Welcome to our June 2026 newsletter from Well Cottage!
June is one of our favourite months here at Well Cottage. The cottage garden is beginning to overflow with roses, the evenings seem to last forever, and the Dorset countryside takes on that rich green colour that feels so unmistakably English. It’s the time of year when breakfast is often enjoyed outdoors, village cricket matches begin appearing on the greens, and every drive through the countryside reveals another picture-perfect scene. Plus…. it’s Laura Birthday, yeay!!
Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming more wonderful guests to Well Cottage and sharing some of our favourite places with them. One of the highlights has been introducing guests to our new Oxford extension, combining the peaceful beauty of rural Dorset with one of England’s most iconic and historic cities. Seeing guests experience both sides of England has reminded us just how wonderfully varied our little country really is.
This month, we’re excited to share:
- Discover Oxford – Follow one of our guests’ recent adventures as they took advantage of our new Additional Location option, enjoying three unforgettable days exploring Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace, Waddesdon Manor and the historic city of Oxford.
- Featured Excursion – One of Dorset’s hidden treasures, the magnificent Minterne Gardens.
- Exploring Our Corner of England – Discover the fascinating history of St Andrew’s Church in the beautiful village of Fontmell Magna, just a short stroll from Well Cottage.
- News Corner – Our award-winning village shop receives prestigious regional recognition.
- Behind the Scenes at English Cottage Vacation – Join us for a tour of the Well Cottage garden and see the incredible transformation that took place during just five days while we were away in Italy.
- Featured Blog – Why food is such an important part of the English Cottage Vacation experience.
- A Taste of Well Cottage – Laura shares one of her favourite indulgent desserts, Chocolate Cheesecake.
- Your chance to buy Laura’s Recipe Book
- Travel Advisors – Interested in offering English Cottage Vacation to your clients? Find out how to become one of our travel partners.
- Help Us Improve – We’d love your feedback! Complete our short survey to help shape future newsletters.
- Picnic Basket Winner – Find out who has won this month’s English Cottage Vacation picnic basket. Could it be YOU?
- Everything You Need to Know – Quick links to planning your itinerary, FAQs, payment information, cancellation policies and everything else you need to plan your stay.
- Step Inside Our Community – Join our For the Love of England Facebook community and share your passion for England with fellow Anglophiles.
So pop the kettle on, settle into your favourite chair, and enjoy a little taste of England…
Looking to visit England?
From this month onwards, we’ll be sending our latest availability, newly released vacation dates and any special offers in a separate email dedicated to future bookings.
This allows our monthly newsletter to focus on sharing the places, people and experiences that make England so special, while those planning a future visit can locate the latest availability and booking opportunities more easily within their inbox.
Let’s go further and discover Oxford
This month, one of our wonderful returning groups chose to take advantage of our new Additional Location option, extending their English Cottage Vacation with three nights in the beautiful county of Oxfordshire.
Leaving Well Cottage after a relaxed breakfast, the journey took them through some of England’s most picturesque countryside to Waddesdon Manor. This magnificent French-inspired Rothschild estate is one of Britain’s finest stately homes, renowned for its extraordinary architecture, world-class art collection and beautifully landscaped gardens. Guests spent the afternoon exploring the elegant rooms, strolling through the famous rose garden, visiting the aviary and enjoying the peaceful grounds before continuing on to their accommodation.
For the next three nights they stayed at Owls Barn, a beautifully converted luxury barn tucked away in the tiny Oxfordshire hamlet of Chimney—a place so small that it makes our own hamlet of Bedchester, home to Well Cottage, seem relatively bustling! Surrounded by open fields, peaceful countryside and an abundance of wildlife, it provided the perfect setting to slow down and experience a different corner of rural England.
Throughout their stay, Laura continued to prepare every meal, while Nathan remained their chauffeur and guide, ensuring every day flowed effortlessly from one memorable experience to the next.
The following morning was spent discovering the magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and one of Britain’s most spectacular stately homes. Guests enjoyed exploring the lavish State Rooms, wandering through the extensive parkland and taking in the breathtaking views across the Capability Brown landscape before returning to Owls Barn later that afternoon.
