Welcome to our June 2025 newsletter – week 2!
Settle in with a cuppa – we’ve got some lovely things to share this week.
From golden summer moments and final 2025 offers, to a real-life wartime mystery unfolding just down the road… there’s plenty to catch up on. We’re also shining a light on an enchanting island excursion, and unveiling three beautifully curated itineraries now open for 2026 bookings.
Let’s begin…
Picture perfect days in the English countryside
A few snapshots of the laughter, connections and special memories made here at Well Cottage – thank you to all who’ve shared their journeys with us!
This could be you – reach out now!
Our fabulous current offers – at a glance
Dreaming of a luxury, all-inclusive English countryside escape? These limited-time offers might just seal the deal…
Last Shared Cottage Summer Room of 2025 – 25% Off
7–14 August · All-Inclusive · Shared Cottage
Bedroom 3 now only:
- Single Occupancy: $6,375 USD / $9,187.50 CAD
- Double Occupancy: $8,437.50 USD / $12,150 CAD
View the full itinerary – click HERE!
Final Shared Cottage Festive Winter Week 2025 – 25% off
1–8 December 2025 · Cosy charm, seasonal sparkle, and gourmet dining
Bedrooms 1 and 2 available:
Bedroom 1:
- Single Occupancy: $7,125 USD / $ 10,312.50 CAD
- Double Occupancy: $9,562.50 USD / $ 13,725 CAD
Bedroom 2:
- Single Occupancy: $6,750 USD / $9,750 CAD
- Double Occupancy: $9,000 USD / $12,937.50 CAD
View the full itinerary – click HERE!
Tailor-made Christmas 2025 at Well Cottage – 25% off
10–17 December 2025 · Private cottage · Up to 6 guests · Fully personalised
JUST $4,083.75 USD / $5,868.75 CAD per person sharing.
Creating your itinerary – click HERE!
All-new Shared Cottage Sightseeing
Set Itinerary #2 – book for 2026!
19–26 August 2026 · Perfect for returning guests · Bedrooms 2 and 3 available
Bedroom 2:
- Single Occupancy: $9,000 USD / $13,000 CAD
- Double Occupancy: $12,000 USD / $17,250 CAD
Bedroom 3:
- Single Occupancy: $8,500 USD / $12,250 CAD
- Double Occupancy: $11,250 USD / $16,200 CAD
View the full itinerary, click HERE!
Explore all our current offers
Three new ways to experience Dorset
Have you explored our newest curated escapes? Each offers something wonderfully different:
- Gardens of England: Step into sweeping landscapes, romantic walled gardens and rare plant collections. Perfect for those who love beauty, history and peaceful discovery. Click here to view the full itinerary!
- WWII Heritage Journey: Trace the footsteps of Allied troops, explore hidden coastal defences, and visit the place once evacuated overnight – now frozen in time. Click here to view the full itinerary!
- Sightseeing Itinerary II: Designed for returning guests, this deeper dive includes the burial place of a legendary king and queen and countryside experiences unlike anything on our original route. Click here to view the full itinerary!
Let us know if you’d like help choosing the perfect one for you…
Dorset news snippet: The search for
‘Mother’ – the tank that changed the world
A real-life Dorset mystery is unfolding just half an hour from Well Cottage… and it’s one for the history books.
At Bovington Camp, home of the British Army’s Tank Museum, a new archaeological survey is underway in search of something legendary: ‘Mother’ – the world’s very first prototype battlefield tank.
Long thought to have been scrapped during WWII, new evidence suggests she may have been secretly buried on the base to save her from the furnace.
Now, thanks to a wartime letter uncovered by a curious officer, a team is preparing to dig – and the military world is watching with bated breath.
As one museum director put it: “Finding her would be a mic-drop moment in the tank world.”
Guests intrigued by tales like these will love our brand-new WWII Heritage Itinerary, which obviously includes a visit to Bovington’s extraordinary Tank Museum!
Featured Excursion: A Journey to
the Delightful Brownsea Island
Nestled in Poole Harbour and reached only by boat, Brownsea Island feels like a world apart. It’s a place where time slows down – woodland paths wind through ancient pines, red squirrels dart playfully between branches, and sea views stretch out in every direction.
This peaceful National Trust haven is a favourite for guests who enjoy a slower-paced day out with a touch of coastal magic. There are gentle walking trails, hidden picnic spots, and even a café near the quay for a cuppa with a view. Look out for the island’s small but striking population of peacocks, often spotted strutting between the trees.
