October 2025 Newsletter

Welcome to our October 2025 newsletter!

A brand-new adventure, a prehistoric discovery, and maybe even your name on our winner’s list!

Our all-new Hidden England 2026 Shared Cottage Experience has proved very popular – just one luxurious room remains! Plus if you book any 2026 dates now you’ll get them at our current prices.

Meanwhile, the Jurassic Coast is making headlines again with the incredible find of the “sword dragon” – a brand-new species of sea creature unearthed beneath our cliffs after 185 million years!

Add to that Laura’s latest lovely recipe; a look behind the scenes at Wilton House, filming location for such blockbusters as Bridgerton and Lara Croft; a dreamy local walk that takes you up above the clouds; plus the ziggiest-zaggiest road in Britain…

Don’t miss the naming of our luxury picnic basket winner. Is it you? There’s only one way to find out…

Read on!

2026 availability – still
bookable at current prices!

Laura and Nathan serving guests in the garden at Well Cottage

Is a magical trip to England calling your name?

Whether you’re travelling solo, with a partner, friends, family with children, or as a small group of up to six, our English Cottage Vacation is designed for those who want a getaway that’s as easy, authentic, and unforgettable as possible.

If you…

• Dream of exploring England’s beautiful countryside and staying in a quaint thatched cottage surrounded by local charm and culture.
• Want to see the best of England without the stress of planning every detail
• Prefer an authentic, personal experience over crowded tourist spots
• Love the idea of being treated like VIPs on a trip of a lifetime
• Are tired of tipping, hidden extras, and constantly getting your wallet out on vacation
• Appreciate the peace of mind that comes from being cared for by two lovely hosts who’ll treat you like royalty and friends
• Crave something different, rejuvenating, and blissfully free from the world’s noise
• Want to spend 100% of your time together with loved ones, truly switching off…

Then you’ve just found your perfect holiday.

An all-inclusive English Cottage Vacation is everything you’ve been dreaming of!

For shared cottage experiences (solo travellers or couples):

Visit our Shared Cottage Experience page for current prices and availability.

For whole cottage bookings (groups of 3–6 guests):

We still have various 2026 dates available in May, June, July, August, September, October, and December at your flexibility.

Prices start from just $5,445 USD per person for a 7-night all-inclusive stay when booking the whole cottage. Just reach out to us for a specific quote by completing our Enquiry Form HERE.

Get in touch with us (Nathan and Laura) to start exploring which option is best for you and what your vacation in England could look like! Email: info@englishcottagevacation.com or visit our website for an instant chat where Nathan and Laura are waiting to answer your questions.

Well Cottage resplendent in the sunshine

For kindred spirits who can’t get enough of Dorset’s charm, we’re thrilled to unveil an all-new 7-night Hidden England Sightseeing Itinerary for August 2026 – and just one room remains!

This exclusive Shared Cottage Experience brings together a small group of like-minded travellers for a week of discovery, indulgence, and relaxation at Well Cottage, our 18th-century thatched haven.

You’ll enjoy a completely new itinerary of handpicked destinations, from the storybook beauty of Milton Abbas to the breathtaking Jurassic Coast, the timeless majesty of Salisbury Cathedral, and a magical day at The Newt, Somerset’s acclaimed private estate and gardens.

Every day is designed for pure enjoyment with Nathan as your chauffeur/guide, and Laura creating exquisite gourmet meals that make each return to the cottage a celebration.

Spaces are truly limited: only one luxurious bedroom for a lucky couple or single traveller remains for this extraordinary week.

EXPLORE THE FULL ITINERARY HERE

Artist’s impression of how the Icthyosaur looked

A remarkable new fossil find has put Dorset in the spotlight once again. Experts have confirmed that a near-complete skeleton discovered at Golden Cap is a new species of ichthyosaur, the ancient marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

Named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, meaning “the sword dragon of Dorset,” the creature lived about 185 million years ago. With its long, blade-like snout and massive eye socket, it offers a rare glimpse into the life of these powerful sea predators.

So next time you walk the cliffs at Charmouth or gaze out to sea from Lyme Regis, remember that beneath your feet lies a world that once swam with dragons!