Back at the barn, Laura prepared a traditional English afternoon tea for the guests and a few friends they had invited to join them. The table was filled with homemade treats, including warm cherry scones topped with jam and clotted cream, slices of Victoria sponge, Bakewell tart, iced buns and, of course, plenty of freshly brewed tea. Afterwards, there was time to explore the peaceful countryside surrounding the barn, enjoy a few family games together and simply soak up the tranquillity of rural Oxfordshire before another of Laura’s home-cooked dinners rounded off the day.
Their final day was spent exploring the historic city of Oxford itself. Wandering amongst the world-famous university colleges, discovering hidden lanes and courtyards, browsing independent shops, visiting the renowned Ashmolean Museum and stepping inside the historic Bodleian Library gave them a wonderful introduction to this remarkable city. Lunch was enjoyed in one of Oxford’s traditional local pubs before returning to Well Cottage for the next chapter of their English adventure.
Of course, this is just one way to experience Oxford. The city itself has so much more to offer, from punting along the River Cherwell and climbing the University Church of St Mary the Virgin tower for breathtaking views across the famous dreaming spires, to exploring the beautiful Botanic Garden, visiting Christ Church College, browsing the historic Covered Market or simply wandering the cobbled streets and discovering hidden courtyards around every corner. Every itinerary we create is completely bespoke, allowing each guest to experience the England that interests them most.
Our Additional Location experience is available to guests booking an exclusive whole cottage vacation of seven nights or more. It’s a wonderful way to discover even more of England while continuing to enjoy the same fully hosted English Cottage Vacation experience, with Nathan and Laura accompanying you throughout your journey.
To begin planning your perfect English experience contact us today:
Featured Excursion: One of Dorset’s hidden treasures – Minterne Gardens
Tucked away in a peaceful valley just a short drive from Well Cottage lies one of Dorset’s most beautiful hidden gems – Minterne Gardens.
Unlike some of England’s more famous gardens, Minterne has a wonderfully relaxed feel. It’s the kind of place where you can wander at your own pace, listening to birdsong, following gentle streams and discovering spectacular views around almost every corner. Many of our guests tell us it’s one of those unexpected places they simply wouldn’t have found without visiting with us.
June is a particularly lovely time to visit. The famous Himalayan garden is filled with magnificent rhododendrons and colourful azaleas, while ancient trees, peaceful lakes and winding woodland paths create the perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon. Around every bend you’ll discover another beautiful viewpoint, elegant planting or quiet spot to simply stop and soak up the tranquillity.
The gardens surround the historic Minterne House, which has been home to the Digby family for generations and adds another layer of charm and history to this beautiful estate. While the house itself is privately owned, the gardens are open to visitors and are lovingly maintained throughout the seasons.
After exploring the gardens, there’s time to relax with refreshments in the charming tea room before making the scenic journey back through the Dorset countryside to Well Cottage.
It’s places like Minterne Gardens that perfectly capture what English Cottage Vacation is all about. Not necessarily the places that appear on every tourist itinerary, but the quieter, lesser-known corners of England that leave such a lasting impression long after you’ve returned home.
If you love beautiful gardens, peaceful countryside and discovering places that many visitors never get to experience, Minterne Gardens is a destination not to be missed.
EXPLORE ALL OUR AMAZING EXCURSIONS
Exploring our corner of England: St Andrew’s Church, Fontmell Magna
Just a gentle stroll from Well Cottage stands one of our village’s oldest and most treasured landmarks – St Andrew’s Church. While many visitors come to England to see our famous cathedrals and castles, it’s often these small village churches that leave the biggest impression.
Dating back almost 1,000 years, St Andrew’s has been at the heart of village life for centuries. Generations of local families have celebrated weddings, christenings and harvest festivals here, while its ancient stone walls have quietly watched over Fontmell Magna through wars, changing monarchs and almost a millennium of English history.
Step inside and you’ll find a peaceful, welcoming church filled with character. Beautiful stained-glass windows cast colourful light across the interior, while centuries-old stonework and timber beams tell the story of the many generations who have cared for this special place. Outside, the churchyard offers wonderful views across the surrounding Dorset countryside and provides a peaceful spot to pause for a moment before continuing your walk through the village.
