Flagship, Tailor Made Itinerary
Key Features
Things To Do During Your Stay
Find Inspiration In Our Set Itineraries
Our Perfect Balance – Sightseeing Itinerary (1)
Our Hidden England – Sightseeing Itinerary (2)
Our Festive Winter Itinerary
Our Family Itinerary
Our Exquisite English Gardens and Stately Homes Itinerary
Our Walking & Hiking Itinerary
Our WWII and D-day History Itinerary
Exclusive Whole Cottage Availability
Our Google Reviews
The biggest surprise for me was the food. I expected good, homey meals, but what we got was restaurant-quality cuisine every single night—and we got to enjoy it in our comfy clothes! Laura is a professional chef, and her talent shows in every dish. From our elegant anniversary dinner (filet mignon, scallops, fancy cake and all!) to the cozy canapés by the fire, every bite was memorable. Even the picnic lunches were next-level. These weren’t sandwiches on a park bench. We had linen tablecloths, real china, and gourmet food—even in the back of the van during a rainy day!
Nathan, our host and guide, has an amazing knack for avoiding the crowds. We visited popular destinations like Corfe Castle, Durdle Door, and the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum, yet it never felt hectic or rushed. Every day’s itinerary was thoughtfully planned, balancing big sights with quiet corners. A highlight for me was the Castletown D-Day Centre—an interactive, hands-on WWII museum where I got to sit in a jeep, hold a rifle (heavy), and even operate an anti-aircraft gun. It was both moving and fun.
Back at the cottage, the evenings were a true treat—cocktails in the garden, sitting by the fireplace with a dram of whisky, and great conversation. Laura and Nathan made everything feel so personal. From surprising us with a beautifully decorated dining room for our anniversary to sharing stories from their garden and kitchen, they went above and beyond to make us feel at home.
If you're looking for a luxurious, personalized, and utterly unique English countryside experience—without needing to dress up or drive yourself around—this is it. We felt pampered, relaxed, and completely taken care of. Already dreaming of our next visit!
Hosts Nathan and Laura have curated an experience that allows guests to immerse in the English countryside, while relieving guests of the burdens of decision-making that travel often entails.
Each day of the stay was planned to give guests a glimpse into the history, culture and picturesque beauty of the Dorset region. Nathan is the tour guide, chauffeur, and picnic host. On the daily excursions, we visited two to three different gems of the region, and at each location, we had plenty of time to explore and engage.
Chef Laura prepared scrumptious breakfasts to start the day, and packed personalized lunches for our afternoon picnics. After each exciting day out and about, Laura welcomed us back to the cottage with snacks and drinks, and we took time to enjoy the cottage’s garden and snug to relax and reminisce on the day’s adventure.
In the evening, dinner began with a visually stunning tablescape, matching the vibe of the menu to come. Chef Laura tailored her menus to incorporate traditional English fare with more modern dishes, and she accommodated each diner’s dietary needs and wants.
Each aspect of the trip and the cottage itself has been crafted with the guests’ comfort and enjoyment in mind. The van is spacious and rides smoothly. The common spaces in the cottage (snug, garden room, gardens, etc.) are cozy and plush, inviting guests to sit a while. Our bedroom (the beehive room) was spacious, inviting and comfortable. But what made our time at Well Cottage truly exceptional was Nathan and Laura’s hospitable nature, their ability to anticipate guests needs and interests, and their sense of pride in sharing their very special part of the world with others.
English Cottage Vacations, notably Nathan and Laura’s approach to hospitality, provided a travel experience unlike any other.
I was the inaugural visitor for their Winter Holiday stay. I am so happy I had the chance to experience this! With Laura as the chef every meal was a culinary delight. She and Nathan helped celebrate my December birthday in style along with a proper British Christmas Lunch. It was the first time I had ever experienced Christmas Crackers! They were so much fun I ordered some for my grandchildren for Christmas dinner ( you cannot transport these home on the plane. They have to be ordered stateside). A special treat was the "spa day" where I had a chance to relax and be pampered (all apart of the AIF).
I loved this stay so much I have already planned a ladies trip for 2025. I can't wait to share my experience with my friends!
Laura’s skills in the kitchen are as good, if not better, than any award winning restaurant in major cities. We had a few special requests including a Beef Wellington night and my daughter’s 11th birthday party and she knocked them both of the park!
Nathan is your tour guide extraordinaire! We let him plan our entire stay and there wouldn’t be one thing we would change. As I said before he kept both the adults and kids entertained each day.
