Welcome to our February 2026 newsletter from Well Cottage!
We’ve got a wonderfully varied update for you this month – from the final dates at Well Cottage for 2026 (now very limited), to a chance to meet up in Dallas soon!
Meanwhile, Sherborne just down the road from us has been named one of the UK’s 7 best places to go in 2026, plus we feature a charming day out to Bradford on Avon, and a local favourite walk in ancient woods.
Discover if you’ve won this month’s luxury picnic hamper. And Chef Laura has included her quick and easy homemade sweet & sour stir-fry recipe. Yum!
You’ll also find our featured blog post and video, plus the latest guest gallery waiting below. Fancy an inspirational little escape? Let’s go!
Still looking to book your English vacation for 2026? Here’s what’s left!
Seasonal scenes from around Dorset, clockwise from top left:
Well Cottage; Milton Abbas; Bath Christmas Market; Castle Combe
If an English countryside retreat is still on your 2026 wish list, now is the time to secure your stay. A small number of shared cottage weeks and exclusive whole-cottage dates remain available.
Everything is thoughtfully curated, with unforgettable sightseeing itineraries and an intimate, beautifully hosted experience.
Availability is limited and once these weeks are reserved, the 2026 calendar will close.
Shared Cottage Experiences
19-26 August 2026
- Shared Cottage – Room 2
- Sightseeing Itinerary 1
A late-summer escape filled with curated countryside excursions, historic towns and relaxed evenings at the cottage.
25 September – 2 October 2026
- Shared Cottage – Rooms 1 & 2
- Sightseeing Itinerary 2
Golden autumn landscapes, charming villages and seasonal English experiences.
7-14 December 2026
- Shared Cottage – Rooms 1 & 2
- Festive Winter Experience
Cosy fires, Christmas markets, seasonal dining and the magic of England in winter.
BOOK AN AMAZING SHARED COTTAGE EXPERIENCE
Whole Cottage Exclusive
2-9 July 2026
7 Nights | Up to 6 Guests
Book the entire cottage for a completely private English retreat.
Choose:
Whether travelling with friends or family, the whole-cottage option offers complete privacy and flexibility.
Secure Your 2026 Escape
Our cottage weeks are intentionally limited to preserve the intimate and curated nature of the experience. If one of these dates feels right, we encourage you to enquire soon.
Gallery: Memories from Well Cottage and around Dorset
SEE MORE PHOTOS ON OUR GUEST GALLERY
Local area focus: Duncliffe Wood
Just 12 minutes’ drive from Well Cottage, rising gently above the surrounding countryside, lies one of North Dorset’s most quietly remarkable landscapes: Duncliffe Wood.
Crowning Duncliffe Hill, this 227-acre ancient woodland is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, a reminder that it has shaped the Dorset landscape for nearly a millennium. Over the centuries it passed from Norman ownership to religious houses, the Crown, and eventually into academic stewardship before being entrusted to the Woodland Trust in 1984.
Today, it is a deeply peaceful place to wander. Native oak, ash and hazel are gradually reclaiming the woodland, and some of its ancient lime trees are believed to be between 600 and 1,000 years old – among the oldest living things in the county.
In spring, delicate bluebells briefly dust the forest floor with colour, while in summer butterflies drift through the dappled light. At any time of year, the summit rewards walkers with spectacular, sweeping views across the Blackmore Vale.
It is a timeless corner of Dorset – tranquil, historic, and wonderfully restorative in every season. Fancy a gourmet picnic here, courtesy of chef Laura, with chauffeur and guide Nathan on hand to set everything up?
MAKE THIS HAPPEN – REACH OUT NOW
“Nathan & Laura are exceptional hosts”
(and more kind words from our recent guests)
It always means so much when someone who has stayed with us takes the time to reflect on their experience. We’re delighted to share these generous words:
“I was so impressed with literally everything about my visit to Nathan & Laura’s English Cottage. The cottage, gardens & setting were absolutely charming. Everything was perfection. Our excursions were wonderful & our downtime at the cottage was comfortable & relaxing. Nathan & Laura are exceptional hosts who have thought of everything to make anyone’s visit a memorable one.” – John Bryan
Knowing that the charm of the cottage, the excursions, and those peaceful moments of relaxation came together so beautifully is incredibly special to us!
Have you been a guest of ours? We’d be so grateful if you can share your experiences on TripAdvisor and Google Reviews too! Also be sure to check out the testimonials featured on our website!
Featured blog post: the art of truly personal hosting
What turns a cottage stay into something unforgettable? It’s the care behind every detail.
From tailor-made itineraries to thoughtfully prepared meals and meaningful local experiences, discover how we create luxury escapes that feel entirely personal.
