Welcome to our March 2025 Newsletter!
Spring is in the air here in Dorset, and we’re delighted to bring you this month’s round-up of all things English Cottage Vacation – including exclusive final availability for 2025, a heartfelt hello to our new Colorado subscribers, and some lovely behind-the-scenes updates as we prepare to welcome our very first guests of the season in April!
We’re also sharing a closer look at one of Dorset’s most iconic (and cheekiest!) chalk figures, enchanting walking spots surrounding Well Cottage, and another scrumptious recipe from Laura’s cottage kitchen.
And who knows… you might just be our latest picnic basket winner!
Happy reading — and happy dreaming of your luxury countryside escape to divine Dorset!
In This Month’s Issue:
- Final 2025 Vacations: Last minute booking – Save 20%
- Hello Colorado! Welcome to new friends from the Denver Travel Show
- Laura’s Recipe Book: A Taste of Well Cottage – At Home!
- Facebook Community: Join us for tips, tales, and timeless English charm!
- Our Trip to the Isle of Skye: A Perfect Stay at The View
- Neighbourhood Notes: Fontmell & Melbury Downs
- Featured Blog: The Ultimate British Culinary Experience
- Featured Video: Preparing the garden for our first guests of the season!
- Featured British Saying: “Feeling Peckish!”
- Featured Excursion: The Cerne Abbas Giant
- A Taste of Well Cottage: Laura’s Cauliflower Cheese
- Visitor Visuals: Featured photos of guests!
- Guest Voices: Reviews and Testimonials
- Did You Know? Facts you’ll find interesting!
- Latest Lucky Picnic Basket Winner: It could be you!
- Key Info: Everything you need to plan your perfect countryside escape!
- Last Word: Final Thought from Nathan & Laura
Final 2025 Vacancies – Now 20% OFF!
Is this the new opportunity you’ve been waiting for?!!!
Imagine a jam-packed cultural adventure in the UK, with absolutely no logistics to handle and zero stress. Simply book, relax, and look forward to your vacation – all within the next 4–9 months!
We still have a limited number of 2025 all-inclusive vacation spots available THIS YEAR – and we’ve just slashed the price by a MASSIVE 20%!
That means you can book your 7-night Summer or Winter Wonderland Luxury Vacation in England starting from just $3,360 USD per person, covering EVERYTHING from the moment you arrive!
Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with a group, we’ve got you covered. Choose between a single room for 1–2 people, or book the entire cottage for up to 6 people across 3 en suite bedrooms.
All our experiences are completely all-inclusive – no tipping required! You’ll find all the details of what’s included HERE.
If you have some free time this year and want to take advantage of this incredible discount, get in touch for availability and more information!
We still have availability in July, August, September, October, and December – but there are only 4 full weeks left, so don’t wait! These rooms won’t last long, and the value is unbeatable.
Click HERE to view the full Summer ‘Sightseeing’ itinerary (April–October).
Click HERE to view the full ‘Festive Winter’ itinerary (November–January).
Click HERE to explore all of our 7-Night Set Itinerary options.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our enchanting corner of England surrounded by country lanes, green fields and rolling hills!
Click HERE To View Our Current Offers
A Very Warm Welcome to Our New Colorado Friends!
We’re absolutely delighted to welcome all our new subscribers from Colorado to the English Cottage Vacation family!
It was such a joy to meet so many lovely people at the Denver Travel & Adventure Show on March 8 – 9, where we (Nathan and Laura) manned our beautiful stand and shared a taste of the Dorset magic with fellow travel lovers. Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and Anglophile spirit made the whole weekend truly unforgettable!
We’re excited to stay in touch and can’t wait to share more of what makes our little corner of England so special.
Here’s to new friendships and future adventures across the pond!
Laura’s Recipe Book: A Taste of Well Cottage – At Home!
Laura’s much-loved Online Recipe Book is now available to download – and it’s already delighting kitchens around the world!
For just £30, this beautifully curated digital collection features a handpickedPerfect for treating yourself or gifting to the foodie in your life!
selection of Laura’s most requested recipes, alongside Nathan’s signature cocktail creations.
From hearty breakfasts and elegant afternoon teas, to indulgent puddings and celebratory drinks, it’s your passport to recreating the flavours of Well Cottage wherever you are.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, Laura’s step-by-step instructions and gorgeous photos make every dish a joy to prepare.
