The urban guide to the countryside -

Well, hello!

I'm Danielle, editor of Muddy Hampshire & Isle of Wight, 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

Fri 19 - Sun 21 Jul

Mon 15 -Sun 21 Jul

JULY 2019

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

46 stunning pubs for summer

Everyone knows that one of summer’s great pleasures is sipping a cold one in a pub garden. So here’s the best of the bunch across all the Muddy counties. Cheers!
- The Wellington Arms
  
  Muddy heads to Stratfield Turgis, just on the Berkshire border for a country pub stay - with a modern twist.
- Bistro du Vin, Winchester
  
  Bistro du Vin, Winchester serves très bon French fare in a relaxed Anglo-Gallic ambience.
- All Aboard!
  
  Tickets, please! We nipped to Off The rails on the IoW to confirm its First Class foodie credentials.
- Spring Supper Clubs
  
  Sneak peek at these awesome supper clubs popping up over Hants and IoW this spring.

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.

Muddy’s Insider Guide to the Isle of Wight

This sunny little Island may be small in stature but it’s packed to the brim with amazing things to check out. We’ve got the top tips on how to discover the real Isle of Wight.
- 40 Quirky Stays for Summer
  
  From yurts to lodges, shepherd's huts to helicopters (not even joking!), the Muddy editors have pulled together the most charming, unusual escapes across 21 counties. Enjoy!
- St Ives – the dreamiest staycation in the UK
  
  As I was going to St Ives, I met a man with seven wives. OK, not really. What I did meet with though was a whole lot of FUN! Here's six reasons why you should take a trip to the Cornish coast this summer.

Gotta Have It

Planning a romantic weekender with no time to unpack (naughty!)? HeyChesto travel chests combine a romantic vintage style with modern practicality. Seriously, no more rummaging for knickers!
- In all your Finery
  
  Need a summer party frock? This under-the-radar label majors in cool dresses and jumpsuits. We've got £500 worth of Finery goodies up for grabs for 10 lucky Muddy readers - that's £5k worth of foxy fashion! Here's how to enter.
- 10 Summer style sizzlers
  
  Chuck this lot in your suitcase and - bingo! - you're ready to go on holiday. Don't forget to send us a postcard.

The books you MUST read this summer

June’s best new books are a corking bunch, including Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert’s breathtaking new novel. Check out Kerry Potter’s reviews.
- Miley goes mental
  
  Hello, who's speaking please? This fruity promo for her new album be Miley Cyrus' naughtiest stunt yet. Creative juices flowing or cynical marketing ploy - you decide!
- When Muddy met Shappi
  
  Comedian Shappi Khorsandi discusses new tour, her tips on how NOT to be funny and why you should do things that scare you (hell yeah!)
- Everyone’s talking about… The Guilty Feminist
  
  Love the podcast? Good news - its creator is coming to a theatre near you this spring. We grabbed super-talented comedian Deborah Francis-White for a chinwag.
- April’s Best New Books
  
  Quick, spring-clean your bedside table or Kindle to make room for Muddy books editor's Kerry Potter's awesome April picks.

Flexi-time – are you working it out?

Flexible working is a buzzy phrase, but seriously – how many of us actually live the dream? Read on to find out how it could work for you.
Kids
- The best lidos & splash parks
  
  Splish splash. Forget going for a dip at the leisure centre and instead get yourself a good side dose of Vitamin D with these fab outdoor swimming/splash spots around Hants & IoW.
- Cute babywear
  
  Is there a new little prince or princess in your family too? Click this way for the cutest newborn clothes around. Awwww!

Muddy meets Nik Kershaw

Nik Kershaw is laconic, laid-back, and *very very* funny – read on for his views on Live Aid, embarrassing his kids, the Let’s Rock the Moor pecking order and (OMG) being a grandfather!
- Muddy meets Terry
  
  Eighties skankers The Specials are back with a fab new album and a headline slot at Cornbury festival. We nabbed Terry Hall to talk shopping, selfies and his career as a barber.
- Muddy Meets Liz Earle
  
  Born and raised in Hampshire, Liz Earle is famous for her quest to improve health and wellbeing. Muddy caught up with her for some top lifestyle tips.
- No, Tom, Nooooo!
  
  Is this the most excruciatingly cringey celebrity advert ever? Quite possibly Mr Hiddleston, quite possibly!
- My Favourite Places with Michael Turner
  
  An aficionado of stainless steel, Hampshire artist Michael Turner shares with Muddy his absolute top spots around the county.