Every review we receive is special, but every now and then one comes along that captures the full spirit of what an English Cottage Vacation is all about. Dan’s beautifully detailed words paint a picture of the experience we strive to create for every guest — one of comfort, care, and discovery, with each day perfectly balanced between adventure and relaxation. We are so grateful to Dan and his group for sharing their memories, and even more delighted that they felt so at home with us! Here’s the full five star review:

“Everything about our vacation was great. Laura and Nathan were friendly and knowledgeable, and provided superlative service. I’m always impressed by folks who provide a unique and well-planned experience for their guests. Let me say that Laura and Nathan were first-rate in every aspect of our vacation. Nathan picked us up at Heathrow and drove us to the cottage, which was about a two-hour drive. It was a great way to get an introduction to the area. 

“The cottage is beautiful and the yard around it was beautiful and there was comfortable seating outside (and a swing hanging from one of the trees in the yard that I would use every morning for about five minutes – it made me feel like a kid again!)

“We’d start the day around 8:00 with a breakfast prepared by Laura. A delicious and an excellent start to the day. Then we’d leave with Nathan on our daily excursions around 9:30. All of our daily trips were fun and interesting. My wife and I enjoy walking and working out and each of the locations we saw allowed us to get plenty of steps in seeing the sights each day. 

“The evening before each trip, Nathan would give us a summary of what we’d be doing the next day and give us background information about the location. Then he would continue to give us information as he was driving us to that day’s locations. Nathan’s vehicle was the most comfortable one in which I’d ever travelled. In addition to Nathan, there were five adults in the van and we had more than adequate space. The van would have held at least two more adults comfortably. He’s also a great driver so we could sit back and relax on our daily trips.

“We’d arrive at our morning location and would have an hour or two to walk around the area and/or do a tour of a particular castle, building or specific area. Nathan would let us know where we’d meet him mid-day. When it would get to be lunchtime, Nathan would find an area outdoors for us to eat. He’d set up and table and chairs and we’d have a lunch that Laura had prepared for us including snacks and drinks. He was obviously very familiar with each of the locations we were touring and the areas he’d find for us to have lunch were really relaxing and comfortable. 

“After lunch we’d be on to our next location to visit for the day. After we toured what was on the schedule for the afternoon, Nathan would drive us back to the cottage and we’d have a couple of hours to relax, have a drink and snacks before dinner was served. We would usually have dinner around 7:00. The dinners prepared by Laura were all fantastic! All of them were as good (or better) than we’d experienced at high level restaurants. 

“Every night after dinner (except one night when we were doing an early evening tour of Stonehenge – which, by the way, was superb – smaller group and we were allowed to walk around and through Stonehenge itself) some of us would go for a walk on the roads in the hamlet surrounding the cottage. Beautiful countryside, quiet and interesting, and (once again) Nathan would make sure we had flashlights (called torches in England) and one night when it was a bit rainy we wore yellow vests so we’d be more noticeable to drivers. We rarely saw any drivers because the area surrounding the cottage has no commercial businesses and any drivers we encountered were going slowly and safely. Then we’d retire for the evening in our separate bedrooms. Ours was very comfortable with its own bathroom. Then the next day, we’d do go on another excursion and do it all over again. 

“Our only disappointment was that we had to leave after a week. I would have been fine doing another week of daily excursions!” – Dan Satriana, Google Reviews, September 2025

Have you been a guest of ours? We’d be so grateful if you can share your experiences on TripAdvisor and Google Reviews too! Also be sure to check out the testimonials featured on our website!

If you haven’t yet added Laura’s much-loved English Cottage Kitchen recipe book to your collection, here’s your little nudge!

Now available in a stunning 98-page hardcover edition, this beautifully bound keepsake captures the heart and flavour of life at Well Cottage. From comforting mains and indulgent puddings to delicate bakes and seasonal favourites, there’s something scrumptious for every mood.

It’s the perfect gift for a food lover, a future guest – or simply as a well-deserved treat for yourself.

US – Amazon.com

Canada – Amazon.ca

UK – Amazon.co.uk

Or for any other territory, simply search “English Cottage Kitchen Recipe Book by Laura Kurton” on Amazon.

And remember, you can still download the instant digital edition too:

Buy the digital edition

Now scroll down for a free sample of just the type of delicious recipes you’ll find in Laura’s book!

Fans of Bridgerton might already know it. Those glittering ballrooms and sweeping staircases, the sunlight filtering through painted ceilings as the strings swell and secrets unfold. But long before Netflix transformed it into one of television’s most recognisable settings, Wilton House, just outside Salisbury, was already a star.

This magnificent stately home has graced the screen in everything from The Crown and Emma to Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Pride and Prejudice. It is easy to see why filmmakers fall in love with it, because the house and grounds are pure cinematic splendour.