Click Here To Buy & Download Laura’s Recipe Book Right Now!
Perfect for treating yourself or gifting to the foodie in your life!
Join Us Behind the Scenes on Facebook!
Have you signed up to our new English Cottage Vacation Facebook Group yet? If not, now’s the perfect time! Join Nathan and Laura as they post about the spring lead up to the 2025 opening date.
Our first guests join us on April 23rd and we are sharing first hand how we prepare the cottage and get everything ready for the first guests of the year. We will also be regularly cataloguing how things are progressing through spring in England and specifically Well Cottage and its gardens!
Join Our Facebook Group Now – Click Here!
Our Trip to the Isle of Skye: A Perfect Stay at The View
For all of our followers curious about Scotland as well as England, you’ve probably heard of the stunning Isle of Skye. A few years ago, our dear ex-crew friends made the leap from the busy charter industry to living on this picturesque island. Today, they are the proud owners of The View, a gorgeous Airbnb where we had the pleasure of staying for a few nights.
If you’re planning a visit to Scotland – whether as part of your stay with us or at another time – and want to experience the beauty of Skye, we can’t recommend The View enough.
Skye is relatively remote, making it a perfect getaway for those looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience. The island offers incredible natural beauty and adventure, and staying at The View will make your trip even more memorable. The property sits right on the water’s edge, overlooking the incredible Sound of Sleat.
What to Do on the Isle of Skye
While visiting, we explored many of the island’s famous sights and activities – each more breathtaking than the last. Here are some must-see attractions:
- The Fairy Pools – A magical spot known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning waterfalls. A must-see for any nature lover!
- The Quiraing – A dramatic and unique landscape, perfect for hiking and photography.
- The Old Man of Storr – One of Skye’s most iconic landmarks. The views from the top are absolutely worth the hike!
- Fairy Glen – Another enchanting spot filled with unusual rock formations and lush green hills.
- Armadale Castle – A historic site with beautiful gardens, offering a glimpse into Skye’s past.
- Kinloch Lodge for Dinner – A top-tier spot to enjoy delicious Scottish cuisine, especially if you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal or a Sunday Roast.
- Coffee Break at Coffee Boffe – A lovely café for a coffee or sweet treat, with unforgettable views.
- Whisky Tasting at The Whisky Bottle Store – A must-visit for whisky enthusiasts looking to sample some of Scotland’s finest.
- Torabhaig Whisky Distillery – Another fantastic spot for whisky lovers, where you can learn about the distilling process and enjoy a few drams.
Getting There
To reach the Isle of Skye, you can fly into Inverness Airport or Glasgow Airport and then take a scenic drive to the island. If you prefer not to drive the whole way, you can stop in Mallaig and catch the car ferry across to Skye. Another option is taking the train from London to Kyle of Lochalsh, then driving or taking a taxi for the short distance to Skye.
The journey itself is part of the adventure, with breathtaking landscapes along the way. Once on the Isle of Skye, the final stretch of your trip will be a scenic drive to The View in Duisdale More.
Nathan will either drop you off or pick you up from London, depending on whether you’re staying at Well Cottage before or after your visit to Skye.
Why Stay at The View
The View is the perfect choice for your stay on Skye. Whether you’re looking to relax in a stunning setting, explore the island’s natural beauty, or immerse yourself in local culture, this Airbnb offers everything you need for an unforgettable experience.
Check out our vacation video!
Reach Out Now For More Details & To Book
Neighbourhood Notes: Fontmell & Melbury Downs
Just two miles from Well Cottage, the rolling chalk ridges of Fontmell and Melbury Downs form the heart of the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — and they’re nothing short of breathtaking!
Whether you choose to walk from the cottage or let Nathan whisk you there in comfort, this local gem offers some of the finest countryside views in all of Dorset — including lovely long looks back towards Well Cottage itself! From the car park at Spread Eagle Hill, you’ll find a network of gentle trails perfect for strolling, hiking, or simply pausing to admire the scenery. It’s a dog walker’s paradise too, full of friendly faces and wagging tails.
