A very warm welcome to our January 2026 newsletter from Well Cottage!
This month’s edition brings together some important updates and lovely moments: From the final shared cottage experiences for 2026 and a chance to meet us in person in Dallas, to a thoughtful Valentine’s gift idea, peaceful winter walks from the cottage door, guest gallery and yet another heartfelt guest review.
You’ll also find inspiration for future travels with our featured blog, excursion and video, an incredible moment of natural wonder from the Dorset skies, plus discover if you’re this month’s winner of our luxury picnic hamper!
So pop the kettle on, settle down somewhere comfy, and enjoy catching up with life at Well Cottage and beyond.
Final Shared Cottage Experiences for 2026
A glimpse into life at Well Cottage – Chef Laura in her kitchen, the garden through
the snug window, and a sneak peek of one of her truly scrumptious gourmet creations
The last opportunities to join us for shared occupancy at Well Cottage this year are down to a handful of rooms. They won’t be around for long!
Our unforgettable Shared Cottage Experiences are always popular. This year, they’re moving particularly quickly. If an all-inclusive, luxury week in the English countryside has been on your mind, now is the moment to act.
These weeks are created for solo travellers and couples who enjoy good company, thoughtful hosting and a relaxed, social atmosphere. You’ll have your own private ensuite bedroom. Absolutely everything is taken care of!
Laura prepares all meals and snacks. Nathan drives, guides and plans each day. The pace is unhurried. The hosting is personal. Guests arrive as strangers and leave as friends.
Here’s what’s still available (at time of writing!):
Sightseeing Itinerary (1)
- 25 September – 2 October 2026
- Bedrooms 1 and 2 available
This is our classic and most popular shared itinerary. It’s the perfect introduction to England! Expect castles, stately homes and historic towns. Add in coastal scenery, countryside walks and time to unwind back at the cottage. It’s beautifully balanced and endlessly enjoyable!
Clockwise from top, Well Cottage’s gloriously comfy bedrooms 1, 2 and 3
VIEW SIGHTSEEING ITINERARY (1)
NEW: Hidden England – Sightseeing Itinerary (2)
- 19–26 August 2026
- Bedroom 2 available
This newly created week is ideal for returning guests. It’s also perfect if you want to explore beyond the familiar highlights. The destinations are different. The hosting remains the same. Fully inclusive. Fully guided. Effortless throughout.
VIEW SIGHTSEEING ITINERARY (2)
Festive Winter Itinerary
- 7–14 December 2026
- Bedrooms 1 and 2 available
December at Well Cottage is wonderfully atmospheric. Fires are lit. The cottage is dressed for Christmas. Days are filled with seasonal outings and cosy moments. Evenings are slow, warm and candlelit. This is a favourite for guests who love tradition and winter charm.
VIEW THE FESTIVE WINTER ITINERARY
Every shared cottage week includes:
- 7 nights in our luxurious 18th-century thatched cottage
- A private ensuite bedroom just for you
- All meals & snacks prepared by resident gourmet chef Laura
- All hot and cold beverages, day and night
- Chauffeured excursions with dedicated guide Nathan
- Pick-up and drop-off from London Heathrow Airport
- Personal 24/7 VIP hosting
With so few rooms now remaining, we expect these final spaces to be booked very soon. If one of these weeks feels right for you, we’d encourage you to get in touch without delay.
Book a friendly chat with us right now or get in touch via our website to learn more and explore your options.
Come and meet us in person: Dallas Travel & Adventure Show
Laura in the English Cottage Vacation booth at last year’s Denver Travel & Adventure Show
We’re delighted to share that we will be exhibiting at the Dallas Travel & Adventure Show from 28–29 March, 2026 – and we’d absolutely love to see you there!
If you’re a past guest living in or around Dallas, it would be wonderful to say hello again and catch up. Equally, if you’ve never been and are thinking about a future English Cottage Vacation, this is the perfect chance to meet us in person before booking.
