Welcome to our March 2026 newsletter from Well Cottage!
In this issue, we’re delighted to share some exciting news from Dallas, Texas, following a truly memorable weekend meeting so many of you in person.
We’re also taking this opportunity to remind you of our remaining 2026 dates at Well Cottage. For this year, we now have just one final week available for exclusive whole-cottage stays, along with a few rooms remaining on our shared cottage weeks. If you’ve been thinking of squeezing in a last minute vacation this year and are looking for something easy and stress-free, now is the perfect time to book — and with 10% off our final remaining availability this year, there has never been a better moment. Check out the availability below.
There’s something delicious from Laura’s kitchen that feels just right for the season; plus a glimpse of a Dorset spot where art and landscape quietly meet, a true bridge through time.
And from the stillness of Sherborne Abbey to the elegance of Bath’s Royal Crescent, we’re sharing a few of those quietly memorable moments that make exploring England so special.
And of course… have you checked whether you’re this month’s luxury picnic hamper winner?
Wishing you a very happy and restful Easter filled with good food, sunshine, and time to slow down!
Nathan & Laura
We brought English Cottage Vacation to Texas!
English Cottage Vacation stand at the 2026 Dallas Travel and Adventure Show
What a weekend it has been!
We’ve just exhibited at the Dallas Travel & Adventure Show, and we’re still smiling after two wonderfully full days meeting so many of you – some familiar faces, and many new ones just beginning to dream about their own English Cottage Vacation.
It was an absolute joy to reconnect with past guests in person, to hear your stories, and to share a little Well Cottage warmth on March 28 & 29. And for those we met for the very first time, thank you for your curiosity, your questions, and your enthusiasm – it was such a pleasure to introduce you to life in Dorset!
Just as we experienced in Denver last year, what begins as a simple conversation so often turns into something more meaningful. We’re already looking forward to welcoming some of you across the Atlantic in the months ahead – something that never stops feeling special.
Thank you to everyone who came to find us at Booth 363. You made the weekend truly memorable.
And if you couldn’t make it this time, we would love to meet you soon, whether via facetime… or in person at Well Cottage!
10% OFF Your 2026 luxury cottage escape awaits, but hurry…
Sights from around Dorset, clockwise from top left:
Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast; Sherborne Abbey; idyllic countryside; Corfe Castle
Just a handful of carefully curated weeks at Well Cottage remain, and once they are gone, the 2026 calendar will be complete.
Each stay offers our signature blend of thoughtful hosting, beautiful surroundings, and unforgettable days out across Dorset and beyond.
Shared Cottage Experiences
25 September – 2 October 2026
- Shared Cottage – Rooms 1 & 2
- Sightseeing Itinerary 1
Autumn at its most enchanting, with rich colours, charming villages and wonderfully seasonal experiences.
7-14 December 2026
- Shared Cottage – Rooms 1 & 2
- Festive Winter Itinerary
Our festive winter stay, filled with cosy fires, Christmas markets and the quiet magic of England at this special time of year.
BOOK A SHARED COTTAGE EXPERIENCE
Whole Cottage Exclusive
7 Nights | Up to 6 Guests
Due to an unfortunate cancellation we now have another week available!
You can choose from July, August or September and we are offering 10% OFF for this last minute 2026 opportunity!
Enjoy the cottage entirely to yourselves, with the freedom to choose one of our curated itineraries or a fully tailor-made experience. Ideal for families or friends seeking absolute privacy and total flexibility.
Whether travelling with friends or family, the whole-cottage option offers complete privacy and flexibility.
Get in touch for exact dates and a quotation for your group!
ENQUIRE ABOUT WHOLE COTTAGE AVAILABILITY
Our availability is intentionally limited to preserve the intimate nature of each stay. If you are interested in a 2027 or later vacation we’d love to hear from you!
Local area focus: Gillingham Museum
Less than 20 minutes from Well Cottage, Gillingham Museum offers a quietly fascinating window into local history, with a particularly special connection to one of England’s greatest landscape artists, John Constable.
