Spotlight

Spa review: Whittlebury Park Spa and HotelWho doesn't deserve a spot of over-indulgent post-lockdown pampering? We checked in for the heavenly full works at Whittlebury Park's Spa and Hotel. And relaax.
Shop til you drop (and more) at Rushden LakesHave a post-lockdown yearning for retail therapy with a side order of fun? We hear you sister! We’re giving away £200 for you to splurge at newly spruced Rushden Lakes - and some ideas on where to spend it!
The ultimate Father's Day gift guideInstead of panicking and ordering a weird novelty t-shirt (we've all been there), take our advice and purchase something he won't try to hide at the back of a drawer.
What's on in Northants in JuneOh, hello June, you've brought the sunshine and a whole shebang of brilliant happenings across Northants, from live music, theatre and comedy to art, movies, markets and much much more.
Rev her up! Muddy test drives the electric Porsche TaycanJust like yours truly, the fully electric Porsche Taycan is fast, luxurious and a bit of a minx. I've just taken it for a weekend test drive - strap in for the Muddy verdict.

Well, hello!

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

Summer's here at last! We've picked ten pieces from some of our favourite Rushden Lakes stores to get you sunshine ready.

The most coveted awards for indie businesses across 25 counties. Nominate your plucky local Indies now.

Home View more
Wild mushroom and artichoke tagliatelle

Veggies, pasta, wine: all the food groups represented. Rustle up this earthy, vegan dish in under an hour and enjoy in the sunshine with a glass of wine (at 63% off from Naked Wines).
- Cook this speedy summery recipe tonight!
  
  From River Cottage king HFW, this Moroccan spiced lamb and tabbouleh dish is fragrant, herby and perfect for summer scoffing PLUS pair with Naked Wines at 63% off.
- Vivek Singh’s lentil and basmati kichri
  
  Desperately seeking dinner inspiration? We've got a delicious modern-Indian dish for you from celeb chef Vivek Singh, plus 63% off perfectly paired wines.
Wellbeing
- How to get your fitness mojo back post lockdown
  
  Keen to get back on the metaphorical (or literal) treadmill as the world begins to open up again? We asked Pose Fitness founder Sarah Partington for her top tips for getting back in shape.
- The best bluebell walks
  
  Blooming 'eck! Bluebells are popping up in their billions across Northamptonshire. Here's where to find the best of them on your daily dose of exercise.

Arts & Culture View more
Pass the remote: here’s what to watch this week

Too much time in the sun? Crack out the ice cream and cool down with a killer crop of telly this week. From sewing finales to father’s day fodder to the big new Pixar film, here’s what to watch.
- It’s TV time! What to watch this week
  
  Roll up! Roll up! We've got true crime documentaries, international football tournaments, fab Netflix films and the Norse God of Mischief for you this week. Pop open the popcorn and settle in.
- TV you need in your life: what’s on this week
  
  Finally have an evening in the house by yourself after 15 months of waiting? Crack open the vino and Pringles and enjoy lying flat out on the sofa.

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

Eat View more
Muddy review: The Walled Garden Feast at Lamport Hall

Restaurants are all well and good, but luxe safari style dining is all the rage daahling, don’t you know? We dropped in on the latest pop-up sensation in Lamport Hall’s stunning walled garden to find out what all the fuss is about.
- 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 our pick of those a stone's throw from Northants - phones at the ready to bag your table.
- Top ten family friendly pub gardens in Northants
  
  Unlock! We have never been more ready for good food in a pub garden. Here's our pick of some of the best in Northants for al fresco gatherings.

Work View more
Revealed! The winner of our £1,000 Tide competition

Last year wasn’t all a disaster! Meet Joanne Cuckson, founder of an innovative job search website, and find out how she plans to use her winnings to increase gender diversity in her sector.
Kids
- Their words: what kids really think of online school
  
  What if you're too scared to put your hand up in class, too exhausted to get out of bed, struggle with SEN, or too busy playing golf? Four kids explain why they made the switch and what they think of life at InterHigh, an online school.
- Half term freedom in Northants
  
  Missed having the little ankle biters around this term? Don't answer that. Half term may be upon us but fear not, there's loads to get up to in Northants from movie screenings to museums and much more.

Fashion View more
Best swimwear for 2021

Nothing says summer like new swimwear. Who cares if it’s the Med or the back garden, it’s time to splash out. Whether it’s eco, floral, striped, shaping, nautical or sporty, we’ve found your perfect bikini or swimsuit.
- Sunglasses to suit your face shape
  
  The weather's perked up - time for new sunnies! We have you covered with our guide to the hottest frames to suit your face shape this summer. Just don't sit on them.
- 48 summer must-haves for that stylish staycation
  
  Be it Blackpool or Barbados, make this summer holiday your most stylish yet. From handwoven kaftans to beach speakers, these are the holiday must-haves in Muddy's basket.

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.
- 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, we tell the unique stories behind some of our Indie Store businesses.
- How to run well by a pro marathon runner
  
  Need some work-out motivation? You’re in the right place. Muddy talks to endurance athlete Nick Butter about how to motivate yourself out the door and onto an exercise regime.

Travel View more
Spa review: Whittlebury Park Spa and Hotel

Who doesn’t deserve a spot of over-indulgent post-lockdown pampering? We checked in for the heavenly full works at Whittlebury Park’s Spa and Hotel. And relaax.
- 27 of the best beaches in East Anglia
  
  Summer's coming (no, really, it is!) so we've got the inside scoop on the best East Anglian beaches for all tastes. Buckets at the ready, sandwiches packed, bring on the sun!
- Top places to stop on your way to Cornwall and the South West
  
  Driving down to your staycation and need somewhere to have lunch, walk the dog, let the kids run or even take a nap? We've sniffed out the best places to stop near the south-west's major routes.