You’ll find us at booth 363. We’ll be there to chat about the luxurious life at Well Cottage, our all-inclusive experiences, Dorset, food, and what makes an English Cottage Vacation so special. Whether you’re actively planning a trip or simply curious to learn more, you’ll be very welcome!
Last year, we exhibited at the Denver Travel & Adventure Show, and it was a huge success. We met so many lovely people – some familiar faces and some brand new. Several of those new connections have since gone on to visit us at Well Cottage, which was incredibly special.
If you’re attending the Dallas show, please do come and say hello. We can’t wait to meet you, answer your questions, and share a little piece of England with you in person!
Laura and Nathan in Denver last year – now looking forward to visiting Texas in March 2026
A Valentine’s Day gift from the heart (even at the last minute)
If Valentine’s Day has arrived sooner than expected (it has a knack for doing just that!), Laura’s English Cottage Kitchen Recipe Book offers an inspired solution. The digital edition is available for instant download, making it a heartfelt gift even at the very last moment.
Rooted in the comforting rhythms of life at Well Cottage, this carefully crafted collection invites you into Laura’s kitchen, no matter where in the world you are.
Expect recipes that celebrate warmth and togetherness – from elegant bakes and indulgent puddings to deeply satisfying, home-cooked mains.
With the digital edition, there’s no need for wrapping paper or advance planning!
(Or you could simply buy it for yourself and then prepare a candlelit English dinner for that special someone in your life!)
Perfect for a romantic Valentine’s evening, even if you’re shopping at the last possible moment (February 14th, people!!)
For a more enduring expression of love, the 98-page hardcover edition is a gift that lingers long after Valentine’s Day has passed. Thoughtfully produced and richly finished, it’s a book made to be kept close – on the kitchen counter, the coffee table, or wherever inspiration strikes!
Inside, you’ll find far more than recipes. It’s an invitation into the everyday pleasures of Well Cottage: unhurried cooking, seasonal eating, and the simple joy of sharing good food with people you love.
Ideal for passionate home cooks, future guests dreaming of Dorset, or anyone who believes the kitchen is the heart of the home, this is a volume to return to again and again.
For any other territory, simply search “English Cottage Kitchen Recipe Book by Laura Kurton” on Amazon.
Now scroll down for a free sample of the kind of delicious recipes you’ll find in Laura’s book!
Gallery: Memories from Well Cottage and around Dorset
Well Cottage and our gorgeous gardens
Clockwise from top left: Highclere Castle; Stourhead; Salisbury Cathedral; Tewkesbury Abbey
Smiles, sea air and unforgettable moments, our guests soaking up the magic of Dorset
SEE MORE PHOTOS ON OUR GUEST GALLERY
Local area focus: a winter walk around Well Cottage
This month, we’re sharing a short and rather lovely video from the English Cottage Vacation YouTube channel, filmed on a frosty winter’s day in the lanes and fields that surround Well Cottage.
The seven-minute film captures the quiet charm of the local area on a dry but gloriously muddy winter walk – the sort best enjoyed in a good pair of Wellington boots! Laura sets off from the tiny hamlet of Bedchester, wanders through open countryside to the picture-perfect villages of Fontmell Magna and Sutton Waldron, then loops gently back home again across the rolling fields of the Blackmore Vale.
It’s a wonderfully honest glimpse of rural life here in winter. Quiet lanes. Soft skies. Muddy boots. Wide open views. And yes – for anyone wondering – we have Wellies in all sizes ready and waiting for our guests!
One of the joys of walking from the cottage is how dramatically the scenery changes with the seasons. Winter brings stillness and subtle colour. Spring bursts into life with hedgerow blossom and birdsong. Summer glows green and golden. Autumn paints the fields in warm, earthy tones.
Whichever time of year you visit, these simple countryside walks are often the magical moments guests remember most.
MAKE THIS HAPPEN – REACH OUT NOW
“Perfection exists in Laura’s kitchen!”