Many of our guests enjoy wandering to St Andrew’s after breakfast or as part of an evening stroll around Fontmell Magna. It’s only a few minutes from Well Cottage, yet it feels like stepping back in time, offering a wonderful glimpse into traditional English village life.
Like so many places we love sharing with our guests, St Andrew’s isn’t about grand crowds or famous landmarks. It’s about discovering the quieter side of England—places that have stood for centuries, where history feels wonderfully alive and where the pace of life encourages you to slow down and simply enjoy the moment.
If you’re planning a visit to Well Cottage, we’d highly recommend taking a few moments to explore this beautiful little church. It’s one of those hidden treasures that perfectly captures the charm and character of rural England.
Did you know?
Village churches like St Andrew’s have been at the heart of English communities for hundreds of years. Even today, they’re often used not only for Sunday services, but also for concerts, flower festivals, harvest celebrations and community events, making them an important part of village life.
MAKE THIS HAPPEN – REACH OUT NOW
Sterling Guest Review
“Our stay at the cottage was exceptional“
“Our stay at the cottage was exceptional. The bucolic surroundings, the relaxed and lovely atmosphere, the warm welcome and attention to detail made for the perfect vacation.
Nathan and Laura are professionals, and yet they made us feel like we were visiting family. 5 star meals from gourmet chef Laura, and expertly curated excursions by Nathan demonstrated teamwork at its best.
They accommodated all our requests, and remembered our preferences. Everyone deserves to give the gift of ECV for themselves. Thank you, thank you for your heartfelt hospitality.”
– Vicki Escude, Website Reviews
(Stayed April 22–29, 2026)
We never take words like these for granted! It’s a genuine privilege to share this little corner of the UK, and to play a small part in creating memories that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
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!
Guest Gallery: Memories from Well Cottage and around the South West of England
Moments to cherish, our guests enjoying the magic of England
SEE MORE PHOTOS ON OUR GUEST GALLERY
News Corner: Our Village Shop Receives Prestigious Award Recognition
One of the first places many of our guests visit after arriving at Well Cottage is our wonderful Fontmell Magna Village Shop & Post Office. More than just somewhere to pick up a few essentials, it’s a real hub of village life and a lovely place to browse local produce, gifts and homemade treats.
We’re delighted to share that the shop has recently been recognised as a South West finalist in the prestigious Countryside Alliance Awards, often affectionately known as the “Rural Oscars.” The awards celebrate outstanding rural businesses that play an important role in supporting their local communities, and being named a regional finalist is a tremendous achievement.
Run by Duane and Tarnia Hills, the shop has become a much-loved part of village life, championing local suppliers, serving as the village Post Office, and offering visitors a wonderfully warm welcome. From freshly baked treats and local honey to artisan gifts and everyday essentials, it’s exactly the sort of independent village shop that has become increasingly rare in England.
We’re incredibly lucky to have it just a few minutes’ walk from Well Cottage, and it’s always one of our favourite recommendations for guests wanting to experience a little slice of authentic English village life.
Featured videos: Behind the Scenes at English Cottage Vacation
The garden before we’d left for Italy!
June in the Well Cottage Garden
Sometimes nature really does surprise you!
After enjoying a wonderful five-night break in Italy, we returned home yesterday to find the Well Cottage garden looking more abundant than we’d ever seen it before. Our wonderful neighbour Ginny, who may of you have met, had very kindly been watering everything for us while we were away during an exceptionally hot spell, with temperatures climbing well above 35°C.
Of course, June is always a beautiful month in the garden, and by this time of year it’s usually full of colour and life. But this was something else entirely.
Perhaps we’d simply become accustomed to watching the garden grow a little each day, but returning after just five nights away made the transformation impossible to miss. Roses seemed to have doubled in size, borders had filled out almost overnight, vegetables had surged ahead, and every corner of the garden looked greener, fuller and more vibrant than when we had left.
It’s honestly the fastest burst of growth we can remember seeing.
