The English Country House reviews

18 Mar 25'

Emma Mitchell reviewed: Fundamentals of Italian fencing - Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA)

"I booked this course for my 15 year old son Noah, who is a fan of all things medieval and has developed a particular interest in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). Jude made us both feel very welcome and over the 3 hours Noah learned a lot, about both the history and the skills involved in Italian fencing. He thoroughly enjoyed every minute! Jude also talked to us about the history of his beautiful house and even allowed me to walk around the lovely peaceful garden while Noah enjoyed his lesson. We would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in history. Thank you so much Jude for such a wonderful experience. "

The English Country House responded:

"Hi Emma, Thank you for your lovely review, I’m glad you both had a good day. It was a genuine pleasure to meet you both, Noah is an impressive young man who was a natural with the blade, I wish you both the very brightest of futures. Best wishes. Jude "

13 Mar 25'

Sue reviewed: Fundamentals of Italian fencing - Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA)

"Booked this course for my son and his friend. To say they had a great time was an understatement. Jude was an excellent teacher who had plenty of time and patience to go through the various moves. My son and his friend have both said they want to return for further tuition. "

The English Country House responded:

"Hi Sue, I thoroughly enjoyed working with the lads, they’re a great pair, fun and bright and absolute naturals at fencing! They’re welcome back anytime! Best wishes, Jude"

14 Oct 24'

Emily Beckingham reviewed: Fundamentals of Italian fencing - Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA)

"The house is incredible! The grounds are beautiful and the most amazing place to take a fencing class. Jude was brilliant. Super knowledgeable about the history of the swords and fighting styles as well about the location. Really friendly and a great teacher, I felt super comfortable and safe even though I have never picked up a sword before, even with a big piece of metal swinging at me! It was great exercise, great fun and educational, I loved learning about real sword fighting. I booked the experience as a fun activity with my Dad and we both loved it! Will definitely be going back for another session. Perfect for beginners and experienced people as Jude really knows his stuff. Can't reccomend this experience enough, if you're thinking about booking it you won't regret it!!"

The English Country House responded:

"That’s so kind of you Emily thank you, I’m so glad you and your dad had a wonderful day, it was fun meeting you both and having a great day fencing! Looking forward to meeting your husband too! 😊🙏🏻"

2 Oct 24'

Chris reviewed: Fundamentals of Italian fencing - Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA)

"I attended the knightly art of renaissance fencing 30th September. I had great communication prior and found the instructor to be very knowledgeable and patient. Perfect training ground and even given cuppa and biscuits half way through. Absolute bargain for the price. Would certainly recommend. Keep up the great work⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"

The English Country House responded:

"Hi Chris, I’m really glad to hear that you enjoyed yourself and found the day informative. It was a genuine pleasure to meet you too! 🙏🏻"

31 Aug 24'

Sharon O reviewed: The Beautiful Craft of Needle Felting - Hare

"Highly recommend this felting course. The tutor was full of helpful tips and the day was paced really well. I am thrilled with the Hare I made and would definitely do another course. Location is beautiful and as the weather was fine I got to wander round the stunning gardens at lunch. Pre course info sent by Jude was really helpful and they were great hosts on the day."

The English Country House responded:

"Hi Sharon, We’re glad you a wonderful day, we thoroughly enjoyed hosting you! :) hope to see you again on another course! Very best wishes, Jude"

28 Aug 24'

Alison Coggon reviewed: The Beautiful Craft of Needle Felting - Hare

"The course was absolutely lovely. A great location, great venue, very welcoming and the felting course had a brilliant tutor, outstanding, so friendly, the course was amazing, I even came home with a hare. Highly recommend. "

The English Country House responded:

"Hi Alison, That's very kind of you to say, it was a genuine pleasure to meet you and we hope to see you again soon! :) Thanks and best wishes, Jude"

28 Jun 24'

Mel W-C reviewed: The Beautiful Craft of Needle Felting - Hare

"This was a wonderful day course and my hare looks good for a complete beginner, thank you Jude for providing the perfect country side setting and organising this, thank you for our excellent tutor and all the lovely ladies I met there, a really super day."

The English Country House responded:

"Hi Mel, It was an absolute pleasure hosting you all, and I loved the hares that you all made with Jenny. 😊 hope to see you again soon! Best wishes, Jude "

26 Jun 24'

Ruth Webster reviewed: The Beautiful Craft of Needle Felting - Hare

"What a great experience! I had a brilliant day felting a hare with Jenny- our amazing tutor. Jenny is extremely talented and very patient and helpful. The whole process was fun and relaxing, and we all had our own lovely felted hare to take home. We had a very warm welcome from Jude and his family and from our tutor Jenny. The surroundings were beautiful, and we were encouraged to wander in the beautiful garden. Hot and cold drinks, biscuits and cake were provided and nothing was too much trouble. The crafting barn was a really lovely space and all materials for the course were provided. There is even a clean and cozy airB&B on site right next door to the crafting barn- so no need to travel far to take part in the amazing courses this venue has to offer. I had the most amazing day 🤩, the time flew by, at the end of the course I was reluctant to leave- I just wanted to stay and felt into the night! I highly recommend this fabulous course in such a beautiful venue. It was worth every penny! 😊☺️You definitely will not be disappointed."

The English Country House responded:

"Hi Ruth, I’m so glad you had such a wonderful day, it was a genuine pleasure to meet you and thank you for your lovely feedback! Stay in touch. 😊 Best wishes, Jude"