Spotlight

Weekly watchlist: the 10 best things on TV this weekComfies on! We've compiled ten of the best things on TV this week, ripe and ready for you to binge. From monster-packed rom-coms to Oscar-buzz dramas, it's your pick...
The best local bluebell walksBlooming 'eck! Bluebells are popping up in their thousands across Bucks and Oxon. Here's where to find the best of them on your sprightly springtime walk.
Man the forts! The best castles within 90 minutesReady for a right royal day out? We've rounded up 9 of the coolest castles in Bucks, Oxon and beyond that are open for business. Tiara at the ready, let's go!
58 things to glam up your gardenGarden parties are go, people! But, oh God — is that really the state of the patio? Glam up the garden and impress your guests with these 58 must-have garden objects.
Top 50 gastropubs 2021 revealedWhat better week for the reveal of the country's best gastropubs than the start of lockdown easing?Here are the seven winners in Bucks and Oxon - phones at the ready to bag your table.

Well, hello!

I'm Hero, editor of Muddy Bucks & Oxon, here to bring you the quirky, cool and downright unmissable in the area.

Gotta Have It

If you want to nail alfresco entertaining, you need lights that can move with the party, whatever the weather. Here's our pick of the best solar, battery and rechargeable lights including some beauties from brilliant local stores

The UK’s most creative and unique independent shops, makers and producers local to you.

Shop Now

Home View more
The Muddy Stilettos guide to hangover cures

Socialising is back (and so are the hangovers). From gravy granules to cold lager, we asked some Muddy hell-raisers for their emergency remedies.
- Waffles for breakfast? Yes please!
  
  What do you get when you cross a chocolate brownie, a waffle maker and a handful of strawberries? Heaven on a plate! Sate your sweet tooth with this delicious recipe.
- We’re baaaa-rmy about these shepherd’s huts!
  
  Need an extra bedroom? Want a design studio out back? What about a garden bar? Or even just a snug to get away from it all on an evening? Well, look no further…
Wellbeing
- Where to catch the blossom in Oxon & Bucks
  
  These are the kind of spring showers we like - being rained on by a bucketful of blossom. Hop over to these hanami hotspots to catch a gorgeous spring show
- Easy! Buy these, and sleep better
  
  Having trouble sleeping? Us and half the world right now! Here's what the Muddy team have in their shopping baskets to help with some much-needed shut-eye.

Arts & Culture View more
Weekly watchlist: the 10 best things on TV this week

Comfies on! We’ve compiled ten of the best things on TV this week, ripe and ready for you to binge. From monster-packed rom-coms to Oscar-buzz dramas, it’s your pick…
- TV worth tuning into: what to watch this week
  
  So... last week it was 24 degrees and now it's baltic, but that does mean you can hunker down in front of the box without feeling too guilty. Get something carby and put those feet up.
- The TV is calling you: 10 shows to watch this week
  
  OK, so we get it: that garden needs weeding, but you can’t scrabble about in the dirt forever. Give yourself a break and instead watch the best TV this week has to offer.

Little Black Book

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

Malmaison Oxford

Long Crendon Manor B&B

Daws Hill Vineyard, near High Wycombe

Tree Artisan Café, Oxford

Shillingridge Glamping, near Marlow

Hills Farm and Orchard, near Leighton Buzzard

Swiss Farm Glamping and Camping, Henley

Oxford Riverside Glamping

Rolling Fields Glamping

Danesfield House Hotel, near Marlow

The Randolph Hotel, Oxford

Bowles & Wyer

Eat View more
The best rooftop bars for stylish drinking

It’s been a long time coming, hasn’t it – sitting with friends in a bar. And while it still has to be outside (puffa jackets at the ready), Bucks and Oxon boast a clutch of rooftop options that will raise your cocktail game.
- Superflashy newsflash: foodie special
  
  Heard on the grapevine! From a revamped Cotswolds gastropub to the coolest new local openings (I spy a micro-winery), here's my foodie superflashy special.
- 30 pub gardens for post-lockdown fun
  
  Pop the cork! Here's to alfresco meet-ups come 12 April. These are the best pub gardens in Bucks and Oxon from snazzy pods to our favourite local beer gardens. Cheers!

Work View more
Scandi-chic garden cabins by Ayr. We’re in love. 💕

Still hankering after a garden office or cabin? We’ve found a brilliant company that’s raised the bar on design with its Scandic-Chic aesthetic. And guess what? It’s local!
Kids
- Beachborough School, near Brackley
  
  Muddy says: Hard to find fault with this lovely co-ed prep school on the Bucks/Northants borders - a family vibe, pretty rural setting and great results.
- St Clare’s, Oxford
  
  A collegiate-style day and boarding school for 14-19 year olds in central Oxford, with a huge international intake (40 nationalities!) a sole focus on International Baccalaureate and strong results.

Instamuddy

Fashion View more
5 reasons to head to Westgate Oxford

The shackles are finally off, so grab your handbag, put on some make-up (if you can remember how) and head down to Westgate Oxford. See you there!
Beauty
- Get ready to go outside: SPFs for every skin type
  
  The sun is (just) starting to make itself felt and while that brings happiness, joy and vitamin D, it also means more time outdoors. Get prepped with the best facial SPFs.
- Hair hacks: how to tame your mane
  
  An hour on hold and you still didn't bag that hallowed appointment on April 12? Fear not, we've got the do's and don'ts for forlorn locks until you can hand over to the pros

People View more
Morning routines of happy women: Katy Hill

How the hell does Katy Hill keep her life and looks in tip top shape? The Oxfordshire-based TV star spills the beans on her get-up-and-go morning routine.
- 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.
- Meet the makers part two: your local Indie Store heroes
  
  These are the local entrepreneurs who went from garages, kitchen tables and market stalls to become thriving and fabulous Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire businesses

Travel View more
Grab the sunnies: our 2021 travel bucket list

It’s been so long, holidays have taken on a rather emotional hue. So we asked our editors how they really want to spend their annual leave. Expect cocktails, cities, and plenty of sun.
- Muddy reviews One Aldwych: London
  
  Overnighter in the Big Smoke or planning a post-pandemic theatre jaunt? Treat yourself with a stay at this stunning, super-luxe hotel, just a stone's throw from the West End.
- 20 Muddy-approved attractions in Bucks
  
  From the big-beast tourist destinations to our cool insider alternatives, read on for our pick of 20 unmissable attractions in Buckinghamshire.