Spotlight

Wreath making workshops in WiltshireWhat could be more festive than sitting down, glass of mulled wine in hand, to craft your very own Christmas wreath? These workshops are selling out fast, so get booking and adorn your door with a handmade wreath
Behind the scenes: what actually happens backstage in theatre rehearsals?Forever feeling nosey, we caught up with Greg Barnett ahead of his star turn in Wiltshire Creative’s Christmas show Snow White and the Happy Ever After Beauty Salon, to find out exactly what he and his co stars get up to in the lead up to show time.
What's on in Wiltshire this December? We know!The Christmas countdown is well and truly upon us – here are all the best local events to get you into the Christmas spirit.
12 best Christmas markets to visit near WiltshireIs it even Christmas if you haven't eaten scalding chestnuts from a chalet hut? Do your festive shopping right this year with these 12 merry markets within an hour of Wilts.
Christmas gift guide: for himWhat to buy the bloke who has everything (or 'wants nothing')? We've sorted his Christmas list with 25 cool gifting ideas from independent brands and businesses across the Muddy counties

Well, hello!

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

Gotta Have It

Party season essentials to add to your beauty bag

It's Christmaaaaas! Treat yourself to some festive glam, and pick up some some gorgeous stocking fillers in one fell swoop at Next Beauty & Home's shopping event (11-12 Dec).

Gotta have it

What’s on this month

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

See What's On

Eat

Where to brunch in Wiltshire

If your evenings are getting full with dinner reservations, carol concerts and light trails, may we recommend booking in a brunch with your friends instead? Here’s where we recommend for artisan coffees, posh French toast and tasty avocado dishes
- The Crown & Anchor, Ham
  
  Is this the best Sunday roast in Wiltshire? We reckon this cosy, foodie pub near Hungerford has it nailed.
- The Langley Tap
  
  Looking for the perfect village pub? We’ve only gone and found it. Lovely food and a super-warm welcome await you in this gem near Chippenham.

Culture

Pass that remote! Six things to watch this week

It’s freezing! Definitely the only excuse you need to catch up on some sofa time. On our watchlist this week: Benedict Cumberbatch’s cowboy “career-best”, on-demand opera, award-winning BBC comedy, and more.
- 8 things to watch this week on the big and small screen
  
  What to watch this week, you cry? From Lady Gaga serving looks in her murderously glam new movie to tension in the tent with the Bake Off 2021 final, here are your eight must-watches.
- 7 new releases to watch on TV this week
  
  Sweeping fantasy, bouncy musicals, the second series of Tiger King…it’s all happening on the box this week. Get into something comfy, pop open the Pringles and settle in for a watch.

Little Black Book

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

Inspiring Kids

The Langley Tap

Wiltshire Creative

Jen Allan Brand Photography

The Post Barn

The Crown & Anchor, Ham

The Courtyard Marketplace

The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury

Iford Manor Estate: Gardens & Holiday Cottage

Bride By Design

Cru Wine Emporium

The Funghi Club

Travel

Cool yule! Muddy guide to Christmas in Edinburgh

Ice rinks, Santa Land, fireworks and castles…For cracking Christmas celebrations and a helluva Hogmanay, head north of the border this winter.
- The best Black Friday travel deals!
  
  Staying in a gorgeous hotel or lying on a tropical beach never fails to make us happy, which is why we’re excited to bring you all the best discounts around the world. Just think of us as your BFF when it comes to BF!
- Escape by rail to these 7 heavenly new hotels
  
  No flight, no faff… hop on the train to these gorgeous new hotels from the newest Pig Hotel to a Peaks treehouse and a cheeky little number in Paris

Home

Wreath making workshops in Wiltshire

What could be more festive than sitting down, glass of mulled wine in hand, to craft your very own Christmas wreath? These workshops are selling out fast, so get booking and adorn your door with a handmade wreath
- Ten bulbs to plant now for a dreamy spring garden
  
  Want to know how the Wormsley Estate in Bucks looks so fabulous come spring? Head gardener Charlotte Tremlin reveals her secret for glorious beds and baskets.
- Letterbox love: 47 gifts to send to their door
  
  Choose from these gorgeous artisan present boxes, sent nationwide, from bespoke biscuits to gin and chocolate, and pamper packs to paperbacks. That’s Christmas sorted.
Wellbeing
- Superflashy newsflash!
  
  Psst….want the word on the street? We’ve got cool co-working, theatre, wellness, openings, and of course, bonnets.
- Your health questions answered!
  
  Don’t understand why the weight won’t shift? Have a back that’s reminiscent of Quasimodo? Muddy puts your questions to Healthily’s chief medical officer, Professor Maureen Baker

Life

Five gripping reads to give your working life a boost

What better inspo for giving your career a shake-up than the story of a creative genius who defied her generation and became a living legend. We’ve found the best books that embrace the Clarice Cliff spirit…
Kids
- Dauntsey’s
  
  Looking for a country boarding school? Dauntsey’s is an unpretentious all-rounder with a family atmosphere and adventure on the curriculum.
- October Half Term: Sorted
  
  Half term looms, so what to do with the little monsters? Never fear, Muddy to the rescue with the lowdown on things to do – ghoulish or otherwise.

Instamuddy

Fashion

Where to rent, repair and sell gorgeous designer clothes

Madonna’s cone bra is now available to rent! It’s ethical, eco and everywhere… here’s where you can rent, repair and sell-on stylish clothes, from Christmas party outfits to eye-catching clutch bags
- 6 of the best… trench coats
  
  It goes with everything — from knockout dresses to comfy tees. Shop this workhorse of the fashionista wardrobe with Muddy’s top six picks for autumn / winter 2021.
- A new leaf: your 10 autumn wardrobe essentials
  
  Bright knits, checks, big handbags, even bigger boots. We’ve got your autumn/winter 2021 fashion fix sorted.
Beauty
- Party season essentials to add to your beauty bag
  
  It’s Christmaaaaas! Treat yourself to some festive glam, and pick up some some gorgeous stocking fillers in one fell swoop at Next Beauty & Home’s shopping event (11-12 Dec).
- Hair transformation! Muddy goes ‘petrol’
  
  Time for a new ‘do? From subtle styling to bold design (read on!) Haringtons has you covered with slick service and skill. See what happened when Muddy sat in the salon chair…

People

Muddy talks parenting with Lorraine Candy

“All teenage girls think their mums are a bit rubbish”. Journalist and mother of four Lorraine Candy talks parenting, moody teens and motherhood with Muddy.
- Morning routines of happy women: Katy Hill
  
  How the hell does Katy Hill keep her life and looks in tip top shape? The 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.