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

Muddy Eats: The Kings Arms Hotel, ChristchurchAfter practising her royal wave we sent Muddy's Robyn over to Dorset to check out The Kings Arms Hotel, Christchurch.
Art’s rising rock starsBlank walls but your budget doesn't stretch to an Emin or Hirst? Here's 12 cool, collectable artists who won't require you to sell a loved one (and may prove to be a good investment).
Is this the quirkiest, coolest hotel ever?You don't get many hotels more unusual than this. Muddy sets sail for one of the most unique stays we've ever undertaken at No Man's Fort.
A very British fair with flairRace you to the Pimms bus… bagsy the backseat. Wellington Country Fair & Horse Trials is putting on a very British affair, day trippers, with local food, furry friends and free range kids. Get the lowdown and a delicious Muddy discount.
Utterly Glamp-tastic!Fancy visiting the super trendy West Wight? Enter Glamping the Wight Way. These beautifully-appointed safari tents are some of the dreamiest little gems the Island has to offer.

Fri 23 - Mon 26 Aug

Mon 19 - Mon 26 Aug

AUGUST 2019

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

Muddy Eats: The Kings Arms Hotel, Christchurch

After practising her royal wave we sent Muddy’s Robyn over to Dorset to check out The Kings Arms Hotel, Christchurch.
- The best brunch in town
  
  The most lipsmackingly indulgent meal of the day and we have 47 of the best ones to tempt you with, from vegan to full English, flat white to green detox. Just add friends and a hangover.
- The 20 best beachside eats
  
  Make the most of the British summer at one of our Muddy-recommended coastal eateries (with some fab Hants & IoW ones, of course!) Napkin at the ready? Let's do this!
- 46 stunning summer pubs
  
  Fancy sipping a cold one in a pretty al fresco pub with friends or fam? Here are the best of the bunch across the Muddy counties.
- The Wellington Arms
  
  Muddy heads to Stratfield Turgis, just on the Berkshire border for a country pub stay - with a modern twist.

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 reviews: The Grove, Chandler’s Cross, Herts

It’s a couple of counties away in Herts but it’s well worth the journey for such epic five-star fabulousness (“theatre of dining”, anyone?) Muddy Herts editor Katrina checks in.
- Is this the quirkiest, coolest hotel ever?
  
  You don't get many hotels more unusual than this. Muddy sets sail for one of the most unique stays we've ever undertaken at No Man's Fort.
- 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.

J’Adore/J’Abhor

So, what’s the hot topic currently creating emotional fracking by the office water cooler? This week – velcro sandals!
- 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. (Sorry! This competition has closed.)

Art’s rising rock stars

Blank walls but your budget doesn’t stretch to an Emin or Hirst? Here’s 12 cool, collectable artists who won’t require you to sell a loved one (and may prove to be a good investment).
- The top 10 books of the summer
  
  Don't pack your suitcase or load up your Kindle until you've read this! Muddy's books editor Kerry has picked the 10 best books to get stuck into on holiday.
- 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!)

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
- Things to do with the kids this summer
  
  Stuck on what to do with your children for SIX whole weeks? Don't panic, Muddy has you covered with the best bits of Hants & IoW.
- Sweetest summer fashion
  
  There's no shortage of gorgeous children's companies, but high street brand Joules is our pick for the best-dressed kids on the beach.

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 Victorious 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.