The urban guide to the countryside -

Well, hello!

I'm Anna-Lou, editor of Muddy Northamptonshire, 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

Gift guide: for herAunts, mums, grandmas, sisters and your girl posse all covered for Crimbo, plus some spot-on suggestions for gifts to self. Ho ho ho.
Gift Guide: For nippersTreat the little people! 26 brilliant pressies to wrap under the tree for kids this Christmas.
Gastro Heaven!30 of the best cookery courses across the Muddy counties to tantalise your tastebuds, and impress even the fussiest dinner guest.
Gift Guide: Tweens & TeensStuck on what to wrap under the tree for your in-betweeners this year? No fear, Muddy's here with 25 brilliant gift ideas.
Christmas gift guide: for himWhat to buy the man in your life? Easy peasy! Here's our curated 'Best for Blokes', as chosen by our in-the-know editors across 22 gorgeous Muddy counties.

Fri 20th - Sun 22nd Dec

Mon 16th - Sun 22nd Dec

Dec '19.

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

We’re gonna party like it’s New Year’s Eve ’19.

Say goodbye to 2019 and hello to 2020 in style at one of these party events. Get your best frock on, bottles of fizz ready and your best moves for the floor; it’s New Year’s Eve baby!
- Gastro Heaven!
  
  30 of the best cookery courses across the Muddy counties to tantalise your tastebuds, and impress even the fussiest dinner guest.
- Winners of the Carlsberg UK Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2019
  
  Round of applause for all the amazing food and drink producers in and around Northants. Here are a list of the winners and runners up from the event that's in its 11th year and better than ever.
- Lemon Jelley!
  
  Bringing London quality supper clubs to the Shire! These special evenings combine fine dining from Burnt Lemon Catering and organic cocktails from Jelley's Organic Vodka - two local food & drink heroes...
- 17 Fabulously Festive Christmas Lunches
  
  If you're looking for a decent spot for a Xmas lunch, we've rounded up a few Northants hot-spots to make it easy for you! 'Tis the season to be merry, fa la la la la...

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 37 coolest party palaces

Got a big birthday celebration looming? Or fancy a weekend away with your squad? We’ve sniffed out the 37 dreamiest party palaces across the land, available for exclusive hire. Grab your gang and let’s go!
- Christmas at Whittlebury Park
  
  Venue scouting for the Christmas party? Want a little peace and quiet over the holidays but still be in the festive spirit? Here are just some quick reasons why Whittlebury Hall is THE! place to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
- Muddy reviews: Fowey Hall, Cornwall
  
  Muddy's Kerry Potter headed to this stunning Cornish corker (and inspo for Toad Hall in The Wind In The Willows) for a weekender with her brood. Here's the brand new Muddy verdict.

How to do sofa chic

Never mind all the parties, the thing we’re most looking forward to this Christmas is hunkering down at home. Here’s what we’ll be wearing – just accessorize with a book and mince pie.
- Shake up your style
  
  Throw out the rule book, become a fashion rebel and ring the changes this festive season - voilà, our top style tips for rebooting your wardrobe.
- Party like you mean it
  
  Harvey Nichols has come up trumps this season so here's my wishlist to whet your whistle. Plus win £500 worth of party clobber!

The Best Kids’ Books of the Year

We know lots of little ones from toddlers to teens love a good read, so here are a bunch of the very best books from 2019 they will be sure to love, great for a stocking filler if you’re struggling with what to buy!
- Wellbeing and Life Lessons for all…
  
  A thinkers kind of festival is coming! It has talks and debates from world-class thinkers and best selling authors, all under one roof! Life Lessons helps you learn how to live a little bit better. Sign us up!
- Upgraded Castle Theatre takes the limelight
  
  Just in time for panto season The Castle Theatre have revealed their new seating, giving all guests a comfy seat for Aladdin. Oh yes it will...

Flexible working – a personal view

It’s not often we get serious at Muddy – we’re too busy clowning around and main-lining gin usually of course – but flexible working is such a serious issue. And for so many women, lack of it is a serious problem. It’s such a hot potato right now but there’s lots of talk without much actually being done […]
Kids
- 30 things to do this October half term
  
  Is it that time of year already? October half term is fast approaching (or has landed for some), so if you’re worrying about how you’re going to keep the little monsters out of mischief, then you're in the right place.
- Your ultimate Autumn Walks guide
  
  Grab your kids, your besties, your dog and anyone else who is free to join you on our first Autumn Walks initiative with Joules - and win coats and wellies for the whole family!

Well, hello you!

How has Keanu Reeves not aged in 30 years?! The laconic Hollywood star is back in a fashion campaign that’s got social media a-swooning. Shall we examine the evidence?
- Is your baby the cutest?
  
  Here's how they can be Baby of the Month at Photo-times while you pocket £200 of John Lewis vouchers...
- Northamptonshire – Britain’s most foodie county!
  
  It's the launch of Northamptonshire Year of Food and Drink!