Brownsea also holds a special place in history – it was here in 1907 that Robert Baden-Powell held his first experimental camp, planting the seed for the global Scouting movement. And while Brownsea Castle is usually closed to the public, a rare and very special experience is occasionally available: a guided historical walk with exclusive access to the castle itself.
These limited tours (typically offered just twice a month) invite guests to explore the castle’s private rooms, view artefacts from the island’s past, and hear vivid stories of colourful former owners – including the eccentric Mary Bonham Christie and the musical Van Raalte family.
Afterwards, guests are welcomed into the elegant Morning Room for a warm drink, a scone with cream and jam, and a seat by the window with a spectacular view over the harbour – a moment of true tranquillity.
If you’re visiting in summer, Brownsea is also home to the open-air Shakespeare theatre, where plays are performed under the trees in a natural amphitheatre – an utterly atmospheric evening out if your timing’s just right.
And of course, you might remember last week’s tale of Amber the adventurous golden retriever, who swam all the way here on her solo journey. Thankfully, you won’t need to paddle – we take the ferry!
A tranquil, history-rich island escape that always leaves a lasting impression.
Explore all of our extraordinary excursions
Local Area Focus: Splendid Shaftesbury
Just four miles from Well Cottage lies one of Dorset’s loveliest little towns – Shaftesbury. Reached via a scenic drive through the lush countryside, it’s a place that feels plucked from the pages of a very English fairytale.
Shaftesbury is best known for Gold Hill – the famously steep cobbled lane made iconic by the 1970s Hovis bread advert. But there’s much more to this hilltop gem than meets the eye. Founded over 1,100 years ago, the town’s rich history stretches back to King Alfred and his powerful Shaftesbury Abbey, once one of the most important religious sites in England.
Today, you’ll find pretty independent shops, cosy cafés, and local makers tucked among the historic streets – all with sweeping views across the Blackmore Vale. Whether you’re in search of antique treasures, a perfectly brewed cup of tea, or just a slow wander through English heritage, Shaftesbury never disappoints.
Many of our guests enjoy a morning visit here paired with a scenic stroll, or even a pub lunch on the way back. And Nathan’s chauffeured route always takes the prettiest roads home.
People will never forget how you made them feel!
You know that famous quote by Maya Angelou — “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”? That perfectly sums up what makes a stay at English Cottage Vacation with Nathan and Laura so unforgettable.
Yes, the cottage itself is stunning. Yes, the English countryside is breathtaking. And yes, the food, the comfort, and the tailored experiences are all top-tier. But what truly stays with guests long after they leave isn’t just the luxury — it’s how Nathan and Laura make them feel.
They create a deeply personal experience that goes beyond service. Guests feel genuinely seen, cared for, relaxed, and special — like they’re staying with close friends who anticipate every need without being intrusive. That emotional connection, that sense of warmth and being completely looked after — that’s what makes the difference.
Anyone can book a beautiful place. But very few can offer an experience that feels like this. That’s why people might forget the specifics of the trip over time — but they’ll never forget the way Nathan and Laura made them feel while they were there.
Recipes Worth Crossing the Pond For
Laura’s beloved recipe collection is now just a click away! With over 80 tried-and-true dishes – from comforting bakes to elegant dinners – this beautifully designed downloadable book brings the heart of Dorset into your home.
Each recipe is simple to follow, full of flavour, and made with love (and sometimes, a cheeky knob of butter). It’s the perfect gift for yourself or any foodie friend who dreams of country kitchens and candlelight suppers.
Just £30 for a generous slice of cottage magic!
And psst… don’t miss next week’s newsletter – Laura’s sharing one of her favourite recipes from the book absolutely free (it’s one of her most popular summer treats, and it’s glorious).
Be in to win a luxury picnic basket – just stay subscribed
At the end of the month, one lucky reader will receive a beautifully crafted picnic hamper – made from steamed willow with leather straps and filled with countryside essentials: fine china plates, wine glasses, a tartan blanket, and more.
Perfect for lazy afternoons, romantic rambles and scenic lunches under the trees.
Share our newsletter link with family and friends so they can be entered in the draw too – click here!
Essential information: Making your dream stay effortless
Planning your perfect English Cottage Vacation is as seamless as the experience itself. From booking and payment to designing your tailor-made itinerary, here are some key links to show you just how effortless our process is:
Your Tailor-Made Itinerary, Discovery Process
