Welcome to our September 2025 newsletter Week 1 !
As we tumble into autumn, this week’s newsletter is brimming with reasons to fall for Dorset all over again. We open with a glimpse into Laura and Nathan’s enduring love for Dorset – why they spend their own time walking with wonder, pausing with care, and gathering memories that shape the journeys they create for guests.
For those dreaming ahead and getting into the festive spirit, our flagship festive offer brings pre-Christmas at Well Cottage to life with a sparkling 30% discount on an all-inclusive December week. And in the headlines, a piece of shrapnel hidden for more than 80 years has been discovered in the world’s only running Tiger tank at Bovington – tying perfectly to our new British Wartime Experience itinerary.
This week’s featured video takes you to Sculpture by the Lakes, where art and nature share the stage in all weathers, while our guest voices remind us why so many visitors leave with friendships as well as memories.
On we go!
From the heart: Laura & Nathan’s beloved Dorset
For Nathan and Laura, Dorset is more than home—it’s a place they fell in love with and can’t wait to share with their guests. At the heart of this passion lies Well Cottage in Fontmell Magna, a quintessential English thatched cottage that captures the very essence of rural charm. Set in a peaceful village where time seems to slow, the cottage offers an authentic slice of England that feels both comforting and extraordinary.
What makes Dorset so special, in Nathan and Laura’s eyes, is the balance of natural beauty, history, and culture all within easy reach. From the cottage doorstep, guests can wander through Fontmell Magna’s winding lanes, lined with characterful stone cottages and framed by the rolling hills of the Blackmore Vale. Just a short drive away is Shaftesbury, Dorset’s famed hilltop town, known for its vibrant market square and the iconic Gold Hill, whose cobbled slope and sweeping views have charmed visitors for centuries.
Nathan and Laura see Dorset as the perfect introduction to England. It offers the romance of landscapes immortalized by Thomas Hardy, the warmth of traditional pubs and tea rooms, and the thrill of discovering hidden gems—from ancient churches tucked into villages to panoramic walking trails across the countryside. For their guests, Dorset provides the picture-perfect vision of England they’ve always dreamed of, brought to life with Nathan and Laura’s personal touch, local knowledge, and genuine enthusiasm for every experience.
And what makes each vacation truly unforgettable is not just Dorset itself, but the way guests experience it—by staying in Nathan and Laura’s own home. They embrace every visitor not only with professionalism and attention to detail, but also with genuine warmth and understanding of how important a perfect vacation is. It’s this blend of care, love, and hospitality that leaves their guests feeling less like visitors, and more like cherished friends discovering the very best of England.
Flagship tailor-made festive season at Well Cottage – 30% off!
7 nights | 10-17 December 2025
Whole Cottage | Up to 6 guests | All Inclusive
Imagine celebrating the festive season in a thatched 18th-century English cottage, wrapped in twinkling lights, fires glowing, and the Dorset countryside dressed in its winter finery. For one week only, you can enjoy our premier Flagship Tailor-Made Winter Wonderland Experience, at an extraordinary 30% discount.
This is more than a holiday. It’s your own private cottage, with space for up to six guests, hosted around the clock by Nathan and Laura. Your every need is anticipated: gourmet meals created just for you, your personal chauffeur ready to whisk you off on wintery adventures, and every detail of your stay arranged through our itinerary discovery process. It’s the ultimate way to experience England at Christmastime – flexible, relaxing, and deeply personal.
A taste of this fabulous festive week
While the entire itinerary is yours to shape, here’s what a week might look like:
- Day trips steeped in history and magic: Explore Bath’s Christmas Market with its glowing chalets and seasonal delights, or wander the ancient stones of Salisbury Cathedral before warming up in a traditional English pub.
- Countryside excursions with a festive twist: Stroll the winter trails of Stourhead Gardens, visit Athelhampton House with its decorated halls, or tour Hardy’s Cottage for a literary escape into old England.
- At-home indulgence: Laura’s scrumptious seasonal menus will spoil you with warming soups, traditional roasts, and decadent puddings. Evenings mean mulled wine by the fire, laughter around the dining table, and the pure luxury of not lifting a finger.
EXPLORE THE SAMPLE FESTIVE WINTER ITINERARY
What’s Included
- Your private, fully exclusive cottage and gardens
- 24/7 VIP service from Nathan and Laura
- Unlimited activities and excursions of your choice
- Private luxury vehicle and chauffeur, including transfers
- Your own resident gourmet chef for every meal
- All food, drinks, and snacks included
- In-house spa treatments and pub dining experience
- Complete flexibility – the entire week is tailored to your wishes
This is the original and most-loved of all our vacation packages – where every moment is created just for you. Whether you want history, gardens, spa days, festive markets, or quiet countryside strolls, it’s all included. All you need to do is arrive and enjoy!
SECURE YOUR FESTIVE ESCAPE – REACH OUT NOW
The week in Dorset: Tiger tank’s hidden battle scar
Tiger 131 was captured from German forces in WWII (Image source: The Tank Museum)
A remarkable discovery has just been made at Dorset’s own Tank Museum in Bovington. Engineers carrying out routine checks on Tiger 131 – the world’s only running Tiger I tank – found a chunk of shrapnel lodged inside one of its wheels, where it had been hidden since the heat of battle more than 80 years ago.