During the 1820s, Constable stayed in Gillingham and was inspired by the surrounding countryside. One of his most celebrated works, Gillingham Bridge, Dorset (1823), pictured below, captures a peaceful riverside scene with the tower of St Mary the Virgin Church rising in the background.
Remarkably, that very bridge still exists today. Though no longer used as the main crossing, its original brick and stone structure remains in place over the Shreen Water, just as Constable painted it more than two centuries ago.
The museum brings this story to life, allowing you to stand where the artist once stood and then step inside to discover more about his time here, along with the wider story of the town.
Beyond Constable, Gillingham Museum is full of character. Exhibits explore everything from the town’s agricultural roots and railway heritage to everyday life in Dorset across the centuries. It is the sort of place where small details spark curiosity, and where local stories are carefully preserved and shared.
It makes for a gentle and rewarding visit, especially when paired with a short walk to see Constable’s view for yourself, a moment where art, history and landscape quietly come together.
MAKE THIS HAPPEN – REACH OUT NOW!
“I want everyone I know to get the chance to experience what we did!!!”
(and more kind words from our recent guests)
It always means so much when guests choose to celebrate life’s most special moments with us! Thank you so much, Shawn, we’re delighted to share your generous words:
“I can’t tell you how incredible our stay was – it was the PERFECT way to celebrate my folks’ 60th anniversary. It’s rare that already incredibly high expectations are absolutely blown out of the water, but the two of you managed to do it! Every detail was spot on, noticed, and appreciated. It was really, really fun hearing stories from Nathan during our outings as to your origins, and how the whole idea blossomed as a result of your time working together in the Caribbean. I’m so glad you both followed your hearts and vision for what you could create with ECV, because you’ve succeeded in spectacular fashion!! I can’t stop talking about it – and want everyone I know to get the chance to experience what we did!!! :)” – Shawn Korby
To be part of such a meaningful celebration, and to know those moments will be remembered for years to come, is truly special to us!
If you’re planning a milestone of your own, we would be honoured to help make it equally unforgettable.
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!
Gallery: Memories from Well Cottage and around Dorset
SEE MORE PHOTOS ON OUR GUEST GALLERY
Featured blog post: Travel England like a guest, not a tourist
What if your English countryside holiday felt effortless from the very beginning?
Our latest blog describes the reality of English Cottage Vacation: a unique, fully hosted experience, where the usual logistics quietly disappear and are replaced by something far more meaningful. No planning, no driving, no decisions to make. Just time to slow down and truly experience England.
From tailor-made, chauffeured days out to beautifully prepared gourmet meals and the quiet luxury of being completely looked after, it’s a way of travelling that feels both indulgent and deeply restorative.
If you’ve ever longed to simply arrive and feel at home, this is for you.
READ OUR BLOG AND START DREAMING
Featured excursion: No.1 Royal Crescent, Bath
Royal Crescent in Bath, England
A visit to No.1 Royal Crescent offers a fascinating glimpse into Georgian life at its most elegant – and it shares almost the same vintage as Well Cottage.
Built between 1767 and 1775, the sweeping curve of the Royal Crescent was designed to impress the fashionable society of 18th century Bath and it still does today. No.1, completed in 1776, is now a beautifully restored museum, recreating life as it would have been for a wealthy household during Bath’s social heyday.
The Royal Crescent itself is one of the most iconic sights in England, a sweeping arc of 30 Grade I listed houses set around a perfectly kept lawn overlooking Royal Victoria Park. Designed by John Wood the Younger, its elegant curve stretches some 500 feet, creating a grand architectural statement that feels both harmonious and quietly theatrical. Even today, it remains one of the finest examples of Georgian design in the country, instantly recognisable and endlessly admired.
Step inside No.1 Royal Crescent and you move through a world of refinement, from grand entertaining rooms and elegant bedrooms to the hidden workings below stairs, where the kitchen and servants kept everything running seamlessly. It is a wonderfully immersive way to understand the rhythm of Georgian life, both above and below stairs.
It’s easy to see why this was named the ‘Best Small Visitor Attraction in England’ at the latest VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
What makes it all the more special for our guests is the connection in time. While aristocrats and socialites gathered here in silk and finery, Well Cottage was already standing quietly in the Dorset countryside. Two homes shaped by the same era, yet entirely different in purpose and pace.
Your visit forms part of a memorable day in Bath, where co-host and chauffeur/guide Nathan brings the journey to life with his expert insights, often alongside a Blue Badge guide. There is time to explore the city’s elegant streets, soak up its history, and enjoy its famous highlights before stepping inside No.1 Royal Crescent for a beautifully preserved window into the past.
It is history you don’t just see, but truly feel.
Watch our short YouTube video for a sense of what to expect (and please be sure to like, share and subscribe!)
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!
News corner: a Dorset legend remembered
A touching story has emerged from Verwood, Dorset where fans of the beloved British sitcom Only Fools and Horses are coming together to honour one of its most memorable characters.
Buster Merryfield, who played the unforgettable Uncle Albert, is buried locally, but in recent years his gravestone has fallen into disrepair. After seeing images online, a devoted fan has stepped forward to help restore it, sparking widespread support from others who remember the character so fondly.
For many, Uncle Albert was more than just a comic figure. With his tales that always began “during the war…”, he became a cherished part of British television history, bringing humour, warmth and a touch of nostalgia to millions.
It is quietly moving to see how, decades later, that affection remains. Rooted here in Dorset, yet shared far beyond it, it’s a reminder of the characters who stay with us long after the credits roll.
Buster Merryfield (right) as Uncle Albert in Only Fools & Horses, with Nicholas Lyndhurst (left)
as Rodney and David Jason (centre) as Del Boy (Image source: BBC)
Featured video: a quiet moment in Sherborne Abbey
There are places in England that don’t need explaining. You simply step inside and feel it.
Sherborne Abbey, just a scenic 30 minute drive from Well Cottage, is one of those places. Vast yet peaceful, it invites you to slow your pace, lift your gaze, and take in the craftsmanship and history that surround you.
On our guided visits, we take time here. Not to rush, but to absorb. To notice the details. To experience the stillness that has lingered within these walls for centuries.
Our short video offers a glimpse of that feeling.
Featured recipe: Laura’s Cottage Kitchen
No-Bake White Chocolate & Raspberry Cheesecake
Serves 8
There are some puddings that look as though you’ve gone to great trouble, when in truth they are mostly a matter of stirring, chilling, and having the good sense not to eat them too early.
This white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake is one of those. It has a buttery biscuit base, a soft creamy filling, and little bursts of raspberry throughout. No oven tantrums, no water baths, no pastry to sulk over. Just a rather splendid dessert that feels perfect for spring and summer tables.
Ingredients
- 125g digestive biscuits
- 75g butter, melted
- 300g white chocolate
- 300ml double cream
- 100ml natural yogurt
- 300g soft cream cheese
- 300g fresh raspberries
Method
- Lightly grease a 20cm loose-bottomed cake tin.
- Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand, then press it firmly into the base of the tin. Chill until firm.
- Melt the white chocolate gently and leave it to cool slightly.
- Whip the cream until it holds soft peaks. Fold in the yogurt, cream cheese, melted chocolate, and a handful of the raspberries.
- Scatter a few raspberries over the chilled base, then spoon the cheesecake filling on top and smooth the surface.
- Finish with the remaining raspberries and chill for at least 6–8 hours, or overnight, until set. Serve with quenelle of chocolate ganache
A few cottage notes
- Fresh raspberries are best here, as frozen ones can make the filling rather watery.
- A good-quality white chocolate makes a noticeable difference.
- Let the cheesecake sit out for a short while before slicing, which makes serving easier and rather less like wrestling with a paving slab.
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
Help us get even better
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…
OLIVIA URCH
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!
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 began 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!
Essential info: Everything you need to know, all in one place
Neolithic monument Woodhenge, in Wiltshire
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.