This area, once purchased in memory of Thomas Hardy, was preserved to protect the very landscape that inspired his beloved novels. On a clear day, the views stretch across the Blackmore Vale, and from the summit of Melbury Beacon (an impressive 863 feet above sea level), you’ll enjoy sweeping vistas that reach all the way to the Saxon hill town of Shaftesbury and beyond.
In fact, if you peer out of your bedroom window at Well Cottage, it’s this very landscape you’ll see unfurling in the distance – a patchwork of green hills and golden light that changes beautifully with the seasons.
Star-gazing and sunset watching are particularly magical up here! The skies open wide, and the sense of peace is positively otherworldly. And if you’re visiting in June or July, keep an eye out for the gentle glow of glow-worms twinkling in the grass along the chalk paths.
And of course, if you fancy picnicking in style, Nathan will set up a charming table and chairs with one of Laura’s gourmet hampers – complete with fresh-baked treats, chilled drinks, and that unmistakable touch of English elegance. Sheer bliss!
Make This Your Reality – Schedule A Call!
Featured Blog: The Ultimate British Culinary Experience
Ever wondered what it’s truly like to dine at Well Cottage? Our latest blog, The Ultimate British Culinary Experience, lifts the lid on Laura’s gourmet magic – from elevated English classics to those unforgettable garden-to-plate moments. Discover how each meal is tailored with care, creativity, and a sprinkle of countryside charm.
The Ultimate British Culinary Experience
Featured Video: Preparing the garden
for our first guests of the season!
Here’s a little sneak peek at what we’ve been doing to prepare for our first guest of the season who arrive on April 23rd.
It’s March 31st, the sun is shining, and there’s a lovely 15°C in the air. Everything is blooming – our daffodils have just finished, and now the bluebells and wild garlic are on the way.
I love this time of year – the build-up to welcoming our first guest, with so much to do in the next few weeks. It’s even more special because our family always comes over to help with the preparations.
These family work parties are a tradition we cherish. We spend the days getting everything ready, and in the evenings, we gather by the fire, sipping tea and enjoying each other’s company. This year, we’ve made some exciting updates!
We’ve replaced our poly tunnel with a beautiful new glass greenhouse, and we’ve extended the patio to offer even more comfort and space for our guests. We can’t wait to share it all with you!
Laura x
Featured British Saying: “Feeling Peckish”
If you’ve ever spent a bit of time with Chef Laura, you’ve probably heard her ask, “Is anyone feeling a bit peckish?” – and she’s most likely already whipped up something delicious to satisfy that very craving!
But what exactly does “feeling peckish” mean?
This delightfully British expression is used when someone’s feeling just a little bit hungry — not starving, not ravenous, just in the mood for a nibble or two. Think of it as your stomach’s polite way of saying, “I could eat.” It’s the perfect phrase to describe that in-between moment, where a homemade scone or a freshly baked sausage roll would hit the spot.
The word peckish is believed to have originated in the early 17th century and was influenced by the verb to peck, like a bird lightly picking at food. Over time, this gentle act of nibbling evolved into a charming way to express mild hunger – with just a hint of whimsy.
So next time your tummy gives you a nudge, don’t be shy: Embrace your inner Brit and simply say, “I’m feeling a bit peckish!”
(And if Laura’s nearby… you’re in very good hands indeed!)
Featured Excursion: The Cerne Abbas Giant
Towering at over 180 feet tall and etched into the chalk hillside of north Dorset, the Cerne Abbas Giant is one of Britain’s most enigmatic figures. With his club raised high and a rather conspicuous anatomical feature on full display, this ancient figure has captured imaginations for centuries!
No one truly knows how old the Giant is. Some historians believe he dates back to the Iron Age or was a Celtic tribute to the god Hercules. Others suggest he was created in the 1600s as a political satire poking fun at Oliver Cromwell.
Whatever the origin, the Cerne Abbas Giant has long been linked to fertility legends – local folklore claims couples who spend a night within the figure’s outline are blessed with children! It’s little wonder he’s often called the “Rude Man of Cerne”!
The Giant overlooks the charming village of Cerne Abbas, once home to a great Benedictine abbey. Today, the village offers a perfect blend of rural beauty and historical depth, with its ancient streets, honey-stone cottages, and welcoming tearooms.
