Latest news

Singer Emily Maguire is back in Letcombe Bassett

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 22:10:57 GMT

Emily Maguire is back on April 18 at 7:30 pm

With seven albums and five books to her name, Emily Maguire is a British singer-songwriter, composer, poet, multi-instrumentalist and award-winning mental health advocate.

This Oxfordshire show promises an intimate evening of songs, stories and connection; honest, compassionate and quietly powerful.

Known for her thought-provoking lyrics and songs described as “music for the soul” (Maverick Magazine), she has had three singles playlisted on Radio 2 and toured extensively with the likes of American legend Don McLean, Dr Hook and Eric Bibb.

With a remarkable, inspiring story to tell, she has been featured many times in interviews on national BBC Radio including Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, Front Row, Loose Ends and Midweek, and Radio 2’s Good Morning Sunday.

Tickets £15 (excl booking fee £1.36)

Phone 0333 666 3366

Online: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/thatchcombe-bb

Limited seating, tickets will be allocated on a first-booked basis

Refreshments will be on sale on arrival and during interval

From Emily's blog

Last night at Letcombe Bassett

BY EMILY MAGUIRE ON NOVEMBER 17, 2024

Last night I performed in a beautiful little village hall in rural Oxfordshire in a place called Letcombe Bassett, all thanks to Tony Haupt who so kindly organised and promoted the night and gave us accommodation in his beautiful Thatchcombe B&B. I had such a fantastic time – a huge thank you to everyone who came, to Jody Prewett for providing the PA and performing another stunning opening set and to Tim Pardoe for driving across the country with my books and CDs.

I’m doing a couple of private house concerts before my kidney operation in December and then I’m very much looking forward to starting to perform again in March once I’ve recovered. Dates confirmed so far are all up on my gigs page. In the meantime, since Christmas has already started in the shops, I wish you all a very happy festive season and hope to see you at a gig sometime in the new year.

Thanks so much for your support.

February

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 23:09:54 GMT

February Snowdrop and Hellebore Bliss

As winter softens, our garden comes alive with carpets of snowdrops, glowing aconites and elegant hellebores — a gentle promise of spring. Mornings are wonderfully peaceful, perfect for slow breakfasts while watching the garden awaken and spotting wildlife from the breakfast table.

Helen worked her magic in autumn, replanting hellebores along the waterfall steps, while I’ve been experimenting with Sarah Raven’s new disease-resistant hellebore varieties. Meanwhile, James bravely battled the winter mud to replace the Brook House border with indigenous stone — and it looks fantastic.

The frog pond garden also coming to life.

Snowdrops are everywhere, and we’ve started collecting different varieties — our garden now has a much wider and growing mix. Are you a fan?

Welford Park, with its stunning woodland carpets of snowdrops, is open until March and just a short drive away. Kingston Bagpuize's Snowdrop Garden is also close by and hosts a special snowdrop plant fair on 22 February.

Annual Travel Award 2026

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:24:25 GMT

Thank You for our 2026 Award ��

We are delighted to share that Thatchcombe B&B has received the Booking.com Annual Travel Review Award 2026, with an Exceptional 9.9 Guest rating.

This is our fourth award in a row with such a wonderful score, and we’re so grateful. Hearing directly from our guests and knowing they’ve enjoyed their stay truly makes all the effort worthwhile.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has stayed with us, returned to us, and taken the time to leave such lovely reviews. Your support and kindness are what make Thatchcombe B&B so special.

We look forward to welcoming you soon.

January

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 22:59:18 GMT

January Wintermagic

January is when our Thatchcombe truly comes into its own—calmer, cosier, and quietly magical. With the festive rush behind us, the countryside exhales, offering space, stillness, and a slower rhythm that’s perfect for rest and reflection.

Our rooms are warm and inviting, designed for winter comfort. Think soft lighting, crisp linens, and the pleasure of returning from the cold to a welcoming, peaceful space. Mornings begin unhurriedly by the fire, with hot drinks and a hearty breakfast to set you up for the day.

Step out into a landscape transformed by January’s cold clarity. Frosted fields sparkle at sunrise, and the air feels fresh and energising. There’s a special beauty to winter here—subtle, quiet, and deeply restorative.

Just moments away, the Ridgeway offers some of its finest walking in winter. The paths are quieter, the views sharper, and the sense of space extraordinary. Wrap up warm and enjoy long, crisp walks with big skies, far-reaching views, and that satisfying glow that only comes from cold-weather hiking.