Welcome to our August 2025 newsletter – week 4!
From the hush of Dorset’s tiniest hamlet to the roar of a steam engine winding past a medieval castle, this week’s newsletter is full of stories that bring our corner of England to life.
We’ll take you to idyllic Bedchester, where Well Cottage sits surrounded by fields and birdsong, and then along the Swanage Railway, recently named one of the UK’s best heritage lines – a journey straight out of an Enid Blyton adventure.
Our featured excursion puts the spotlight on Dorchester, Dorset’s historic county town, where Roman mosaics, Hardy’s Wessex, and bustling artisan markets sit side by side. And we share how Dorset’s own Portland Stone helped shape London’s most iconic landmarks, from St Paul’s Cathedral to Buckingham Palace.
It’s a week that captures the charm, history, and wonder of Dorset – and of course, we’d love nothing more than to share it all with you in person!
In we go…
More memorable moments
There’s nothing we love more than seeing our guests soaking up the magic of Well Cottage and the Dorset countryside. Here are a few recent snapshots capturing the joy, beauty, and unforgettable moments from our recent stays.
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Local area focus: Idyllic Bedchester
Photo: Chris Downer, CC BY-SA 2.0
Tucked away in the heart of the Dorset countryside, Well Cottage calls the tiny hamlet of Bedchester home. With fewer than a hundred residents and surrounded on all sides by fields, farmland, and wide open skies, it’s the very picture of rural tranquillity. Life here moves at its own gentle pace – you’ll wake to birdsong, wander quiet country lanes, and feel a world away from the hustle and bustle.
Bedchester borders the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it an ideal base for walkers, cyclists, and anyone who loves the outdoors. Rolling hills, hidden trails, and sweeping views are all on your doorstep. Well Cottage sits on the very edge of the hamlet, with no other properties overlooking you. That means total privacy, with nothing but nature as your nearest neighbour.
Though small, Bedchester has its quirks too. Eagle-eyed fans of classic British comedy might recognise the name: a sign for the hamlet flashes briefly in the Only Fools and Horses episode A Touch of Glass. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, but one that forever links this quiet corner of Dorset to one of the nation’s best-loved shows.
Want to see for yourself? Watch the short video below for clips from Only Fools and Horses filmed in and around Bedchester and other nearby Dorset locations.
The week in Dorset: Steam, stories, and the Swanage Railway
There’s something irresistible about the sound of a steam engine puffing through the countryside, and here in Dorset we’re lucky to have one of the nation’s finest heritage lines right on our doorstep. The Swanage Railway, winding its way from Norden to the seaside town of Swanage, has just been recognised by The Times as one of the UK’s very best – and with good reason.
This lovingly restored line runs for just over five miles across the Isle of Purbeck, past chocolate-box stations, rolling fields, and perhaps most memorably, beneath the shadow of Corfe Castle (pictured below). The paper called it a “truly magical experience,” noting how “its locomotives chortle up the valley to Corfe Castle, a toweringly romantic 11th-century ruin, complete with a secret tunnel – and the *Five do love a good tunnel.”
For readers who joined us last week, you’ll remember our feature on Enid Blyton’s Dorset inspirations. Blyton herself often arrived here by train for her family holidays, and the Swanage line was part of that timeless journey. Today, passengers can relive the same sense of adventure she knew – riding in vintage carriages, watching the smoke curl into the sky, and soaking in views straight from the pages of her *Famous Five tales.
It isn’t just nostalgia that makes this line so special. Visitors rave about the friendly volunteers who run it, the immaculately kept trains and stations, and the little extras that make a day out even sweeter – like a cream tea served in a moving carriage, or the chance to step onto the footplate of a working steam engine. With a TripAdvisor score of 4.6/5 from thousands of reviews, it’s clear the charm of the Swanage Railway continues to win hearts of every age.
From family outings to railway enthusiasts’ dreams, the Swanage Railway offers a journey that’s as much about the atmosphere as the destination. Whether you’re gazing at Corfe Castle’s ruined towers or rolling down the line towards the sea at Swanage, it’s an experience that feels both timeless and unforgettable.
And of course, we can whisk you aboard as part of your English Cottage Vacation itinerary – Nathan at the wheel as your chauffeur and Laura’s gourmet picnic basket in tow!
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Featured excursion: Discover Dorchester
As Dorset’s historic county town, Dorchester is bursting with stories, culture, and charm. Just a short drive from Well Cottage, this vibrant town offers something for every guest – from ancient treasures to modern delights, quiet riverside walks to bustling artisan markets. Whether you’re fascinated by history, fond of a good museum, or simply looking for a lively day out, Dorchester makes for an unforgettable excursion.