And of course, you won’t be left to wander alone – Nathan, your ever-attentive chauffeur and co-host, will take care of every detail. You’ll travel in style and comfort through Dorset’s rolling hills before arriving at this iconic site. While you soak up the sweeping views and snap a few cheeky photos, Nathan will set up a charming outdoor picnic table and lay out a gorgeous spread lovingly prepared by Chef Laura.
Complete your visit with a cool, crisp bottle of Twisted Cider, locally brewed from the finest Dorset apples. It’s the perfect refreshment to accompany Laura’s gourmet goodies — and a true taste of the region’s rural charm.
Just over half an hour’s drive from Well Cottage, this excursion is a real favourite among our guests, combining myth, history, and a little bit of mischief – the very essence of a proper English countryside adventure!
Check out our map below to see the incredible range of excursions we offer from perfectly placed Well Cottage!
Explore All of Our Amazing Excursions – Click Here!
Featured Recipe: Laura’s Delicious Cauliflower Cheese
(Serves 5 to 6)
Ingredients
(The Cauliflower):
- 1 medium sized cauliflower
- 1 tsp sea salt
- Water
(The Cheese Sauce):
- 60g / 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3½ tbsp flour , plain / all-purpose
- 1 cup milk (full fat best)
- 1 cup cream (or more milk)
- ½ tsp cooking salt
- 1 tbsp English mustard or Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp nutmeg powder, optional (freshly grated is best)
- 2 cups extra mature cheddar cheese
(The Topping):
- 2 cups of mature cheddar and/or Red Leicester
Directions
Boil Cauliflower:
- Chop or break up the cauliflower into bite-size florets. Alternatively you can keep it whole. It depends on the sort of dish you are using to bake the cauliflower cheese as it needs to be deep if keeping the cauliflower whole.
- Submerge the cauliflower in water in a saucepan and salt. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Then let it drain for 5 mins. Cauliflower should still be a bit firm.
Cheese Sauce:
- Make roux: Melt butter in a large saucepan or small pot over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring regularly, for 3 minutes.
- Add milk: While stirring with a whisk, pour in half the milk. Once the roux is dissolved into the milk (mixture will thicken), stir in remaining milk. Stir on the heat for a few minutes until the mixture is thick enough to coat a wooden spoon.
- Add cheese: Turn the stove down to very low and stir in salt, nutmeg, mustard, onion powder and cheese. The cheese will thicken the mixture so it’s like a thick sauce.
- Place the cauliflower in a baking dish and pour the sauce over the top. Sprinkle on the remaining grated cheese.
Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C / 430°F (200°C fan).
- Bake for 45 minutes until the cheese is melted, and cauliflower is bubbly and golden.
Serve:
Sprinkle with parsley if desired. Stand for 5 minutes, then serve!
Tip:
This tastes delicious with half broccoli or addition of freshly grated truffle and/or truffle cheese.
Love this recipe? It’s just a taste of what’s waiting in Laura’s Online Recipe Book now available! Packed with lots of scrumptious recipes, from breakfasts and afternoon teas to indulgent desserts and classic cocktails, it’s the perfect way to bring the magic of Well Cottage to your kitchen! Click below for instant access!
Get Laura’s Recipe Book Now – Click Here!
Guest Appearances: Family Time, Fun & Fab Food
Look at our guests having a wonderful time! From garden games to picnics in idyllic spots and traditional pub visits, it’s all here!
Guest Voices: Reviews & Testimonials
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The most wonderful complete vacation we have had
“This is not a hotel and not just a B&B, but a complete vacation as their write-up describes. It is closer to a guided land tour, but considerably better. Imagine that you are wealthy enough to have your own chauffeur to take you anywhere you would like to go, your own chef who would make what you wanted for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea (snack for us), and three course dinner, and maid who straightened up your room every day plus a pleasant thatched roof cottage with a beautiful garden. This is what English Cottage Vacation in Well Cottage provides.
Nathan was waiting for us when we came out of security at Heathrow airport. He drove us to Well Cottage and had a picnic lunch, with champagne on the way. We could have stopped at Stonehenge on the way. For a week his wife Laura was our personal chef preparing food we both like and fit the rather strict diet I am on. Our dinners included fillet mignon, lobster thermador, pork tenderloin, smoked salmon-sea bass roullade, fresh poached salmon, crab, shrimp, and scallop in a tomato sauce over linguine, and shepherd pie.