Step inside life at Well Cottage and see why so many guests return, year after year.
READ OUR BLOG AND START DREAMING
Featured excursion: Bradford on Avon
Bradford on Avon with the river in the foreground; The Swan Hotel facing St Thomas More Roman Catholic Church; a narrow cobbled street in the town centre
Tucked into the rolling countryside of Wiltshire, just eight miles south-east of Bath, Bradford on Avon is one of England’s most atmospheric historic towns.
Its story stretches back to Roman times, but it was during the medieval wool trade that Bradford truly flourished. The River Avon – from which the town takes its name – once powered the mills that brought prosperity to the area. Today, the river flows gently beneath the magnificent 13th-century town bridge, reflecting honey-coloured stone buildings and centuries of architectural heritage.
Among its many historic treasures are remarkable churches that quietly chart the town’s spiritual past. St Thomas More Roman Catholic Church, dating from 1854 and originally built as the town hall, stands as a graceful reminder of Victorian Bradford. Nearby, the extraordinary 14th-century Bradford on Avon Tithe Barn – now part of Barton Farm Country Park – offers a striking glimpse into medieval agricultural life, its vast timber roof a masterpiece of craftsmanship.
The Tithe Barn at Barton Farm Country Park
Our visit always unfolds at an unhurried pace. Nathan, your chauffeur and knowledgeable guide, shares the town’s stories as you wander its winding streets and riverside paths. There is time to browse independent shops, admire historic façades, and soak in the timeless rhythm of this beautiful corner of England.
No visit would be complete without stopping at The Bridge Tea Rooms, housed in a 16th-century building beside the ancient bridge. Here, we pause for a traditional high tea – delicate sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and perfectly brewed tea served in delightfully nostalgic surroundings.
And, of course, every excursion day carries the signature touches of English Cottage Vacation. Laura prepares a hamper brimming with gourmet treats and refreshing drinks for the journey, and if the weather is kind, Nathan can even set up a charming picnic table along the scenic river bank – an idyllic moment to sit back, breathe deeply, and simply savour Dorset and Wiltshire at their most enchanting.
To watch our short video for a sense of how wonderful Bradford on Avon is, click here!
A server with tasty treats in the Bridge Tea Rooms, Bradford on Avon (image source: TheBridgeTeaRooms)
EXPLORE ALL OF OUR AMAZING EXCURSIONS
A taste of English cottage life, wherever you are
If you haven’t yet added Laura’s much-loved English Cottage Kitchen recipe book to your collection, here’s your little nudge!
Now available in a stunning 98-page hardcover edition, this beautifully bound keepsake captures the heart and flavour of life at Well Cottage. From comforting mains and indulgent puddings to delicate bakes and seasonal favourites, there’s something scrumptious for every mood.
It’s the perfect gift for a food lover, a future guest – or simply as a well-deserved treat for yourself.
For any other territory, simply search “English Cottage Kitchen Recipe Book by Laura Kurton” on Amazon.
And remember, you can still download the instant digital edition too:
Now scroll down for a free sample of the kind of delicious recipes you’ll find in Laura’s book!
A little piece of Dorset is coming to Texas!
Laura in the English Cottage Vacation booth at last year’s
Denver Travel & Adventure Show; and with Nathan
This March, we’re bringing a generous helping of English cottage charm to the Dallas Travel & Adventure Show (28–29 March 2026) – and we would love to see you there!
If you’re a past guest in or around Dallas, please do come and say hello. It’s always such a joy to reconnect in person. And if you’ve been considering an English Cottage Vacation, this is the perfect opportunity to meet us, ask questions, and discover what makes life at Well Cottage so special.
You’ll find us at Booth 363, chatting about our all-inclusive stays, Dorset adventures, glorious food, and all the details that turn a holiday into something truly memorable.
When we exhibited in Denver last year, we met so many wonderful people – and several have since crossed the Atlantic to stay with us. There’s nothing more special than seeing those first conversations turn into cottage memories.
If you’re attending the Dallas show, do stop by. We can’t wait to meet you and share a little piece of England in person!
News corner: Sherborne named one of the UK’s best places to go in 2026
Sherborne Abbey, just over half an hour’s drive from Well Cottage
We were delighted to see that Condé Nast Traveller has included Sherborne in its highly anticipated list of the 7 Best Places to Go in the UK in 2026 – and it’s just over 30 minutes’ drive from Well Cottage.
Described as a destination to visit for its “artsy crowds”, the prestigious magazine paints a glorious picture of Sherborne’s “age-old biscuit-coloured stone buildings” gathered beneath the magnificent Sherborne Abbey. Beyond the Abbey, “two castles (old and new) once owned by Sir Walter Raleigh gaze wistfully at one another across an 18th-century lake” – a scene that feels lifted straight from a period drama.