This German tank was the first of its kind to be captured intact during World War II, after being disabled in Tunisia in 1943. Extensively restored, Tiger 131 now stars at the museum’s famous Tiger Day events and even had a role in the Brad Pitt film Fury.
The find is a tangible reminder of the desperate fight that brought Tiger 131 to a standstill and of the British soldiers who faced it on the battlefield. For visitors, it’s another layer of authenticity added to what is already one of the most studied and iconic tanks in history.
For our guests with a passion for history, moments like this bring the past vividly to life. It’s why we’ve introduced our new British Wartime Experience itinerary – a week of luxury at Well Cottage woven with unforgettable stories of resilience and sacrifice. Highlights include:
- D-Day heritage along the Jurassic Coast: tracing stories of bravery and sacrifice where history meets dramatic landscapes.
- Naval power and maritime history: uncovering the secrets of sea battles and military strategy.
- Wartime resilience in historic cities: exploring how ancient and Georgian landmarks endured the Blitz.
- Aviation heritage or ancient wonders: from iconic aircraft collections to mysterious prehistoric sites.
- Armour, ghosts, and castles: tank displays, abandoned wartime villages, and ruins steeped in conflict.
It’s history brought vividly to life, all balanced with the 24/7 VIP comfort, gourmet dining and countryside calm of Well Cottage.
SAMPLE WARTIME HERITAGE ITINERARY
Featured video: Sculpture by the Lakes – art in nature
Set across 26 acres of glorious Dorset countryside near Dorchester, Sculpture by the Lakes is no ordinary art gallery. Created by renowned sculptor Simon Gudgeon and his wife Monique, this outdoor sanctuary blends contemporary sculpture with sweeping lakes, meadows and woodlands. It’s a place where art and nature speak to one another, constantly shifting with the light and seasons – and it’s an experience our guests often find both moving and memorable.
This week’s video takes you there in the capable hands of Andrew Graham-Dixon, the celebrated British art historian and broadcaster. While Andrew himself wisely stays cosy indoors, his cameraman braves the blustery autumn weather to capture the park’s unique beauty. Sculptures loom gracefully against wind-ruffled water and rain-slicked greenery, reminding us that art is often at its most powerful when set against the drama of the elements.
Laura and Nathan love sharing this excursion with guests, whatever the forecast. There’s something wonderfully British about pulling on a pair of Wellies and zipping up a waterproof before heading out to explore, knowing that a hot drink and a warm fire will be waiting afterwards at Well Cottage. With our store of snug parkas and boots, nobody misses out on the joy of Sculpture by the Lakes – a place where every path offers both artistry and atmosphere.
“We arrived as guests… and left as friends”(and more kind words from our recent guests)
Every additional 5-star review reminds us just how special these weeks at Well Cottage become, but some phrases truly leap off the page. For Kathy and Jerry, it was the fact that they arrived as guests but left as friends (so true!). Read on to discover a moment they’ll never forget, made even more meaningful by the rhythm of days filled with discovery, indulgence, and friendship:
“Quintessential English Cottage Vacation
We just returned from the most wonderful English Cottage Vacation at Well Cottage. Laura and Nathan are truly remarkable hosts. Attention to detail was quintessential to the experience. They provided a perfect balance of relaxation and excursions to see incredible sights.
The VIP sunset inner circle tour of Stonehenge is a once in a lifetime experience. From small country lanes to Motorways, Nathan navigated us each day with precision as we were provided ample opportunities to explore independently and join in guided tours each day.
Laura was incredible as she sent us on our way each day after savoring a gourmet breakfast, enjoying a wicker basket picnic lunch that she prepared and returning after the day’s activities to cocktails and canapés followed by a 5 star dinner that was incredible and only outdone by its presentation.
We did arrive as guests and we feel like we left as friends whom we look forward to visiting again.”
– Kathy and Jerry K, TripAdvisor, August 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!
Cook the Well Cottage Way:
80+ Recipes from Laura’s Kitchen
Discover the heart of English Cottage Vacation from your own home with Laura’s instantly downloadable recipe book, filled with over 80 cherished recipes inspired by life at Well Cottage.
From beautifully baked treats and seasonal lunches to comforting mains and traditional puddings, each recipe is easy to follow and full of Dorset flavour. These are the dishes that define the rhythm of cottage life – simple, elegant, and cooked with care.
Whether you’re planning your visit or simply craving a taste of the English countryside, this thoughtfully curated collection is yours to enjoy for just £30.
Bring the beauty of cottage living to your kitchen – or gift it to someone who appreciates food that feels like a warm welcome.
Your chance to win a luxury picnic hamper… Simply stay subscribed!
Each month, we select one lucky subscriber to receive our signature countryside picnic hamper – a beautifully crafted basket made from steamed willow, fitted with leather straps, and filled with timeless essentials.
Inside, you’ll find fine china, real glassware, a tartan blanket, and everything you need for a perfectly elegant day outdoors. Ideal for scenic rambles, quiet gardens, or lunches beneath the trees.
If you’re subscribed, you’re already in the draw!
Know someone who would love this too? Share our newsletter with them using THIS LINK and they’ll be entered as well!
*Disclaimer: The basket we deliver is subject to availability but we will always strive to ensure comparable quality!
Essential info: Everything you need to know, all in one place
The River Allen 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.
Your Tailor-Made Itinerary, Discovery Process
Step inside the cottage community!
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!
