

Beauty View more
- Get ready to go outside: SPFs for every skin type
  
  The sun is (just) starting to make itself felt and while that brings happiness, joy and vitamin D, it also means more time outdoors. Get prepped with the best facial SPFs.
- Skincare SOS – your winter essentials
  
  Zoom close-ups making you wince? Cold winter days and dry central heating are playing havoc with our skin. Try these hero products for a dose of much-needed hydration.

People View more
Six lockdown heroines to celebrate IWD

It’s been a bit of a year so to mark International Women’s Day 2021, we thought we’d big up six women who have impressed, delighted and inspired us over the past 12 months.
- Your local Indie Store stars, part 2
  
  Five more of our favourite Indie Store entrepreneurs spill the beans on how they got started and have kept going through the pandemic.
- The talented locals behind The Indie Store
  
  As we gingerly step back into the real world, it's more important than ever to support local. Here, some of our local Indie Store businesses recount their journey and show what makes them special

Travel View more
Where to stop off en route to Cornwall and the rest of the South West

Driving to Cornwall or Devon for a weekend away (or last minute hols) and need somewhere to have lunch, walk the dog, let the kids run or even take a nap? Here are the best places to stop en route
- 21 ultimate meet ups within 2 hours of home
  
  From cycling routes and sea kayaking to historic ships and castles, here are 21 of the best day trips in – and within – 2 hours of Somerset & Dorset
- Grab the sunnies: our 2021 travel bucket list
  
  It's been so long, holidays have taken on a rather emotional hue. So we asked our editors how they really want to spend their annual leave. Expect cocktails, cities, and plenty of sun.