The feature celebrates Sherborne’s creative renaissance, centred around its impressive new arts venue, The Sherborne – a Georgian townhouse where Charles Dickens once gave a famous reading. Today it draws exhibitions, film screenings and workshops that are quietly reshaping the town’s cultural identity.
There’s praise, too, for the independent spirit of Cheap Street, where galleries, bakeries and antique treasures sit alongside characterful cafés. From Dorset apple cake beneath historic beams to refined local cuisine beyond Sherborne Castle, Sherborne is described as postcard-perfect. Yet it is refreshingly free from the big crowds found elsewhere.
We love bringing guests here. It offers history, beauty, creativity and superb food, all wrapped in honeyed stone and West Country charm.
Corsham, Wiltshire
And Sherborne is not the only nearby star. Also featured on the 2026 list is Corsham. Just over an hour from Well Cottage, it is praised as “a crowd-free Cotswolds alternative with honey-hued country delights”. With peacocks wandering its high street, artisan shops, contemporary galleries and the stately grandeur of Corsham Court, it’s another wonderfully atmospheric day out we can easily arrange for you.
It seems the wider world is finally discovering what we’ve always known: this corner of Dorset and Wiltshire is something truly special.
Featured video: a moment of garden calm
Sometimes, the greatest luxury is simply stillness.
This short clip from our YouTube channel captures the gardens at Well Cottage exactly as they are – birdsong in the air, leaves gently stirring, and not another sound to interrupt the peace.
It’s a glimpse of the quiet rhythm our guests so often rediscover here: slow mornings, unhurried afternoons, and space to breathe deeply again. Whether relaxing in the garden, curled beside the fire in The Snug, or wandering through open countryside, every moment is designed to restore.
Click here and just imagine yourself in this idyllic setting.
Travel update: Important note for international visitors to the UK
If you’re planning a future visit to Britain, please note that most overseas visitors – including those from the US and Canada – will now need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK.
The ETA is a quick and straightforward online travel permission (similar to the US ESTA). It costs £16, is typically approved within a few days, and allows multiple entries over a two-year period.
Airlines have begun checking ETA status from 25 February 2026, so please bear this in mind if your English Cottage Vacation is already in the diary.
If you’re unsure how this might affect your travel plans, don’t worry – we’re always happy to help!
Featured recipe: Laura’s Quick and easy Homemade Sweet & Sour Stir-Fry
(Chicken, Shrimp, Salmon, or Pork) – Serves 6
Bright, colourful and full of flavour, this quick sweet and sour stir-fry is one of Laura’s go-to dishes when something comforting yet vibrant is called for.
With your choice of chicken, prawns, salmon or pork, crisp vegetables and a beautifully balanced sweet-tangy sauce, it’s a generous, crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone happily to the table.
Simple to make, wonderful to share and just as scrumptious the next day!
Ingredients
Protein (choose one)
- Chicken: ~900g-1.1kg chicken breasts, cooked (grilled/sous vide/baked/pan-cooked), then sliced or cubed
- OR Pork: ~900g pork (tenderloin works well), cooked then sliced/cubed
- OR Shrimp/Prawns: ~900g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
- OR Salmon: ~900g salmon fillets, cut into large cubes
To crisp/finish the protein
- 1-2 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2-3 tbsp sesame seeds (plus extra to top at the end)
Stir-fry vegetables (julienne / thinly sliced)
Aim for 10-12 cups total.
- Carrots, julienned
- Red peppers, thinly sliced
- Onions, sliced
- Sugar snap peas, sliced
- Spring onions, sliced
Optional extras
- Broccoli (small florets)
- Cauliflower (small florets)
- Edamame beans
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Cabbage, shredded
Veg seasoning
- 1-2 tbsp sesame oil (or olive oil)
- 3-4 tbsp soy sauce (to taste)
- 1-2 tsp ginger (fresh grated or dried)
- 1-2 tbsp honey
- 2-4 garlic cloves, crushed
Rice
- 2 cups basmati rice (uncooked)
- 4 cups water (2 cups water per 1 cup rice)
- Salt (optional)
Sweet & Sour Sauce (saucepan)
- 200g sugar
- 150ml malt vinegar
- 1 can chopped pineapple in juice (use the juice first, keep chunks for later)
- 3 tbsp tomato purée
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2-3 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch) mixed with 4–5 tbsp cold water (slurry)
Method
Cook the rice
- Add 2 cups rice + 4 cups water to a saucepan (salt optional).
- Bring to the boil, then reduce to a very low simmer and cover.
- Cook until the water is absorbed and rice is tender (about 10-12 minutes, depending on rice).
