The urban guide to the countryside -

Well, hello!

I'm Lisa, editor of Muddy Devon, 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

Just add sparkle!Wanna get that Christmas glow? Light up your life with Muddy's top 10 illuminated trips and trails around Devon and the West Country.
#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!
Gift guide: for herAunts, mums, grandmas, sisters and your girl posse all covered for Crimbo, plus some spot-on suggestions for gifts to self. Ho ho ho.
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

Mon 9 – 15

December 2019

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

Time for a Devon tipple?

I thought you’d never ask! Quench your Christmas thirst – and maybe tick a gift or two off Santa’s list – with Muddy’s pick of #inlovewithlocal booze and boozers.
- Review: The Depot Eatery
  
  Muddy puts pedal to the metal and motors to The Depot, a former garage and service station at Mullacott Cross near Ilfracombe. Fill her up, baby!
- Gastro Heaven!
  
  30 of the best cookery courses across the Muddy counties to tantalise your tastebuds, and impress even the fussiest dinner guest.
- Review: Me & Mrs Jones
  
  Me and Me & Mrs Jones - we got a thing going on. What is it about this continental-style deli-caf that has Muddy going back for seconds?
- Brunch for the sandwich generation
  
  Finding a safe haven to eat with bickering kids and an oldie in tow is no picnic. Hallellulah for The Donkey Sanctuary and their new Sunday brunch.

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!
- Heard the one about the gorgeous spa hotel with free childcare?
  
  It's no joke! And there's a beach and cool surfer cafes on your doorstep. Pack your cozzie (and the fam), we're off to Saunton Sands Hotel.
- Fancy a break this half term?
  
  Need to make a fast getaway? Don’t move a muscle till you’ve checked out my pick of 8 last-minute family breaks in the West Country.

Party dressing made easy

It’s so easy to end up looking like a Christmas tree at this time of year. Muddy’s fashion expert Kerry Potter shows you how to nail going out style.
- How to do sofa chic
  
  Never mind all the parties, the thing we're most looking forward to this Christmas is hunkering down at home. Here's what we'll be wearing - just accessorise with a book and mince pie.
- Shake up your style
  
  Throw out the rule book, become a fashion rebel and ring the changes this festive season - voilà, our top style tips for rebooting your wardrobe.

Muddy’s 10 best books of 2019

So many rip-roaring reads, so little time. But Muddy’s books editor Kerry Potter has made it easy for you – here’s her definitive list of the year’s best books. Get stuck in!
- It’s Panto Time!
  
  Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to the theatre you go! Here are 15 of the perkiest pantos and festive shows in Devon. Get ready to heckle!
- The 10 dreamiest coffee table books of the year
  
  Clear space on your coffee table! Muddy's books editor Kerry Potter has 10 sexy, shiny visual feasts for your delectation.
- Are you watching the best show on TV?
  
  Because no one else in the Muddy office is, except for Kerry Potter. So she'd like to talk to you about it instead. Ready to become totally obsessed?
- Need a juicy new read?
  
  Muddy's bookworm Kerry Potter has glorious celeb gossip, literary big-hitters and a must-read on relationships this month. Read all about her October picks - and then win the lot!

Flexible working – a personal view

It’s a contentious issue, that’s for sure! As a full-time working mum and business owner, I can see both sides of that fence. Wanna know what I think?
Kids
- Just add sparkle!
  
  Lights, camera, Christmas! 10 twinkly trips and illuminated trails around Devon and beyond to add some sparkle to your Yule.
- It’s Panto Time!
  
  Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to the theatre you go! Here are 15 of the perkiest pantos and festive shows in Devon. Get ready to heckle!

Hey Ms DJ!

Sarah Gosling, Radio Devon’s answer to Simon Cowell, has her finger on the pulse of our music scene and it’s pumping! The BBC Introducing presenter on life as a DJ, what’s on her playlist and how she discovers new talent. (Now where did I put my harmonica?)
- 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).
- Muddy meets the Countess of Devon
  
  Where does a Californian countess with 3500 acres to roll round in go on her days off? Countess of Devon, AJ Courtenay, tells Muddy about some of her favourite places.