The urban guide to the countryside -

Well, hello!

I'm Amber, editor of Muddy Surrey, 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

Two-hour Tunsgate Christmas blitzYes, people, it can be done! Memorise Muddy's gift buying masterplan, grab your credit card and go go go.
Cosy pubs for winter daysWho doesn't love wrapping up warm, going for a wintery wander and then snuggling up in a cosy pub? Roaring fires, roast dinners and mulled wine galore - here are some of our favourites.
The great Surrey Christmas gift guideDo you need some seriously good Christmas gift ideas? Check out our gift guides stacked with inspiration for him, her, teens and littlies. And the best part, they're all available either online or in-store at Surrey businesses for savvy shoppers who want to keep it local.
A Polesden Lacey ChristmasPolesden Lacey is brilliant to visit at any time of year, but at Christmas the Edwardian country retreat is something else. Here are 10 fabulous reasons to visit this festive season.
10 family things to do this festive seasonFrom light displays and ice skating, to festive shows and the big man himself - discover the top 10 festive things to do in Surrey this Christmas.

FRI 6 - SUN 8 DEC

MON 2 - SUN 8 DEC

DECEMBER

The latest handpicked businesses we think you’ll love

Giggling Squid, Weybridge

If you’re looking for food that’s fast, fresh and fragrant – it has to be the Giggling Squid for its fabulous Thai tapas. We tested their brand new restaurant in Weybridge.
- Gastro Heaven!
  
  30 of the best cookery courses across the Muddy counties to tantalise your tastebuds, and impress even the fussiest dinner guest.
- 15 festive feasts
  
  'Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry - and whether it's traditional festive fare or something more exotic like French or Japanese we've sussed the best places to go.
- Wines by the glass
  
  The White Horse pub in Hascombe offers the entire drinks list by the glass - which makes the wine cellar super accessible and very inviting.
- Pizza and Prosecco party
  
  Gather your gal pals for an all-you-can-scoff Pizza and Prosecco Brunch at the Rose and Crown Bar in Godalming. Let the fun begin.

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!
- Muddy reviews: Fowey Hall, Cornwall
  
  Muddy's Kerry Potter headed to this stunning Cornish corker (and inspo for Toad Hall in The Wind In The Willows) for a weekender with her brood. Here's the brand new Muddy verdict.
- Insider’s Guide to Godalming
  
  This historic little market town by the River Wey is quintessentially British with its pretty lanes, charming cottages and quaint Shakespearean vibe.

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 accessorize with a book and mince pie.
Beauty
- Bliss out at this brand new spa
  
  It's a tough job but someone's got to do it. A blissed-out Muddy reviews a brand new Mayflower Spa in Dorking.
- Mayflower Spa
  
  Luxury Mayflower Spa in Dorking opens its doors for the first time next week! Here are 6 reasons why you should put it to the top of your beauty wish list.

The best pantos and festive shows

Ready or not, here come the pantos! Dig out your stripy tights, winkle pickers, false lashes and corsetry, and book in for one of our panto or Christmas production picks in Surrey and beyond.
- Top (coffee) table tomes
  
  Clear space on your coffee table! Muddy has 10 sexy, shiny visual feasts for your delectation.
- Christmas rapping
  
  Watch out John Lewis! IKEA's and M&S's Christmas adverts are bonkers and brilliant! Watch, laugh and tell us your favourite.

Make your job work for you

Rolling into work every day, but not really feeling it? We hear you. Here’s some food for thought from the autumn’s hottest self-help book by ex Elle journalist turned author Lotte Jeffs.
Kids
- Is this the most fang-tastic Halloween fest in Surrey?
  
  According to our 3 and 4 year old reviewers, er, YES! Here's what to expect if you rock along to Wiglet's Great Spook-er-ree at Godstone Farm.
- Banstead Prep School, Banstead
  
  For first-class facilities and a great all-rounder education, Banstead Prep School is a great option for boys and girls.

Muddy meets David Walliams

The stage version of David Walliam’s Billionaire Boy comes to Richmond Theatre this month – we meet the man behind the book.
- Meet the head: ACS International School, Cobham
  
  A new school year and at ACS International School in Cobham there's also a new head of school - meet Mr Barnaby Sandow who returns to the the UK after almost 15 years at an international school in Borneo.
- Meet the head: Frensham Heights
  
  Frensham Heights School is a modern and forward-thinking school with a distinct lack of British formality - and the new head master Rick Clarke fits right in. He's a progressive thinker with some interesting views on education.