The urban guide to the countryside -

Well, hello!

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

Gotta Have It

Making plans? Find your perfect Pub, Inn, Hotel, Café, Restaurant or Bar across the Muddy counties.

Pick of Edinburgh Fringe 2018Heading to Europe's biggest arts festival? Check out these show recommendations
England's Medieval Festival - tix winnerEnjoy fun and games from the Middle Ages with a pass worth £250 to this castle festival
Hooray for high-waisted bikinisFeel at your best on the beach this summer in a flattering high-waisted bikini.
Outdoor cinema in Sussex 2018Make the most of balmy summer nights and the big sporting events with the Muddy round-up of alfresco screenings in Sussex and nearby
Me and My GirlChichester Festival Theatre has another hit on its hands with a fun-filled revival of Me and My Girl starring Caroline Quentin and Matt Lucas
Sussex summer hols What's OnOver 30 ideas from bat hunting to slime experiments and a neon circus in the big Muddy school hols guide

Fri 17 - Sun 19 Aug

16 - 24 Aug

August 2018

Sussex’s foraged gin

Muddy takes a peek behind the scenes at a truly local gin made from ingredients gathered from beach, woods and Downs
- South Downs tea walk
  
  Walk this circular route from Firle, near Lewes, taking in the Beacon and a lovely hidden tea garden
- The Ivy opens in Sussex
  
  The hotly anticipated addition to Brighton's dining scene opened this week. Take a peek inside
- Sneak preview – The Ivy in the Lanes
  
  Booking is open for the Brighton outpost of the famous London favourite and here's an artist's impression and early deets.
- Sunday lunch sorted
  
  Bring on the Yorkshire puds! The best spots for a weekend nosh up across 18 Muddy counties including Sussex

Our honest reviews of the UK’s best schools

Our curated A-Z of the grooviest local businesses

Cruising with kids

Cruising is not just for pensioners – some lines go all out to attract families. Find out about typical children’s activities onboard and some of the adventurous places you could visit.
- Lodges at New House Farm
  
  Luxury meets rural idyll in the Sussex Weald where you'll find a hot tub with a view, fluffy bath robes and friendly alpacas. Cute eh?
- Secret Cyprus
  
  The north of the island is a bit newer on the touristy map - here are five reasons you'll love this part of Cyprus

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

Hooray for high-waisted bikinis

Feel at your best on the beach this summer in a flattering high-waisted bikini. Suits you!
- Gotta Have It!
  
  Perfect beach or festival accessories, these cheery bracelets in a huge range of colours help empower women in Mexico
- Sunshine Soles
  
  Heatwave-proof dressing starts with the perfect summer sandals. Step this way for the best brands on the beach.

Small Wonder Festival

I love a good short story and the form is enjoying something of a resurgence. Charleston is ahead of the curve with its annual Small Wonder festival, an atmospheric occasion that bring together author talks, workshops and performance in a huge marquee. Last year I saw a fascinating talk about the Russian underworld with a […]
- Pick of Edinburgh Fringe 2018
  
  Heading to Europe's biggest arts festival? Check out these Edinburgh Fringe recommendations
- Flip flop art
  
  Buy fun sculptures which save the planet and help poor communities from this clever Sussex-based social enterprise
- Me and My Girl
  
  Chichester Festival Theatre has another hit on its hands with a fun-filled revival of Me and My Girl
- Best summer reads
  
  Looking for books for beach, park or garden? Park your derriere in a deckchair and get stuck into the Muddy best summer reads.

Knit Wit

Want to make your home cosy, inviting and super stylish all year round? Just get yourself a chunky – and we mean, REALLY chunky – knitted blanket or cushion.
- Lusophile Portuguese homewares
  
  Snap up these cheerful rugs and other accessories to give your home a touch of Portugal, via Battle, Sussex
- Gin and Tonic candles
  
  Doing dry January? Check out these G&T infused long-burners from Vineyard Candles
Wellbeing
- Gotta Have It BAM
  
  Eco-friendly and stylish - check out this workout gear from Bam, cleverly made from soft and flexible bamboo.
- The Beauty Island Sanctuary
  
  Shed your winter self with a pamper at this super spa right opposite Worthing railway station.

Books for back to work blues

Summer hols over and you’re sitting at your desk dreaming of greener grass? We’re here to help with five ace new self-help books
- Stationery addict?
  
  I have a friend who is obsessed with stationery. Slip her some coloured paperclips and talk...
- Cool recycled bags
  
  These cool, durable messengers, duffels and backpacks from Brighton are made from truck tarpaulins and seat belts!
Kids
- Sharp Shots children’s photography workshops
  
  Get snappy kids - in a good way - with these school hols classes
- Elderflower Fields tips
  
  Thinking of heading to Sussex’s big family festival Elderflower Fields at Pippingford...

My Favourite Places – Carole Manley

The founder of charity-focused Brighton Sings shares finds in Hove and beyond that reflect her love of exploring
- My Favourite Places: Dog-friendly eateries
  
  Dr John Mason MBE is one of the founders of The South Downs Planetarium at Chichester, which...
- My favourite places: Republica’s Saffron Sprackling
  
  Republica frontwoman Saffron Sprackling, most famous for nineties hits Ready to Go and Drop...