For more than four centuries, Wilton has been home to the Earls of Pembroke, and its history is as fascinating as its façade. Step through the grand entrance and you will find yourself surrounded by some of Britain’s finest examples of Baroque and Palladian architecture.

The world-famous Double Cube Room, often called one of the most beautiful rooms in England, gleams with Van Dyck portraits and gilded ornamentation. Elsewhere, paintings by Rubens, Brueghel and Reynolds adorn the walls, while sunlight spills across marble floors that have hosted royalty and film crews alike.

Beyond the house, the gardens unfold in perfect harmony, with contributions by the celebrated landscape designer Capability Brown. Wide lawns are framed by ancient trees, peaceful riverside walks follow the River Nadder, and formal gardens change their mood with the seasons. It is the kind of place that invites you to slow down, breathe in the scent of grass and water, and imagine life in a more gracious age.

When you visit Wilton House as part of your English Cottage Vacation itinerary, it is an experience as effortless as it is elegant. Nathan will chauffeur you through the scenic Dorset and Wiltshire countryside, sharing fascinating insights along the way, while Laura ensures your gourmet picnic lunch is ready to enjoy in the grounds or nearby. You will return to Well Cottage with memories worthy of a film reel, without a single worry about timing, tickets or travel.

While Wilton House and Gardens are now closed for the 2025 season, they will reopen at Easter 2026, and we cannot wait to return. Until then, enjoy a glimpse of this masterpiece in motion and watch our short video for a taste of its beauty and atmosphere.#

EXPLORE ALL OF OUR EXTRAORDINARY EXCURSIONS

Featured video: Step inside the
English Cottage Vacation experience

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to stay at Well Cottage, here’s your chance to find out – in just three and a half minutes.

Join Nathan and Laura for a behind-the-scenes look at life at English Cottage Vacation, where every moment is designed to feel effortless, indulgent and authentically English.

From gourmet meals prepared fresh in the cottage kitchen to chauffeured excursions through rolling countryside, this short film captures what makes our all-inclusive experiences unlike anything else.

You’ll see the charm of the luxurious 18th-century thatched cottage, the warmth of the hosts who welcome you as family, and the beauty of the landscapes that surround it all. It’s a glimpse of the magic our guests talk about long after they return home.

Watch below and discover why so many call this the ultimate English countryside vacation.

REACH OUT NOW TO BOOK YOUR STAY

Serves: 2 | Prep time: 10 mins | Cooking time: 25–30 mins

As the days grow cooler and the scent of slow-simmering suppers fills the cottage kitchen, this comforting yet vibrant salmon dish is one of Laura’s favourites. Inspired by the warmth of Tuscany but finished with her own Dorset twist, it combines tender salmon, juicy tomatoes, and a golden, creamy sauce brightened with a touch of turmeric.

It’s quick enough for a relaxed evening meal, yet elegant enough to serve when you want something truly special.

Ingredients

• 2 fresh salmon fillets (around 170g / 6 oz each), skin on
• Olive oil, about 4 tbsp in total (divided for cooking)
• A knob of butter (roughly 2 tbsp)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 to 4 garlic cloves, crushed or minced
• A good handful of cherry tomatoes (½ to 1 cup), halved
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• Around ¾ to 1 cup vegetable or chicken stock (use more for extra sauce)
• ½ cup natural yoghurt (or use double cream for a richer finish)
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• ¼ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp kosher salt, plus a little extra for the salmon
• ¼ tsp cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for a deeper colour and flavour)
• A few sprigs of fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Optional garnishes:

• Toasted pumpkin seeds
• Cream swirls
• Your favourite bread for serving

Directions

Cook the salmon:

• Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper.
• Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Once shimmering, lay in the salmon fillets and sear for around 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden and just cooked through.
• Transfer to a plate and keep warm while you prepare the sauce.

(Shortcut: you can bake the salmon at 180°C / 350°F for about 15 minutes while the sauce simmers, then add it to the pan at the end.)

Start the sauce:

• In the same pan, wipe out any residue, then melt the butter with a drizzle more olive oil.
• Add the onion and garlic and gently cook for 4 to 5 minutes until fragrant and soft.
• Stir in the cherry and sun-dried tomatoes along with the basil, mustard seeds, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
• Let everything bubble gently for 5 minutes or so, until the cherry tomatoes start to blister and burst.

Build the flavour:

• Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and add the coconut milk.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Cover the pot and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.

Blend the soup:

• Pour in the stock and yoghurt (or cream), stirring well to bring it together.
• Add the tomato paste if using, then scatter in the Parmesan.
• Simmer briefly until the sauce thickens slightly, then fold in the spinach until wilted.

