WELLBEING

January is wellbeing month here at Muddy. And if you want to do it in luxury, look no further than gorgeous Wasing Estate. Lots going on at their stunning lakeside venue that’s nestled in bucolic, secluded woodlands. Choose from Elevate Day Retreat (30 Jan) and Yin Yoga & Crystal Bowl Sound Healing (16 Jan). I’d also very much recommend getting Stanlake Park in Twyford’s next Sauna & Sip day in the diary (1 Feb FYI) which will see a 40-min sauna, wine (obvs), and a charcuterie board. All for £37.50. Only one slot remains so be quick!

If not, head just over the Hampshire border and heal your weary post-Christmas self at Silchester Farm’s Wellness Retreat (28 – 30 Jan) which dishes out yoga, breathwork, meditation and farm-fresh feasting — all led by wellbeing dream duo Ally and Ben of Ballymore House. There’s also the New Year Yoga Retreat in Combe (25 Jan) which sounds amazing, plus the Winter Renewal Weekend at Fairmont Windsor Park (30 Jan – 1 Feb).

STAGE & SCREEN

Norden Farm’s 70s and 80s extravaganza disco

Grab your flairs and slick that lippy on for Norden Farm’s 70s and 80s extravaganza (17 January). It’s a feel-good all-out disco for grown-ups that will be a fabulous blast from the past complete with all your favourite soul, funk and disco tunes. Can’t remember all the steps to the Funky Chicken? Don’t worry – dancer Lady Boo will be on hand to show you all the moves to everything from Car Wash to I Wanna Dance with Somebody. Prizes for the best retro outfits and free sweets and ice pops too. Tickets £21.50.

For something feel-good, how about My Fair Lady at the lovely Mill at Sonning theatre? It’s a glorious revival of a Mill favourite with director Joseph Pitcher back in the hot seat and the score we all know and love. Each ticket comes with a two-course meal too. On until 17 Jan. Roll up, roll up as the legendary 19th century showman takes centre stage at Theatre Royal Windsor in Barnum. It sounds incredible, featuring over 20 actor-musicians playing 150 instruments, acrobats and circus acts. See it 30 Jan – 7 Feb.

Fancy a trip outside the county? Over at Beck Theatre in Hayes, everybody’s favourite pink icon is on tour with the Peppa Pig Live: Peppa Pig Big Family Show! running from 27 – 28 Jan. Peppa Pig and the gang are back on stage with a shiny new show – and this time, there’s a baby on the way. Packed with songs, silliness and plenty of muddy-puddle energy, it’s a bright, gentle introduction to theatre for little ones – and a guaranteed win for parents planning that all-important first family theatre trip.

To go or not to go? That’s not even a question. Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera stars as the fearlessly brilliant Hamlet in this contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy performed at the National Theatre (27 – 28 Jan). No need to traipse out the county bounds for this culture icon. It’s showing at Maidenhead’s lovely Norden Farm.

FOOD & DRINK

Not quite gorged yourself into a catatonic state yet? Get the bottles popping at Stanlake Park in Twyford who are running a Argentina’s Hidden Gems Wine Tasting night on 23 January which includes a welcome glass of fizz, six exceptional sample wines, and light snacks. £35pp. Of course there’s the usual wine tours and tastings happening throughout the month too. Meanwhile, Silchester Farm have a lovely fireside Winter Feast on 30 Jan, taking place in the candlelit Cow Shed. £65pp.

Many dining deals to be had this month, from Michelin Guide hotties to half price mains. Check out the full list here. Meanwhile Apres season is in full swing – best celebrated at Muddy Award Winning Caldesi in Campagna in Bray with their après-ski inspired night. Think Italian feasting meets winter warmth. Expect a generous Italian supper, Glühwein by the fire, winter cocktails flowing, and dancing into the evening. Ski goggle encouraged. On 29 Jan.

Burns Night

Sooo much Burns Night drama in Berkshire this January. Kick start festivities at The Shurlock Inn (26 Jan) for a Hot Toddy and a four-course supper, plus traditional piping and poetry recitals. More of the same at The Retreat at Elcot Park (27 Jan), The Hinds Head in Bray (25 Jan), and Cobbs Farm Shop in both Hungerford and Englefield (24 Jan). Burn baby burn.

WORKSHOPS

A new year has dawned which means it’s the perfect opportunity to try something new and find a cool little hobby. No better place to get the creative juices flowing than The Base at Greenham. A number of courses begin in January from painting to clay, plus there’s workshops such as a Two-Day Basket Making Course (24 Jan) and an Introduction to Modern Calligraphy (31 Jan).

New year, new skill, and it involves cheese so I’m automatically in. Nettlebed Creamery, a hop, skip, and a jump over in Henley-on-Thames, are running a Cheese Making Course on 15 & 29 Jan where you’ll learn how to make the good stuff with the producers of award-winning organic cheese. £155pp. Meanwhile, in Burchetts Green, Michelin Star chef Dominic Chapman is running a soup masterclass on 21 Jan followed by a two-course lunch and glass of wine. £70pp. There’s of course always something new to learn at Honesty Cookery School near Newbury, and who knows, by the end of the year you may even have your own star. A girl can dream.

EXHIBITIONS

At The Base in Greenham, marvel at the next generation of artists at the Generate: Student Art Exhibition (now – 25 Jan). A number of artworks created by students from local schools, sixth forms and colleges will be on display, celebrating the imagination and creativity of young minds. Free entry, donations welcome.

Meanwhile in Reading, take a blast back to the Edwardian past with a gorgeous scale model recreation of Reading’s iconic Jacksons’ Duke Street Stores and the Jacksons Corner at the Reading Museum. The local landmark that first opened in 1875 has been intricately crafted and is a heartfelt tribute to the beloved institution that eventually shut up shop in 2013. On until 28 Mar.

OUTDOORS

Prepare to be dazzled. Welford Park arguably has the finest natural display of snowdrops in the UK, and it’s rolling out the white carpet from 28 Jan to 1 Mar. There’s hundreds of species here which thrive amongst the 5-acre beech wood, enchanting riverbanks of the River Lambourn, and the glorious gardens of the home to the Great British Bake Off. Luckily for you, they’re swinging open the doors to their private estate so you can have a good old gander. Don’t miss it. In the market for some horsey excitement? Don’t miss the The Winter Million Festival (16 – 18 Jan) at Windsor Racecourse which is always a good time. Children under 17 even go free!

For something a little different (and just SO cute we could die), skip a smidge over the border to Roves Farm near Swindon and join them for their lambing season (23 – 28 Jan). There’s two flocks on the farm and you’ll be front row amid the action, perhaps even getting to see a lamb or two take its first breath. There will be the chance to bottle field the babies, plus a whole host of other activities like indoor and outdoor play, meet and feed the animals, and lots more. Adorbs.

OOPS… YOU MISSED IT

Not ready to wave goodbye to Christmas just yet? Neither. Ease yourself out your festive party jumper with good old Mister Tumble, aka Justin Fletcher for Beauty and the Beast at The Hexagon Reading (now – 4 Jan). If not, A Christmas Carol at Reading Rep runs until 3 Jan and is totally fab, as is South Hill Park in Bracknell’s Mother Goose and the Golden Egg (now – 4 Jan) and Corn Exchange Newbury’s Robin Hood and Maid Marian (now – 3 Jan). Don’t miss ’em.

There’s of course also Christmas at Windsor Castle (now – 5 Jan) if you want to catch the 20ft whopper tree freshly cut from the Great Park. Enjoy final festivities at Basildon Park and enjoy The Enchantment of Ballet (now – 4 Jan), with similar vibes at Cliveden where they are instead celebrating The Nutcracker (now – 4 Jan). LEGOLAND Windsor‘s festive fun wraps up on 3 Jan, and there’s still time to slip ‘n’ slide on the ice rink, fun fair, and Aprés bar at Reading Winter Wonderland until 5 Jan. Psst, the new Skate the Estate in Yattendon closes on 3 Jan too.

Bye, bye twinkly lights. Windsor Great Park Illuminated was brilliant this year, but the last chance to ogle the LED displays is 3 Jan, and Forbury Gardens & Abbey Ruins‘ light trail shuts up shop for the year on 4 Jan. Sobs in leftover Quality Street.

The first race day of the new year takes place at Windsor Racecourse on 1 Jan for New Year’s Day Racing 2026. It’s a fan favourite that’s back for the first time in nearly 30 years. Family activities, brunch, music, and a ton of horsey action involved.

If not, how about another cultural bucket list box-ticker? The Great Hall at Reading University will be hosting two spellbinding candlelight concerts in January: Queen vs. ABBA (9 Jan) and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (9 Jan). The show lasts 60 minutes, and yep, you guessed it, takes place among the gentle glow of candlelight. Magic or what?

Joy to January! What’s going on locally this month

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