Our Sample Itineraries

View some of our sample itineraries

When booking with English Cottage Vacation for our shared package, we offer one of the following itineraries.

Why not view our sample itineraries below to get some inspiration.

Sightseeing Itinerary | Festive Winter Itinerary

Our Sightseeing Sample Itinerary

Arrival Day

Arrive at the airport (or we can collect you at your London hotel*); no matter the time, we will be there waiting for you and ready to begin the relaxing journey to Well Cottage with a refreshing glass of champagne and a selection of canapes – only the best way to start your luxurious vacation!
Settle in to the cottage with a cup of tea (or something a little stronger) unpack and get over the jet lag by sitting in the garden and listen to the birds sing or go for a countryside walk. Look forward to your first delicious evening meal prepared by your personal chef Laura.

*Please note this service is not available on our Shared Cottage package

A nice relaxing day in Sherborne

The old market town of Sherborne is truly a wonderful little place and it is great to visit on your first day after a nice relaxing breakfast. We will head straight for the top of Cheap Street and you can wander down through the high street enjoying all the local independent shops, ending up at the beautiful abbey for a visit. Nathan will then transport you over to the new 16th century castle for your timed guided tour of the private home. Once your interior tour is complete a nice lunch picnic in the gardens will be waiting for you before moving across the lake to the original 12th century castle to explore this site.

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Corfe Castle & Kingston Lacy

Let’s enjoy the relaxing 45 minute journey through the Dorset countryside until we reach the 1000 year old Corfe Castle, which was once a royal residence. The village of which the now ruined castle overlooks is very charming and a great place to get a cream tea or enjoy a ride on the steam train.
After lunch on the way back to the cottage we will visit Kingston Lacy, an elegant 17th century Italian inspired country mansion set amongst formal and mature gardens.

The Roman City of Bath

Let’s head for the beautiful Roman city of Bath today for a full day of exploring. After the 1 hour trip through the counties of Wiltshire and Somerset we will arrive in time to ensure you have time to visit the Royal Crescent, Great Pulteney Street, Pulteney Bridge including the weir, The Circus, Bath Abbey and of course the Roman Baths museum including the old Pump room. Once you have completed your checklist of things to do we will head home for another wonderful cocktail hour and/or a cream tea.

A day closer to the cottage (& Stonehenge)

No visit to the Dorset countryside would not be complete without a day closer to home to enjoy our local area and amenities.
Start off the day with your complimentary spa treatment after breakfast;
There are endless walks to take advantage of so pop on the wellies that we provide and follow the footpath signs across the fields. After lunch visit our local town of Shaftesbury before heading up to the incredible Stonehenge for an afternoon/evening visit. This is a great day to stop off at an inn on the way home and take advantage of your complimentary pub meal.

The Cotswolds

We will head for the southern tip of The Cotswolds today, a beautiful area known for its golden honey coloured limestone buildings and slate roofs.

Our first stop will be one of the picturesque villages in England, Castle Combe. We will arrive in the morning for a wander through the streets and over the river bridge.

We will then visit Lacock, the home of photography where the first negative was produced. We can do a picnic lunch on arrival before a stroll around the village thinking about all the movies and TV shows that have been filmed here, finishing up in the abbey and the photography museum.

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The Jurassic Coast & Thomas Hardy country

The Jurassic Coast is also a world heritage site and stretches for over 100 miles of coastline. Now of course we can’t show you every mile but we can show you a lot of it- after a 45 minute journey we will start at the Durdle Door and move onto Lulworth cove & village. Then we will embark on a coastal road drive for 1 hour to West Bay for some traditional fish n chips before heading home and stopping off at Thomas Hardy’s cottage- the location where he was born and raised and gained his inspiration for his best selling novels.

Departure Day

It’s time to start reminiscing on the good times spent at Well Cottage. We will ensure you’re well fed before Nathan delivers you to, either your chosen airport (or your preferred location*)  before saying our heartfelt goodbyes.

*Please note: This service may not be available for our Shared Cottage Package, please contact us to discuss your options.

All excursions are subject to availability and in the event that any of our excursions are unavailable on any of our dates it will be replaced with an equivalent experience.

Our Pre-Christmas Sample Itinerary

DAY 1 : Arrival

Upon your arrival in London, Nathan will warmly greet you, be it at the airport or a central London hotel. Toast to the start of your English vacation with delightful, festive refreshments and Canapes aboard your luxurious vehicle. Once at Well Cottage, Laura’s delicious lunch awaits.