Finish and serve:

• Nestle the salmon back into the sauce, spooning the mixture over the top.
• Allow it to warm through for a few minutes, then finish with a sprinkling of fresh parsley.

Serving suggestions:

Enjoy this dish with roasted potatoes, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad – or turn it into a comforting one-pan pasta meal.

If adding pasta, half cook the pasta separately and then drain it and add it to the mixture, mixing it in and heat it through for 5 to 10 mins on a low heat. You can do this before adding the salmon back in but when you do be sure to include it in the cook time so that the salmon has time to heat back up too. You can heat it separately and flake it on instead if you prefer.

Love this recipe? It’s just a taste of what’s waiting in Laura’s Recipe Book now available in both hardcover print and digital editions! 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! Tap below for instant access:

Get Laura’s Recipe Book Now

Or search for “English Cottage Kitchen Recipe Book by Laura Kurton” on Amazon – the stunning hardcover edition is now available worldwide!

Just a short drive from Well Cottage lies one of Dorset’s most breathtaking hidden gems – Fontmell Down Nature Reserve, a high, sweeping ridge of rare chalk grassland that feels like the top of the world.

Managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust and forming part of the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Fontmell Down is where the landscape opens wide, the air feels endless, and the views stretch for miles across the Blackmore Vale.

In autumn, it’s nothing short of spectacular. The sun lights the slopes in shades of gold and bronze, the air carries the scent of dry grass and earth, and the silence is broken only by skylarks overhead. This is classic English countryside at its purest, a landscape little changed for centuries, rich in wildlife and ancient history.

The reserve is famous for its wildflowers and butterflies; in summer the hillsides are alive with colour, and even in the cooler months you may spot red kites circling or kestrels hovering in the crisp blue sky. It’s also dotted with remnants of old field systems, earthworks, and grazing paths that speak of Dorset’s long rural past. Below is a video from a high point in Fontmell Down, zooming in to Well Cottage in the distance.

Make this happen – reach out now!

Just a few miles from Well Cottage lies one of Britain’s most remarkable little roads – Zig Zag Hill, the famously twisty stretch of the B3081 near Shaftesbury.

In just one mile, it winds through a series of sharp hairpin bends climbing steeply up Melbury Hill, earning its title as the bendiest road in the UK. First laid out in the 19th century to help horse-drawn carriages make the ascent, it still offers a thrilling, scenic drive today – fully surfaced, yet every bit as steep and winding as ever.

In autumn, it’s especially stunning. The beech woods blaze with colour, and every turn reveals another breathtaking view across the Blackmore Vale.

Whether you tackle it from behind the wheel with Nathan or admire it from a nearby viewpoint with one of Laura’s gourmet picnics, Zig Zag Hill is a Dorset drive like no other: short, scenic, and utterly unforgettable!

Watch a video showing how bendy this road is – CLICK HERE.

It’s that time again! We’re thrilled to announce this month’s luxury countryside picnic basket! A beautifully handcrafted willow hamper filled with all the essentials for a dreamy alfresco outing is on its way to one lucky subscriber…

SUSAN MARTIN
Please reach out to us by email so that we ca arrange delivery!
info@englishcottagevacation.com

Congratulations – your prize is packed and ready to bring a generous helping of English countryside charm to your next outdoor adventure!

Your basket includes:

• Fine china plates and real glassware
• Stainless steel cutlery and linen napkins
• A tartan picnic blanket

Didn’t win this time? Don’t despair – we’re giving away another one next month! Simply stay subscribed to our weekly newsletter and you’re automatically in the draw.

And if you know someone who would love a touch of English charm in their inbox, feel free to forward this email or share the sign-up link – click here! They could also be in to win!

*Disclaimer: The basket we deliver is subject to availability but we will always strive to ensure comparable quality!

An autumnal countryside scene in Dorset

From your first enquiry to your farewell at Heathrow, we’ve designed every step of your English Cottage Vacation to be smooth, simple and beautifully stress-free.

Whether you’re curious about availability, wondering how payments work, or ready to shape your tailor-made itinerary, the links below will guide you through it all – clearly, quickly, and with complete confidence.

Schedule a Call

Booking & Payments Procedure

Your Tailor-Made Itinerary, Discovery Process

Cancellation Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Join our Facebook group for a peek behind the scenes, seasonal updates from Well Cottage, and a friendly space to connect with fellow Anglophiles. We’d love to welcome you in!

JOIN OUR GROWING COMMUNITY ON FACEBOOK