The urban guide to the countryside -

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

Our curated A-Z of the grooviest local businesses

#InLoveWithLocal this XmasWe're all for shopping at local indies at Muddy and we know you are too - step away from Amazon and read on for how together we can turn this impulse into a bonafide movement. Get involved!
Superflashy newsflash!New openings, Hollywood in our 'hood, and a gorgeous swirl of gossip around Bucks & Oxon!
Home truthsOur homes are our refuge - a way to protect our families, start a new life, or follow a dream. Three Muddy readers open their doors to share their personal stories. Fancy a peek inside?
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.

Fri 13 - Sun 15 Dec

Mon 9 - Sun 15 Dec

December 2019

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

Ain’t no party like a Muddy party!

For our office ‘do’ this year, we shimmied over to Stoke Park in Bucks for dinner, dancing and drinking. Here’s how we got on. Anyone got any paracetamol, please?
- Muddy eats: The Five Arrows, Waddesdon
  
  We despatched top crime novelist Sharon Bolton to nail three courses at this mid-refurb fine dining restaurant. Was her meal all killer or pure filler?
- Hello 2020! The best local places to celebrate
  
  What you doing for New Year's Eve? One of these 21 awesome gatherings, that's what! From overnighters to pub parties, dinner destinations to bar crawlers, raise your glass to 2020.
- 5 of the best… festive boozy buys
  
  Time to stock up your fridges and cellars! Whether you're buying for others or yourself (hey, you deserve it), you can't go wrong with these five divine drinks.
- Gastro Heaven!
  
  30 of the best cookery courses across the Muddy counties to tantalise your tastebuds, and impress even the fussiest dinner guest.

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!
- Jewel in the Crown
  
  Broadway in Worcestershire is arguably the most lovely of the Cotswolds villages - and we know exactly where you should be staying.
- 24 hours in Matera
  
  Have you seen the new James Bond car chase scenes around southern Italy? Happens that Muddy was there this summer, checking out the cool places to go. Make mine a martini, shaken not stirred while I tell you my insider tips.

Super-quick Westgate Christmas blitz

Yes, doubters, it can be done! Memorise Muddy’s gift buying masterplan, grab your credit card and let’s do this.
Beauty
- J’adore/ J’abhor
  
  To Ink or not to ink? That is the question that's getting the Muddy office fired up this week. Two editors battle it out (*ducks for cover*).
- J’adore/ J’abhor
  
  It's Movember, the month when blokes grow moustaches to raise money for charity. Turns out the Muddy crew have VERY mixed views on men's facial hair. Where do you stand?

Beauty or Beastly?

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s panto production stars Danny Walters (Keanu from EastEnders for you non-soapsters!) plus La Voix (Britain’s Got Talent) and local celeb Andy Collins. But was it beautiful or beastly?
- Lights, camera…
  
  Waddesdon! The National Trust's 'Jewel in the Crown' shines bright with its Christmas Light Trail. Read my insider tips on what to see while you're there.
- Muddy reviews: Cinderella on Ice
  
  The spins, jumps and lifts in this Wycombe Swan production of the classic fairy tale are frankly jaw-dropping. Read my review, grab the kids and go.

#InLoveWithLocal this Xmas

We’re all for shopping at local indies at Muddy and we know you are too – step away from Amazon and read on for how together we can turn this impulse into a bonafide movement. Get involved!
Kids
- Get yer skates on!
  
  Ice ice baby! Nothing like a whizz around a rink to make you feel festive (followed by a mulled wine obvs). We've rounded up the best ones for your skating pleasure.
- Kingham Hill School, North Oxon
  
  An idyllically placed co-ed, non-selective secondary school with a Christian ethos and strong academic results, set in 100 acres of Cotswolds countryside.

Where Shelley goes

Feather-clad dancer in Crete, clubber with Idris Elba in London and now…yoga teacher in Little Kimble in Buckinghamshire! Muddy catches up with the tour de force that is Shelley Shine.
- Where you heading, Curtis?
  
  The Love Island star slips on his velvetine knickerbockers for his starring role in Dick Whittington at Wycombe Swan this month. He talks tans, secrets and AJ's budgie smugglers.
- How Helen Glover does it
  
  Champion rower, mother, partner to Steve Backshall and all round marvel - Muddy meets Helen Glover to talk fitness, family and breaking her Olympic gold medal (oops).