Spotlight

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.
What’s on in Sussex in MayFill your diary with fun for May! With immersive art, foodie happenings, theatre, live music and more. Sussex has got it ALL going on.
Lady of the manor! 7 stately homes you can stay inThe 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).
Hotels we heart! 53 stylish staycations to book nowFancy cool interiors, facilities to die for and plenty of space at the inn? Your wish is our command! Feast your eyes on the chicest large hotels the Muddy counties have to offer
16 stunning bluebell walks in SussexBlooming 'eck! Bluebells are popping up in their thousands across Sussex. Here's where to find the best of them on your sprightly springtime walk.

Well, hello!

I'm Maddy, editor of Muddy Sussex, 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

Review: The Crab & Lobster, Sidlesham

Set in the chocolate box pretty village of Sidlesham, near Chichester, this cosy pub with slick newly refurbed rooms packs a real foodie punch.
- Brunch and wine-tasting at Chalk Restaurant, Wiston Wine Estate
  
  Brunch and wine-tasting. Two of Muddy’s favourites things, so when we found out we could combine both in one morning we were down the A24 like a shot.
- Review: The Royal Oak, Midhurst
  
  Muddy revisits this 17th century rural foodie haven on the outskirts of Midhurst and finds its the perfect pub for any occasion.

Culture

Field of dreams – let’s do the Good Vibrations Society Festival

Ah, summer festivals how we’ve missed you – and Good Vibrations this August in Ashdown Forest is an absolute cracker, with a uniquely mellow, happy family vibe. Lanyards on let’s do this!
- 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

Little Black Book

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

Farmyard, St Leonards-on-Sea

Boatyard, St Leonards-on-Sea

Heist Food Market, St Leonards-on-Sea

Weald & Downland Living Museum, Singleton

Parkminster Candles, Hurstpierpoint

Cakes in Bloom, Chichester

The Garden Chef, West Hoathly

The Crown Inn, Dial Post, nr Horsham

Arthur Hayes Optician, East Grinstead

Ryde House, Petworth

E Street Bar & Grill, Petworth

Leonardslee Gardens & Lakes, Lower Beeding

Travel

Six beautiful beach huts to book in Sussex

Kick back and relax by the sea in style, in your own private beach hut! Perfect for sunny family getaways, seaside meals and special occasions. We’ve sniffed out some of the best in Sussex
- 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.
- 23 of the best places to holiday in the UK
  
  Staycationing this summer? Then you’re going to want to check out our bang-up-to-date insider guides to these top towns and cities across the Muddy counties.

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)
- Your new go-to chicken supper dish by Ella Risbridger
  
  This easy recipe for cardamom and cinnamon chicken rice is a one-pot wonder from Ella’s latest cookbook, A Year of Miracles
- 5 jaw-dropping coastal homes on the market
  
  From seaside stunners fit for a queen, to A-lister-worthy waterfront homes – these incredible coastal properties are on our ‘dream homes’ Pinterest board right now.
Wellbeing
- 16 stunning bluebell walks in Sussex
  
  Blooming ‘eck! Bluebells are popping up in their thousands across Sussex. Here’s where to find the best of them on your sprightly springtime walk.
- Wild swimming spots in Sussex and beyond
  
  Fancy a dip? Now the weather is warming up it’s way it’s time to don your wetsuit and try nature’s swimming pools. We’ve picked some of the loveliest spots in Sussex. Flowery swim caps on let’s dive in!

Life

12 things to do in St Leonards-on-Sea

Hastings much cooler more bohemian neighbour, St Leonards has got it all going on. The latest darling of London media professionals who are moving to the seaside town in droves it’s been dubbed Shoreditch on Sea.
Kids
- Family fun: Goodwood Festival of Speed
  
  Supercars, stunts…and more fun than you can shake a gearstick at. This summer family festival is all about making memories that will last a lifetime…
- Five reasons to join Godstone Farm’s Big Sleepover this summer!
  
  Diaries out- The Big Farm Sleepover is back on at Godstone Farm this summer – and here are five reasons why it’s not to be missed!

Instamuddy

Fashion

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?
- 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.
- 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
- Review: Oskia ritual treatment at Utopia Spa, East Grinstead
  
  Tension begone! Muddy Sussex darts off on our lunch break to test the limits of this new luxe body and face treatment at the amazing Utopia Spa within Alexander House, Turners Hill.
- You beauty! Sussex’s best beauty secrets revealed
  
  Whether you want to glow naturally with locally made organic goodies or blitz your bits with the latest high-tech treatments we know where to go for Sussex’s best beauty.

People

My Hove, by celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton

Want to know a star stylist’s Sussex secrets? Course you do! So we asked TV snipper Andrew Barton for his Hove hot-spots.
- Back of the net! Partridge is coming to Sussex
  
  The one and the only Alan Partridge is back on stage with a show he describes as a cross between a TED talk and West Side Story. Muddy caught up with Coogan ahead of his Brighton shows in May.
- What’s cooking?
  
  We ask some of the best chefs in Sussex to spill all about their work, lives, and recommendations for eating well locally. Dishing it this week is Johnny Stanford from AG’s Restaurant, Alexander House near East Grinstead.