Spotlight

The best local delis (and nearby picnic spots)Picnics are about to be THE hottest social event in the calendar. Dig out your hamper, pile on the layers, and get yourself a sausage roll from these 10 best delis in Bucks and Oxon.
Wealth - how to get it, grow it, and keep it in the familyFrom university fees to care homes and to buying property, families are stepping in like never before to beat the tax man and help their relatives. Here's what you need to know to join them.
And the Best Place to Live in Buckinghamshire is...A bucolic rural setting with outstanding local schools, a buzzy pub and an easy commute to London... we have a worthy winner!
48 Mother's Day afternoon teas that deliverCan't give mum a hug? This is a close second: tiny sandwiches, a lot of clotted cream, and an optional bottle of fizz. Here are the 48 best afternoon teas for delivery and takeaway around the country.
And the Best Place to Live in Oxfordshire is...Sitting pretty at the foot of the Chilterns with a fab foodie high street, bijou historic centre and a vibrant community spirit, we have a worthy winner!

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

The best Mother’s Day gifts from your local indies

Forgo the bunch of tulips this year for something a bit more chic, from luxe homeware to chichi accessories, here's a curated selection from our Oxon and Bucks Indie Store sellers

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

Shop Now

Home View more
And the Best Place to Live in Buckinghamshire is…

A bucolic rural setting with outstanding local schools, a buzzy pub and an easy commute to London… we have a worthy winner!
- And the Best Place to Live in Oxfordshire is…
  
  Sitting pretty at the foot of the Chilterns with a fab foodie high street, bijou historic centre and a vibrant community spirit, we have a worthy winner!
- Bring the bar to you: how to have a virtual night out
  
  Counting down the days until that chilly pub garden come April? God, us too. Here's the next best thing: bar-quality cocktails, perfect ambience, and a whole lot of glam.
Wellbeing
- Four ways to become more Zen
  
  Whether it's social anxiety about lockdown ending, or panic that it's not coming soon enough, a new book claims the ancient art of Zen will see us through. Ready to try it?
- WFH a pain in the neck? We’ve got your back
  
  Only got minutes to spare but heading towards a dowager's hump? We've got your back. Here's seven quick and easy exercises to keep you out of the physios

Arts & Culture View more
Pass the remote! 5 things to watch this week

From guilty pleasure TV and true-crime documentaries to cult comedy and feminist flicks – there’s something for everyone in our curated pick of new releases this week.
- Feet up: 7 things to watch this week
  
  A week's worth of great telly content, picked out across the channels and streaming sites. Put your feet up and settle in with one of these great things to watch.
- Why Emerald Fennell is our new girl crush
  
  She juggles horror and humour and always comes out on top; and from Killing Eve to The Crown to Young Promising Woman, she's written or acted in the most talked about film and TV in years

Little Black Book

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

Ravenous Beasts

Lemore Estate, Herefordshire

The Holiday in a Box Co.

Eat View more
48 Mother’s Day afternoon teas that deliver

Can’t give mum a hug? This is a close second: tiny sandwiches, a lot of clotted cream, and an optional bottle of fizz. Here are the 48 best afternoon teas for delivery and takeaway around the country.
- Comforting classics from The Pie Room
  
  Ooh, is there anything more satisfying than good flaky pastry? These two tasty recipes from Calum Franklin's new cookbook The Pie Room are just the ticket.
- Three easy recipes for fussy eaters
  
  Running out of ways to sneak vegetables onto your kid's plate? Try one of these creative (and completely vegan) takes on comfort classics. Brownies as one of your five a day? Now we're talking.

Work View more
Get your finances into shape for 2021

The fallout from Covid has shown how financial wellbeing is vital – and too often overlooked. Muddy limbers up for a money MOT in 2021.
Kids
- No Easter childcare? We’ve got it sorted
  
  Can’t bear to have kids lolling around the house over the Easter hols? No fear: help is at hand with the return of Ultimate Activity Camps across Bucks, Oxon and beyond.
- The Manor Preparatory School, Abingdon
  
  Check out my update on this highly-regarded day school in Abingdon with fantastic ISI reports (excellent across the board) for kids 2-11 years old.

Instamuddy

Fashion View more
Word up! Slogan sweats to buy now

Can’t find the words to say it yourself? Say it with a sweater! Here are eight cool slogan jumpers we’re coveting right now, all from indie shops and brands.
Beauty
- 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
- Skincare SOS – your winter essentials
  
  Zoom close-ups making you wince? Cold winter days and dry central heating are playing havoc with our skin. Try these hero products for a dose of much-needed hydration.

People View more
Five 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 five 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
- 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 some of our Indie Store businesses recount their journey and show what makes them special

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.