(and more kind words from our recent guests)
Every now and then, a guest leaves behind not just kind words, but a little love letter to Well Cottage – and this month’s featured review does exactly that. From picnic lunches tailored with care to “the perfection of those wonderful dinners”, Susan’s reflections are a delicious reminder of how deeply Laura’s cooking (and thoughtful hosting) resonates with our guests:
“Now, your food service is beyond all the adjectives available to describe food. The breakfasts were SO amazing – from “plain Jane” porridge (which was anything but plain Jane), to the delectable cheese selections, and who knew eggs could be served in SO many different ways? The picnic lunches were beyond ordinary and absolutely delicious. I truly appreciated Laura adapting my lunches to a smaller version – this way, I could still enjoy every bite without worrying about waste. And I know I’ll need a Thesaurus beside me to fully express the perfection of those wonderful dinners. Suffice it to say – perfection exists in Laura’s kitchen!” – Susan L Knight
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: The hidden treasures of South West England
If you’ve ever wondered what lies beyond the usual tourist trail, this month’s featured blog is a wonderful place to begin. Unveiling the Charm: Must-See Cultural and Historical Gems of South West England explores some of the region’s most captivating and lesser-known highlights – from ancient cities and legendary castles to storybook villages and dramatic coastal landscapes.
READ OUR BLOG AND START DREAMING
Featured excursion: Bowood House & Gardens
If you love the romance of English stately homes and the artistry of historic gardens, Bowood House & Gardens is an absolute joy. It’s the kind of place made for lingering strolls, slow breaths of fresh country air, and that contented feeling that you could happily stay all day.
Tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside, Bowood has been the cherished home of the Lansdowne family since 1754. Visitors are invited to step into a graceful Georgian world filled with family stories, elegant rooms and fascinating collections. From here, it’s a seamless transition outdoors into a landscape shaped by one of England’s most influential garden designers, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.
The sweeping parkland is classic Brown at his very best. Gentle contours, tranquil water and long, painterly views create a setting that feels effortlessly natural and wonderfully calming.
The gardens themselves are equally captivating. Bowood offers a beautiful balance of structure and softness, from the Italian-inspired Terrace Garden overlooking the lake to colourful borders and secluded walled spaces. Seasonal planting transforms the estate throughout the year, ensuring no two visits ever feel quite the same. It’s a place where garden lovers delight in the details, while everyone else simply finds themselves smiling without quite knowing why.
A helpful note for planning ahead: Bowood House & Gardens reopens to welcome visitors on Friday 27th March 2026, with the season running through to Sunday 1st November 2026. This generous window makes Bowood a wonderful choice for spring, summer and early autumn visits alike.
And if Bowood sounds like your cup of tea, you’ll be pleased to know it features in one of our newest set itineraries. At English Cottage Vacation, our exquisite English Gardens Tour is thoughtfully designed for guests who wish to explore some of the country’s most celebrated gardens and stately homes. Bowood sits beautifully alongside other world-famous estates, all enjoyed in effortless comfort. Nathan takes care of the driving and guiding, while Laura ensures you’re beautifully looked after every step of the way.
EXPLORE ALL OF OUR AMAZING EXCURSIONS
News corner: When Dorset borrowed the northern lights
Every now and then, nature puts on a show no one expects – and this January, England was treated to exactly that. On a clear winter’s evening, the sky above the south of the country surprised onlookers with a rare and fleeting glow. Even Dorset found itself beneath softly blushed skies more commonly associated with far-flung northern latitudes.
The phenomenon occurs when bursts of energy from the Sun reach Earth and interact with the upper atmosphere, setting gases alight in subtle waves of colour. Most of the time, this celestial dance keeps well away from our shores. Very occasionally, however, solar activity is strong enough to nudge the display far beyond its usual home.
For those lucky enough to glance skyward at just the right moment, the experience was quietly astonishing. Hints of pink and violet shimmered above familiar rooftops and fields, transforming an ordinary winter night into something truly mesmerising.