Laura and Nathan now have plenty to keep them busy over the coming weeks! There are roses to deadhead, borders to tame, vegetables to harvest and a little gentle persuasion needed to keep everything looking as beautiful as possible throughout the summer.
If you’d like to see just how dramatically an English cottage garden can change in only five days, we’d love you to join us for a stroll around the garden in this month’s featured YouTube video.
WATCH THE JUNE GARDEN UPDATE HERE
Featured blog post: Why Food Is Such an Important Part of the English Cottage Vacation Experience
When guests think back on their time at Well Cottage, it’s often the food they remember just as fondly as the places they visited.
From leisurely breakfasts overlooking the garden and homemade picnic lunches enjoyed in the grounds of a stately home, to traditional afternoon teas and relaxed three-course dinners around the dining table, every meal is carefully planned to become part of the overall experience—not simply something to eat between excursions.
For us, food is one of the best ways to tell the story of England. It’s about celebrating local produce, introducing guests to traditional British favourites, sharing family recipes, and creating memorable moments around the table at the end of each day.
In this month’s featured blog, we take you behind the scenes to explain why food has become such an important part of an English Cottage Vacation and how our years in luxury hospitality have helped shape the dining experience our guests enjoy today.
Laura in her country cottage kitchen…
… in the garden presenting tasty snacks
… and with a delicious birthday cake she baked for a guest
A Taste of Well Cottage: Baked Chocolate Cheesecake
One of my favourite indulgent desserts has always been Chocolate Cheesecake. It’s wonderfully rich, creamy and intensely chocolatey—perfect served chilled after dinner.
Serves: 8–10
Ingredients
For the base
- 5¼ oz digestive biscuits (or about 18 graham cracker sheets)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling
- 4½ oz dark chocolate (70% cacao), finely chopped
- 1¼ cups heavy whipping cream
- 12 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Equipment
- 7-inch (18cm) springform pan
- Electric hand mixer
- Food processor (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 265°F.
- Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Stir in the cocoa powder, then mix with the melted butter until evenly combined.
- Firmly press the mixture into the base of the springform pan to create an even crust.
- Place the chopped chocolate into a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate. Leave for a minute before stirring until smooth and glossy.
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg and cornstarch for 8–10 minutes until completely smooth.
- Fold the warm chocolate mixture into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Pour over the prepared crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25–35 minutes, until the edges are just set but the centre still has a slight wobble.
- Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, although overnight gives the best texture.
- Run a warm knife around the edge before releasing the springform pan. Slice and serve chilled.
Laura’s top tip
If you enjoy a little almond flavour, try swapping the graham crackers for amaretti cookies in the base—it makes a wonderful variation.
Recipe adapted from the GÜ Chocolate Cookbook and shared with appreciation for one of my favourite chocolate desserts.
FEAST YOUR EYES ON LAURA’S FOOD GALLERY
A taste of English cottage life, wherever you are
Laura’s English Cottage Kitchen Recipe Book is exactly that. A collection of the dishes our guests fall in love with during their stay, each one rooted in comfort, tradition, and a genuine joy for bringing people together around the table. It’s not just a cookbook, but a wonderful piece of the Well Cottage experience to take home and revisit time and time again.
For those who love the feel of a beautiful book in their hands, the stunning 98-page hardcover edition makes a truly special gift:
For any other territory, simply search “English Cottage Kitchen Recipe Book by Laura Kurton” on Amazon.
And if time has quietly slipped away, the digital version is ready in an instant, perfect for a thoughtful last-minute surprise that still feels deeply personal:
A note for travel advisors!
We have recently launched our new Travel Advisor Programme here at English Cottage Vacation.
If you are a travel advisor and would be interested in offering our unique, fully hosted English countryside experiences to your clients, please reach out and we will send you further information about working with us.
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Celebrating our luxury picnic basket winner!
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…
DOREEN JUNE HARVEY
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
Our new bone China tea/dinner set; Well Cottage; view from The Snug, looking to the roses
Sous vide Chateaubriand Sunday roast; the garden in early June; a place to sit and relax in the garden
From your first enquiry to your farewell at Heathrow, we’ve designed every step of your English Cottage Vacation to be smooth, simple and utterly 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 our online 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!
* 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.