Step back in time as you explore Dorchester’s rich heritage. The town dates to the Iron Age, with reminders of its Roman past scattered throughout – including Britain’s only fully exposed Roman Town House, complete with intricate mosaics. Don’t miss the atmospheric Maumbury Rings amphitheatre, once used for gladiatorial games, or the remnants of ancient Roman walls that still embrace parts of the town. A highlight for many visitors is the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, recently redeveloped at a cost of £16 million, where you can immerse yourself in 250 million years of Dorset’s history. Families, meanwhile, will be spoilt for choice with quirky attractions like the Dinosaur Museum and the Teddy Bear Museum.
Of course, no mention of Dorchester would be complete without Thomas Hardy. Born nearby in Higher Bockhampton, Hardy used Dorchester as inspiration for his fictional Casterbridge. You can step into his world by visiting Hardy’s Cottage, where he wrote Far from the Madding Crowd, and Max Gate, the Victorian townhouse he designed himself. Both properties are beautifully preserved by the National Trust and give a moving glimpse into the life of one of England’s greatest novelists.
Dorchester isn’t all history, though – it’s also a lively hub of arts, food, and shopping. From the cultural events at Dorchester Arts in the Corn Exchange, to the stylish eateries and boutiques of Brewery Square, there’s no shortage of contemporary attractions. Wander through the pedestrianised town centre with its arcades and independent shops, or explore Poundbury, King Charles III’s pioneering new town, known for its blend of old-world architecture and forward-thinking design (pictured below). Don’t miss the monthly Dorchester Artisan Market, when over 200 local traders line the streets with everything from fresh produce to handcrafted gifts.
After all that exploring, relax with a meal in one of the town’s many cafés, restaurants, or historic pubs. Whether it’s a slice of cake in a cosy tea room, dinner in Brewery Square’s alfresco courtyards, or a leisurely lunch at nearby Athelhampton House with its award-winning gardens, Dorchester is a feast for the senses as much as the mind.
And of course, when you book with English Cottage Vacation, you won’t need to worry about maps, parking, or queues. Nathan will chauffeur you into town in comfort, while Laura provides a hand-prepared picnic or arranges a table at one of Dorchester’s finest eateries. It’s the best of both worlds – history, culture, and adventure, with every detail taken care of.
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Did you know…?
Dorset stone built London’s icons
Some of London’s most famous landmarks are, quite literally, carved from Dorset. The dazzling white Portland Stone, quarried from the Isle of Portland at the southern tip of the Jurassic Coast, has shaped the skyline of the capital for centuries.
Take St Paul’s Cathedral: Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece was built almost entirely of Portland Stone between 1675 and 1710. Its great dome still gleams today thanks to the stone’s resilience and pale beauty. A couple of centuries later, Sir Aston Webb turned to the same stone when he refaced Buckingham Palace in 1913, giving the royal residence its instantly recognisable façade.
And perhaps most poignantly of all, Sir Edwin Lutyens chose Portland Stone for the Cenotaph in Whitehall – the nation’s principal war memorial – unveiled in 1920 to commemorate those who fell in the First World War.
So next time you’re gazing at London’s landmarks, remember: their story begins not in the city, but in the windswept quarries of Dorset.
On clear days, from the Jurassic Coast you can spot Portland – the very island where these great stones were cut.
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From Laura’s cottage kitchen to yours
Discover the charm of English Cottage Vacation from your own home with Laura’s instantly downloadable recipe book. It features over 80 of her most popular and well-loved dishes!
From elegant lunches and hearty dinners to traditional bakes and indulgent puddings, each recipe is simple to follow and full of Dorset flavour.
Whether you’ve stayed with us before or are still dreaming of your visit, this beautifully curated collection brings a little slice of Well Cottage into your kitchen – all for just £30 !
Perfect for anyone who enjoys thoughtful, home-style cooking with a refined touch!
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Be in to win a luxury picnic basket – just stay subscribed
Next week, we name another lucky reader who we’ll be sending a beautifully crafted picnic hamper! This delightful prize is made from steamed willow with leather straps and filled with countryside essentials: fine china plates, wine glasses, a tartan blanket, and more.
This is very much like the hamper that our guests get to take with them on countryside excursions with Nathan at the wheel. Of course, theirs is brimming with Laura’s gorgeous gourmet goodies!
To be in with a chance to get this fantastic gift, simply stay subscribed to our weekly newsletter! And share our sign-up link with family and friends so they can be entered in the draw too – CLICK HERE!
* Disclaimer: The basket we deliver is subject to availability but we will always strive to ensure comparable quality!
Essential information: Making your dream stay effortless
A tall ship seen at Durdle Dor on the Jurassic Coast, Dorset
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:
