About

Hiya! I’m Helen, the Cheshire editor of award-winning lifestyle platform, Muddy Stilettos. If you’re a bit like me and always looking for the fun things in life, you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve been travelling the world and calling it work for almost 15 years, especially as I was part of the launch team for the UK edition of National Geographic Traveller and deputy editor on the yellow-bordered mag for seven years. I’ve been on some crazy expeditions, from kayaking down the Zambezi and dancing at the Trinidad Carnival, to trekking through the Sahara, hang-gliding over La Reunion and sailing around the remote Mergui Archipelago in Burma – all in the name of the work. And interviewed some total legends, including Christina Slater and Sir Ranulph Fiennes. 

I never thought I’d leave that job but kids eh? They make you do funny things and after a decade in London and gallivanting around the world, I decided to do something I never thought I would. Return to my Cheshire roots and buy a place in Wilmslow. True my adventures are exponentially tamer now I have three kids and a busy freelance writing career (I’ve written for The Times, the Independent, the Daily Mail, Stylist and Rough Guides, to name a few), but here’s the thing. Cheshire is filled with so many fun and interesting days out, restaurants, supper clubs and secret spots. You just have to know where to look. And that’s where I come in. I’m wildly passionate about discovering what’s actually on our doorstep and I’m here to bring you the never-knew-existed spots, the unmissable events and everything that’s fun and cool and quirky in this green and serene county of ours. 

Fancy joining me for the ride? Be the first in-the-know and keep up with all my antics by signing up here…

This is the Muddy Mantra, so you know what to expect from the site:

1. I try everything out myself so that you can fully trust my opinions. On the occasions that I haven’t been somewhere myself, I let you know that’s the case.
2. I don’t write advertorial. This means I will never accept payment to write about something I don’t believe in.
3. I accept tickets to free shows, festivals, restaurants, events etc with the purpose of reviewing or publicising them on Muddy Stilettos, as I’m sure you appreciate it’s pretty expensive zipping around trying stuff out all the time. Hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars – if you want me to try you out, please get in touch at: helen@muddystilettos.co.uk
4. I’ll never write a nasty review. I’m not into trashing people, brands or companies. But if you’re not good enough, I won’t write about you in Muddy Stilettos, regardless of whether I have paid for the experience or not. This gives me the editorial control I need and the trust that my readers demand.
5. Muddy Stilettos is a commercial site and accepts advertising and payment to feature products and brands. However, we believe passionately in only working with brands that share our ethos and are relevant to our readers. We retain editorial control and independence at all times.