- Rest off the heat for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Make the sweet & sour sauce
- In a saucepan add sugar, malt vinegar, pineapple juice (chunks reserved), tomato purée, dark soy sauce.
- Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce to a gentle bubble and whisk in the cornflour slurry gradually until thickened.
- Stir in the pineapple chunks and heat through on low.
Cook/crisp protein
Chicken/pork (already cooked):
- Slice/cube the cooked meat.
- Heat sesame oil (or veg oil) in a pan.
- Fry briefly until lightly crisp.
- Add sesame seeds, toss to coat, then keep on low heat.
Shrimp/prawns:
- Stir-fry in hot oil 2-3 minutes until just cooked.
- Add sesame seeds, toss, then keep on low heat.
Salmon:
- Sear cubes 1-2 minutes per side until just cooked through.
- Add sesame seeds, toss gently, then keep on low heat.
Stir-fry the vegetables
- Heat sesame/olive oil in a large wok or pan over medium-high.
- Add harder veg first (carrots, broccoli/cauliflower if using) for 2-3 minutes.
- Add onions and peppers, cook 2 minutes.
- Add crushed garlic, stir 30 seconds.
- Add remaining veg (sugar snap peas, mushrooms/cabbage/edamame if using).
- Add soy sauce, ginger, honey and stir-fry until crisp-tender (about 5-8 minutes total).
- Add spring onions at the end (or reserve some for topping).
To serve
- Spoon rice onto plates.
- Top with vegetables.
- Add the protein.
- Spoon over sweet & sour sauce.
- Top with extra sesame seeds.
Love this recipe? It’s just a taste of what’s waiting in Laura’s Recipe Book now available in both hardcover print and digital editions! Packed with lots of scrumptious recipes, from breakfasts and afternoon teas to indulgent desserts and classic cocktails, it’s the perfect way to bring the magic of Well Cottage to your kitchen! Tap below for instant access:
Or search for “English Cottage Kitchen Recipe Book by Laura Kurton” on Amazon – the stunning hardcover edition is now available worldwide!
FEAST YOUR EYES ON LAURA’S FOOD GALLERY
Know a travel advisor who truly understands exceptional travel?
Now and then, guests mention a travel advisor who just gets what English Cottage Vacation is all about: Someone who values authenticity, personal service, and beautifully crafted luxury experiences.
If you know a trusted agent or broker who might be excited to discover us – and perhaps share Well Cottage with their other clients – we’d love to be introduced.
Feel free to pass our details along to them, or pop us a message with theirs. A simple connection could open the door to something rather special. Thank you so much in advance!
Share your magic: Help us keep the cottage sparkling
Every guest brings a little something special to Well Cottage, and it’s your experiences that help shape the magic we create here.
If you’ve ever stayed with us, we’d be so grateful if you could take a few moments to share your thoughts via the short feedback form below.
Your reflections help us fine-tune the tiniest touches, ensuring that each English Cottage Vacation is even more personal, thoughtful and unforgettable than the last.
Celebrating our luxury picnic basket winner!
One of our picnic set-ups in a glorious English countryside location
It’s that time again! We’re thrilled to announce this month’s luxury countryside picnic basket! A beautifully handcrafted willow hamper filled with all the essentials for a dreamy alfresco outing is on its way to one lucky subscriber…
LINDSAY McGEACHY
Please reach out to us by email so that we can arrange delivery!
info@englishcottagevacation.com
Congratulations! Your basket includes:
- Fine china plates and real glassware
- Stainless steel cutlery and linen napkins
- A tartan picnic blanket
Didn’t win this time? Don’t despair – we’re giving away another one next month! Simply stay subscribed to our weekly newsletter and you’re automatically in the draw.
And if you know someone who would love a touch of English charm in their inbox, feel free to forward this email or share the sign-up link – click here! They could also be in to win!
*Disclaimer: The basket we deliver is subject to availability but we will always strive to ensure comparable quality!
Essential info: Everything you need to know, all in one place
Sunset over a beautiful Dorset countryside scene
From your first enquiry to your farewell at Heathrow, we’ve designed every step of your English Cottage Vacation to be smooth, simple and beautifully stress-free.
Whether you’re curious about availability, wondering how payments work, or ready to shape your tailor-made itinerary, the links below will guide you through it all – clearly, quickly, and with complete confidence.
Your Tailor-Made Itinerary, Discovery Process
Step inside the cottage community!
Join our Facebook group for a peek behind the scenes, seasonal updates from Well Cottage, and a friendly space to connect with fellow Anglophiles. We’d love to welcome you in!
JOIN OUR GROWING COMMUNITY ON FACEBOOK
* All you need to do is arrive – we’ll take care of everything else!
Reach out today to begin your effortless, luxury English countryside escape.
