Spotlight

Hate summer swelter? Here’s how to dodge the crowdsWe all need downtime from the heady buzz of busy summer days, so make a beeline for these quiet local gardens, restaurants, rivers and walks when you need to chill. But shhh, don't tell anyone, ok?
In Love With Local: the best farm shops near youIf you’ve vowed never to go back to piling your supermarket trolley sky high and ignoring your local shops, let us help you keep your promise with our pick of the best farm shops in Northants.
60 amazing afternoon teas to book nowIt's Afternoon Tea Week (8-14 Aug) and we've found the 60 best places across the Muddy counties to get your fix. But you'd better book 'em fast — here today, scone tomorrow.
A constellation of local stars in the Great Taste AwardsAward-winning local food and drink, you say? Hot off the press, the latest Great Taste Award winners have just been crowned. Take a look at the line-up of Northants producers.
15 of the best family attractions in NorthantsPlanning to stay a little closer to home this summer? We’re lucky to have loads of fun activities for the whole family right here in our hood! Here's our hit list for the best things to see and do in Northants. Start ticking them off now!

Well, hello!

I'm Emma, editor of Muddy Northamptonshire, here to bring you the quirky, cool and downright unmissable in the area.

The mercury's rising once again, but we have just the thing! Beat the heat in style with one of these pretty yet practical fans

Fancy doing something fun? Er, always! Read on for our curated picks of the best things happening near you right now

In Love With Local: the best farm shops near you

If you’ve vowed never to go back to piling your supermarket trolley sky high and ignoring your local shops, let us help you keep your promise with our pick of the best farm shops in Northants.
- 60 amazing afternoon teas to book now
  
  It’s Afternoon Tea Week (8-14 Aug) and we’ve found the 60 best places across the Muddy counties to get your fix. But you’d better book ’em fast — here today, scone tomorrow.
- A constellation of local stars in the Great Taste Awards
  
  Award-winning local food and drink, you say? Hot off the press, the latest Great Taste Award winners have just been crowned. Take a look at the line-up of Northants producers.

Tune in! 6 best things to watch on TV this week

Struggling to fill that Succession-shaped void? We’ve got you covered with Kevin Costner’s epic Yellowstone (AKA your new TV obsession) and more.
- TV Time! 6 best new things to watch this week
  
  Remotes at the ready! From the latest unmissable BBC drama starring Nicola Walker and Sean Bean, to a gripping Netflix true crime documentary here’s Muddy’s weekly rundown.
- Watch these! 6 hot new shows out this week
  
  Get set for a week of great telly from the latest fantasy DC comic adaptation to Disney Pixar’s Lightyear and the latest remake of Father of the Bride.

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

Review: Luxe holiday rental at ARC Padstow

Looking for a Cornish escape for the whole crew with serious wow-factor? It doesn’t come much more stylish or slick than this reimagined country house in St Issey.
- Muddy Insider Guide to the West Midlands
  
  The Commonwealth Games has shone a spotlight on Birmingham but there’s far more to the West Midlands than its prime city. Read on for everything you need for a stay in the beating heart of England.
- Dive in! 16 incredible swimming pools world-wide
  
  Make a splash on Instagram in one of these amazing swimming pools, from infinity-edged stunners to private plunge pools with a view.

BBQ boss! Try this sizzling summer trout recipe

This barbequed sea trout recipe with scorched cherry tomatoes, sweet courgettes and squid ink linguine makes the perfect seasonal supper on a languorous summer’s evening.
- How to fill your home with summer scents
  
  You don’t need to step into a garden to enjoy summer’s heady fragrances – here are 15 ways to enjoy your favourite flower and herb aromas in your living spaces. Breathe it in!
- 7 of the best bistro sets to buy now
  
  The faintest whiff of summer sun and you’ll find us out in the garden, sunnies on and chilled spritz in hand. And to sit at? One of these seven totally chic bistro sets, darling!
Wellbeing
- Spa of the Month: Lefay Resort & Spa, Lake Garda
  
  Fancy being buffed, massaged, tweaked and primped? Welcome to the first in our new monthly tried-and-tested guides to the world’s best spas. See you pool side, sister!
- 8 easy ways to protect yourself against sun ageing
  
  Brace yourselves, heatwave incoming! (yes, again). Here’s the lowdown on everything you need to know about staying safe in the sun, with a little help from the experts at Healthily.

Time to split? How to do it, from the break-up queen

She’s got a podcast, comedy show, award-winning books and celeb following – Rosie Wilby is the one to listen to if you’re breaking up
Kids
- Things to do with the kids this summer
  
  Stuck on what to do with your children for SEVEN whole weeks? Breathe deep, Muddy has you covered with the best bits of Northants and beyond.
- Where to pick your own in Northants
  
  Grab your straw hat and wicker basket: it’s summer in England, which means it’s time to PYO. From sumptuous strawberries to green veg to blooming bouquets, here’s where to pick ’em.

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Can these 7 celebs pull off a moustache?

It takes a certain kind of man to pull off a moustache, and Miles Teller’s Rooster in the new Top Gun has got our surprised seal of approval. Time for a game: TO ‘TACHE, OR NOT TO ‘TACHE? Let us know if you agree in the comments!
- Gotta Have It: 90s legends in Lego
  
  Can you guess which nineties girl band is being immortalised in a 578 piece Logo brick set 25 years after their iconic album release? Read on to find out!
- Muddy meets Sleeper frontwoman Louise Wener
  
  Zillions of us were copying her gamine hairdo and boyish indie style back in the ’90s and now Sleeper singer and guitarist Louise Wener is back on stage with the band, cooler and more confident than ever.