Each day Nathan took us on a trip to a place we wanted to visit: Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey is filmed, Wells with a professionally guided tour of the city and cathedral, Jurassic Coast (Nathan dropped us off on the coastal trail and picked us up at the end of our walk in Lulworth), Corfe Castle and a ride on a train pulled by the historic and famous Flying Scotsman steam engine. Each day was a relaxing day: we woke up and had breakfast at our time, Nathan took us out on that day’s trip (our choice of the trip from many suggestions from Nathan and Laura), picnic lunch during the day, return in mid to late afternoon to a light snack and a drink of our choice, a chance to relax, then the dinner that we had selected from the many options offered by Laura.
We chose mostly seafood – that was our preference. Each dinner was a three course meal, starter, main course, dessert, plus whatever we wanted to drink with the meal. Laura is a wonderful chef and the meals were so good we opted to have dinner every night in the cottage instead of going to a restaurant, for which they would have paid for whatever we wanted at whatever restaurant we wanted. On the last day Nathan drove us to Heathrow airport. Near the end of this vacation we decided this was so wonderful that we signed up for another vacation at Well Cottage in 2023.”
– tmaier69, TripAdvisor
Thank you so much, Tom and Carol!
We’d be so grateful if other previous guests share their experiences on TripAdvisor and Google Reviews too! Also be sure to check out the testimonials featured on our website!
Did You Know?
English Cottage Vacation co-hosts Nathan and Laura are both originally from Somerset — the county just next door to Dorset. More precisely, they hail from the historic city of Bath and the nearby town of Midsomer Norton, where they first met back in 2008.
While they now call Dorset home, their Somerset roots run deep – and so do their accents! Though you may not catch it right away, both Nathan and Laura have very distinctive Somerset twangs, known for their broadly pronounced “R”s. It’s a sound so unique that when they travel abroad, it’s often mistaken for Irish or Australian – much to their amusement!
And yes, for those of you wondering… Midsomer Norton really did inspire the name of the popular British TV series Midsomer Murders – that delightfully dramatic (fictional!) show where an alarming number of suspicious deaths occur in otherwise idyllic villages. While it wasn’t actually filmed there, the name is a nod to their hometown, and guests are always tickled when they hear the connection!
So next time you’re chatting with Nathan and Laura, keep an ear out for that West Country warmth!
Now to view our Frequently Asked Questions, click HERE!
Announcing Our Latest Luxury Picnic Basket Winner!
We’re delighted to be giving away another exquisite luxury picnic basket to one lucky reader!
Ralph Timbers
Congratulations! All you have to do now – from the email you used to subscribe – is send us the address you’d like us to post your prize to.
Don’t despair if you weren’t the winner this time! Simply stay subscribed and you could be the next proud owner of this wonderful picnic basket just like the ones our guests use on excursions across Dorset and beyond.
Crafted from finely steamed willow with elegant tan leather straps, it’s compact and practical (L 40cm x W 30cm x H 19cm), perfect for romantic meals outdoors!
Includes:
- 2 fine china plates
- 2 wine glasses
- A cosy tartan picnic blanket
- A bottle opener
- Soft napkins
- A cooler bag to keep your treats fresh.
- Stainless steel cutlery for added luxury.
Invite friends and family to sign up to our newsletter for their chance to win, too. To share the link with them, click HERE!
* Disclaimer: The basket we deliver is subject to availability but we will always strive to ensure comparable quality!
Essential Information: Everything You Need to Know
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
Everything taken care of, just as it should be!
Our Final Thought…
“Spring unlocks the flowers to paint the laughing soil.” – Bishop Reginald Heber
March marks a gentle turning of the wheel — not a goodbye to winter, but a quiet welcome to the new energy of spring. Here in Dorset, each season brings its own kind of wonder, and we’ve loved the peaceful moments of winter just as much as we now look forward to longer days, blooming hedgerows, and the return of warm sunshine on the garden path.
At Well Cottage, we’re embracing this season of preparation and possibility. With just a few weeks until our first guests arrive, we’re lovingly putting the finishing touches on every detail — from plumping pillows to planting herbs — ready to welcome you to the charm and calm of English country life.
Thank you for being with us — whether near or far, past guest or future friend. We can’t wait to share the magic of another year with you.
With love from Dorset,
Nathan & Laura