It was a gentle reminder that even here, under England’s calm, cloud-watching skies, the unexpected can still happen. And that sometimes, the most extraordinary moments arrive without warning, asking only that we pause, look up, and marvel.
Featured video: Walks in Dorset at Winterbourne Abbas & Winterbourne Steepleton
This month’s featured video is an absolute treat for anyone who loves Dorset at its most timeless and quietly beautiful. In Winterbourne Abbas, less than an hour’s drive from Well Cottage and set within the stunning Dorset National Landscape, Dave Ford takes us on a charming circular walk through two picture-perfect villages and the surrounding countryside.
Filmed for his popular YouTube channel Dave’s Countryside Walks, this under-20-minute video follows a 5.5-mile route and is accompanied, as always, by Dave’s lovely whippet, Fiver. The walk begins with a short detour to the extraordinary Nine Stones – an ancient circle of sarsen megaliths that have stood quietly in the valley for over 4,000 years. From there, the route winds gently through Winterbourne Abbas, past historic churches, along woodland edges and ancient earthworks, before crossing the Jubilee Trail and continuing on to Winterbourne Steepleton.
Dave’s narration is calm, informative and deeply engaging, bringing local history, folklore and landscape to life in a way that feels wonderfully unhurried. It’s a wonderful glimpse into the Dorset countryside we know and love – and exactly the sort of ramble we so often enjoy sharing with our guests!
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 soon 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 will begin checking ETA status from 25 February 2026, so it’s a good idea to stay ahead 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 Feta, Thyme & Honey Filo Parcels
Starter | Serves: 6 | Prep time: 20 mins | Cooking time: 12-20 mins
Light, crisp and utterly irresistible, these golden filo parcels are one of Laura’s favourite ways to begin a relaxed country supper. Creamy feta is wrapped in buttery layers of filo, gently scented with garden thyme, then finished with honey and walnuts for the perfect balance of savoury and sweet.
They’re simple to prepare yet feel wonderfully elegant – just the sort of dish Laura loves to serve when friends gather around the table at Well Cottage, glasses are poured, and the evening is in no hurry at all.
Ingredients
- 6 sheets filo pastry, cut into rectangular strips (allowing two layers per parcel)
- 300 g feta cheese, cut into 6 neat batons
- 60 g walnuts, finely chopped, plus a little extra for serving
- 100 g unsalted butter
- 6–8 fresh thyme sprigs, plus a few small sprigs to garnish
- Runny honey, for drizzling
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- Parchment paper, for baking
Method
(Preheat the oven to: 180°C / 350°F)
- Infuse the butter: Place the butter and thyme sprigs into a small saucepan and melt gently over a low heat. Allow the thyme to perfume the butter for 3–5 minutes, then remove from the heat and discard the sprigs.
- Prepare the filo: Lay one rectangle of filo on a clean work surface and brush generously with the warm thyme butter. Lay a second sheet directly on top and brush again.
- Prepare the filling: Each piece of feta should be slightly narrower than the filo strip, allowing the ends to be neatly pinched in. This helps prevent the cheese from escaping as it melts in the oven.
- Assemble the parcels: Place a piece of feta near the short end of the filo. Scatter over a little chopped walnut and, if liked, a light grinding of black pepper.
- Roll and seal: Begin rolling from the feta end, enclosing it snugly. Once covered, pinch in the sides to seal, then continue rolling until you have a tidy parcel.
- Repeat: Place each parcel seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray and repeat until all six are assembled.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–20 minutes, until the parcels are beautifully golden and crisp.
- Finish: Remove from the oven and allow to rest briefly. Drizzle generously with honey, scatter with extra walnuts, and finish with a small sprig of fresh thyme.
To serve
Cut each parcel in half and stack the pieces gently on the plate, crossing them slightly for height and elegance. Serve warm, with honey glistening and filo crackling at the table.
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?
Every so often, 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…
TERRANCE FOLEY
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
Wareham Quay in Dorset
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!