Your accommodations will be welcoming, charming, comfortable and clean. We had the largest group they could accommodate and everyone had their own private space to relax and unwind each evening. The grounds are beautifully kept and we loved spending most dinners on their patio soaking in the fresh air and scent of their beautiful garden.
We never repeat vacations as we always feel there’s more to see and experience, but I can say with confidence we will be back to spend more time with Nathan and Laura! Thank you two for such an amazingly unforgettable family vacation. ????
Some of our frequently asked questions…
Q. How customizable is the itinerary?
A. Your itinerary’s flexibility depends on which booking option you select.
If you choose our Tailor-Made experience—our flagship offering—we will create a fully bespoke itinerary designed exclusively around your desires, from activities and excursions to dining experiences and relaxation time. This option offers complete customization and flexibility.
Alternatively, we offer 7-night Set Itinerary options for guests who prefer a curated, structured experience or are unsure where to begin when planning their English countryside visit. These itineraries are carefully designed to showcase the best of the region and follow a predetermined schedule without modifications.
Regardless of which option you choose, your experience will be thoughtfully crafted to ensure a memorable and seamless stay.
What’s the difference between a Tailor-Made itinerary and a Set Itinerary?
he key difference is customization and flexibility.
Tailor-Made Itineraries: Our flagship offering, designed entirely around your interests, preferences, and pace. You complete a Discovery Form outlining what excites you, and Nathan crafts a completely bespoke week. You review the draft itinerary and refine it until it’s exactly what you want. Every aspect—from excursions to dining to relaxation time—is personalized to you.
Set Itineraries: Pre-planned week-long experiences that showcase a curated balance of England’s highlights. The schedule is fixed and follows a predetermined route of activities designed to appeal to a wide range of interests. Set Itineraries offer little flexibility but are reflected in a more accessible price point while still delivering exceptional service and experiences.
Booking Options:
Tailor-Made: Available as Whole Cottage bookings only
Set Itineraries: Available as both Whole Cottage bookings and Shared Cottage bookings
Both options include the same luxury accommodations, gourmet meals, chauffeur service, and Nathan and Laura’s exceptional hospitality—the difference is in the level of personalization.
How long does it take to plan a Tailor-Made itinerary?
The planning timeline for a Tailor-Made itinerary depends on how far out you’re booking, the complexity of your requests, and your responsiveness.
Why Booking Early Matters:
The further out you book, the more time we have to make changes to the itinerary with each draft. This is why we encourage people to book around a year out—it gives us plenty of time to book tickets and make changes where necessary.
If booking within 6 months, we have less time, and some tickets are more limited. However, we always make sure that the final itinerary is perfect.
The Planning Process:
After booking, you’ll receive a Discovery Form exploring your interests and preferences. Nathan creates a draft itinerary based on your responses and sends it to you for review. You provide feedback, and Nathan makes adjustments. This may involve several rounds of communication until the itinerary is exactly what you want.
As each section is agreed, or when the final itinerary is agreed, Nathan books tickets, makes reservations, and finally confirms all the arrangements for you.
Booking Recommendation: We recommend booking your Tailor-Made vacation at least 6 months in advance to allow ample time for planning and to secure your preferred dates.
How far in advance do we need to confirm excursions?
Excursion confirmation timing depends on your booking type and the specific activities involved.
Tailor-Made Itineraries: Nathan works with you to finalize your itinerary in the weeks and months leading up to your arrival. Most excursions and activities are confirmed well in advance—typically 4-8 weeks before your vacation—to ensure tickets are secured for popular attractions and any special arrangements are made.
Set Itineraries: Since these itineraries are pre-planned, most excursions are already confirmed. We simply need to finalize any time-specific bookings (such as timed-entry tickets) closer to your arrival date.
Popular Attractions: For highly sought-after attractions with limited availability (such as special exhibitions, seasonal events, or venues requiring advance reservations), we book as early as possible—sometimes several months ahead.
Flexibility During Your Stay: Even with confirmed itineraries, we maintain flexibility. If weather changes, if you discover something you’d prefer to do instead, or if you simply want to adjust your plans, Nathan works to accommodate changes whenever possible. Some adjustments can be made on short notice, while others may be limited by pre-purchased tickets or reservations.
The key is communication—the earlier we know your preferences through your Discovery and Preference forms, the better we can secure your ideal experiences.
Do you have more questions?
You can access our full FAQ’s here.