Spotlight

Summer fun to book NOW!Whether it's stuff to go see with the family - or fun with your friends... Book these HOT Kent events for the best sunshine months ever.
Summer 2023 Ahoy!Struggling to nail the perfect family holiday for next year? Drop anchor and relax, Disney Cruise Line and its new European voyages, including departures from Southampton, could be the answer to all your problems.
Superflashy Newsflash! The hottest local gossFeast your eyes on our latest round-up! 15 of the hottest happenings in our 'hood - openings galore and cool events to add to the diary...
Property Flirt!Ready to play? This cool, contemporary family home is in an idyllic rural location just outside a buzzing town, and easy commute to London. So can you guess the price?
18 luxury glamping spotsWell, if you go down to the woods, you'll be sure of a big surprise. In a good way, mind. Luxury glamping options anyone? Let's go!

Well, hello!

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

Gotta Have It

When one destination isn't enough, try several! Now throw in luxury accommodation, spa, gym, restaurants and activities for the whole gang, and raise a cocktail to your new travel BFF - the cruise.

Gotta have it

Muddy Awards 2022

The Muddy Awards are GO! Show your plucky local indie businesses some love by nominating them now - nominations close 20 May

Nominate now

Eat

Muddy Eats: Pick Up Pintxos

Say hello to a real foodie gem loved by those in-the-know! Pick-Up Pintxos is a Basque-inspired restaurant sitting in the heart of the Creative Quarter in Folkestone. So what did we think? Read on!
- 51 brilliant afternoon teas to book now
  
  Celebrate spring with clotted cream and dainty sarnies! We’ve found 51 of the best afternoon teas across the Muddy counties. But you’d better book ’em fast — here today, scone tomorrow.
- Review: The Hare & Hounds, nr Newbury
  
  A little bit of country, a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll. The Hare and Hounds is a boutique inn with 30 stylish rooms, fuss-free food and a focus on fun – Muddy Berkshire editor Rachel checks in.

Culture

The 7 best things to watch on TV this week

Sure, the sun might be shining, but the calibre of TV this week is even brighter. From Tom Hiddleston in The Essex Serpent to BBC3’s new Sally Rooney adaptation, here’s what to stay in for.
- Hot Five: this week’s not-to-miss TV
  
  Colin Firth’s true crime gripper, Mike Myers witty return to screen and a shock-doc on a familiar high street fashion chain.
- Mad May! What to do in Kent this month
  
  Fill your diary with fun this month – we’ve got summer festivals, world-class exhibitions, award-winning theatre, comedy and more. Kent has got it ALL going on.

Little Black Book

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

East Green Child Care

Paddle Cabin, East Peckham

Kent Life Heritage Farm Park, Maidstone

Bohemian Treats, Medway

Balfour Winery, Staplehurst

Fallow Fields Camping, Sandwich & Dymchurch

Godstone Farm, Godstone

Buoy and Oyster, Margate

The Bao Baron, Folkestone

Gourmet Kitchen Folkestone

Canterbury River Tours

The Happy Grazing Company

Travel

The best cruise holidays for 2023

When one destination isn’t enough, try several! Now throw in luxury accommodation, spa, gym, restaurants and activities for the whole gang, and raise a cocktail to your new travel BFF – the cruise.
- The best 12 things to do in Whitstable
  
  We love Whitstable for its coastal setting, foodie reputation and community spirit but where to go first? We know!
- Lady of the manor! 7 stately homes you can stay in
  
  The new Downton film is here, and we fancy channelling Lady Mary. For a stately staycay, here are seven manors you can overnight in (butlers sadly not included).

Home

8 gorgeous new gardening books

Bountiful borders, striped lawn and artfully placed sculptures here we come, but first, sit down, grab a coffee and get lost in the sublime pages of these beauties (those weeds can wait another hour or so)
- Sustainable outdoor spaces with stunning interiors
  
  We love these sustainable outdoor spaces! Not just for WFH offices – think garden gym, teenage den… or your own bar! These pods are stunning inside and out…
- Property Flirt!
  
  Ready to play? This cool, contemporary family home is in an idyllic rural location just outside a buzzing town, and easy commute to London. So can you guess the price?
Wellbeing
- WIN £3,000 cash for your business!
  
  To celebrate this year’s Muddy Awards, our national sponsor Healthily is giving away a life-changing £3k cash injection to boost one company’s health & wellbeing. Click to enter now!
- Ready for bed? 7 top buys for a restful sleep
  
  In celebration of World Sleep Day, here are our top shopping picks, from pillows and candles to sheets to sliders. If these don’t help you reach the land of nod, nothing will!!

Life

Pets’ Corner

Dr Victoria Vidal, head vet at Heronden independent veterinary practice in Tenterden, answers all your pet-related ponderings…
Kids
- Sutton Valence Senior School
  
  An idyllically placed co-ed, non-selective secondary school with good academic results and which punches well above its weight on the sports field.
- Earlscliffe, Folkestone
  
  If you are looking for an independent sixth form co-educational college, with boarding facilities, that has a strong academic reputation and a focus on university preparation, we’d like to introduce you to Earlscliffe in Folkestone.

Instamuddy

Fashion

Fresh air, fresh fashion!

Seven compelling reasons to head to Bicester Village including up to 20 per cent off prices in April’s renowned Private Sale and the Do-Good pop up boutique. Trust us, no-show is not an option.
- Vintage heaven: Muddy goes backstage at the Goodwood Revival
  
  Goodwood Revival is one of THE social events of the year – an epic day of classic cars and vintage fashion with a backdrop of motor racing. But what goes on behind the scenes?
- Your 2022 social calendar – the ultimate Guide
  
  Diaries out? Read on for our insider guide on where to go, what to do, and – of course – how to nail the dress code with perfect prints and dazzling dresses from Ted Baker.
Beauty
- The HOTTEST new nail polish shades for spring
  
  Spring is here – time for pretty new nails! From chic pastels to Harry Styles’ psychedelic new collection, here are the shades to have on rotation this spring.
- Hydrating Facial: The holy grail of skincare?
  
  Want smoother, younger-looking, radiant skin – without resorting to more invasive cosmetic procedures? Hell, yeah! Step forward the Hydro Facial at No.6 Clinic…

People

My Favourite Places: Lavinia Watts

Want to know where the very coolest of Kent eat and hang out? You’re in the right place! Meet Lavinia Watts, Business Partner at Lenleys, Canterbury’s brilliant, independent department store and her 7 favourite places.
- 20 Kent women you need in your life
  
  Girl power! 20 key contacts every Kent woman should have – to help boost your physical, mental or emotional health – here’s your ultimate Little Black Book.
- Gotta Have It: 90s legends in Lego
  
  Can you guess which girl band is being immortalised in Lego 25 years after their iconic album release?