Spend the rest of the day unwinding, perhaps with a tranquil stroll in the countryside, taking a bath or nap, chatting to Laura as she prepares your dinner in the Cottage Kitchen or simply relaxing by the fire with a good book!

Tomorrows first exciting day of excursions await! Enjoy Dinner with your loved ones and get a good nights rest.

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DAY 2: Echoes Of History

Immerse yourself in England’s rich past with a visit to the grand Corfe Castle, a millennium-old sentinel overlooking its namesake village.

Post exploration, stop for a classic pub lunch in Corfe Castles idyllic village pub before heading to Kingston Lacy, a Venetian-inspired manor with sprawling gardens awaiting your discovery.

Return to the warm and cosy festive Well Cottage. Take some time to rest, read, chat or play games while Laura delivers you mulled wine and mince pies to enjoy by the roaring fire. Finish your day with a delicious, 3 course evening before retiring at your leisure to your cosy bed and in the satisfying knowledge that tomorrows exciting itinerary awaits you.

DAY 3: Lazy cottage morning & enchanted evening

Relish a leisurely morning, enjoy a later breakfast, time to read the paper, a nice countryside walk or even the perfect time to enjoy your complimentary spa treatments.

Following a delightful lunch in the garden room, we’ll head to the Longleat Estate. Explore the magnificent and historical grand house, tastefully decorated for a Christmas celebration! As the evening descends, let the magical ‘Festival of Lights’ enchant your imagination and fill your festive spirit as you wander the gardens with a warm mulled cider or hot chocolate in hand!

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DAY 4: Festive ambiance of Bath

After a hearty breakfast at Well Cottage, our journey to Bath takes us through picturesque landscapes. Once there, the Bavarian Christmas market beckons with its array of handmade treasures. Delve into Bath’s ancient history with a visit to the Roman Baths. If you’re keen, a guided architectural tour can further enhance your experience and cover many of Baths ancient highlights. There will be time for some Christmas shopping and admiring the Christmas lights or high tea can be arranged at the popular Pump Rooms if you prefer something a little more relaxing.

Heading back to the cottage in comfort and style will have you home in time for a roaring fire and maybe a puzzle followed later on by a delicious dinner cooked by your private chef Laura.

Head of to bed for a dreamy nights sleep before tomorrows adventures begin.

 

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DAY 5: Quintessential English Festivities – Your English Christmas Day!

A day of pure yuletide indulgence.

Start your day the right way with a mimosa or two and Nathan and Laura’s family traditional ham and eggs breakfast! followup with presents from under the tree and fun and games for all the family.

A sumptuous Christmas lunch with traditional Roast turkey and all the British roasty trimmings! For full festive cheers we’ll decorate the table, play some Christmas classics and of course break out the British Christmas crackers, all courtesy of your personal gourmet chef, Laura and waiter Nathan.

After a post lunch stroll round our local village, a visit to our charming local town of Shaftesbury offers iconic views of Gold Hill. Cap off the day with the enchanting Christmas evening at Stourhead House and Gardens where another spectacular light show will await you.

Head home to charcuterie, cheese and biscuits, sherry and brandy snaps to finish the day off perfectly.

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DAY 6: Sherborne’s festive town celebration.

Stunning on any other day, be part of a quintessential English Christmas street celebration.

The Sherborne Festive Shopping Day offers more than just shopping. It is a cultural feast of history and atmosphere.

Engage with festive stalls, delight in the Dorset Farmers market, and be captivated by choirs and the Sherborne Town Band. There will also be church services in the historic Abbey. Santa’s grotto and the Christmas Tree Festival promise merriment, while the day concludes with a parade and the grand illumination of festive lights.

It has do be seen to be believed. This is the essence of England.

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DAY 7: Salisbury’s Historic Elegance

Explore the stunning Salisbury Cathedral, an 800-year-old gothic marvel and home to the renowned Magna Carta.

Enjoy a classic cream tea before visiting the museum, showcasing the famed Amesbury Archer. Then on to the home of former Prime Minister, Sir Edward Heath. As dusk approaches, the twinkling lights of the Christmas market in the market square await.

Return home for more pampering and relaxation. With not a worry in the world you can indulge in the beauty of undisturbed time. Time to enjoy a dinner carefully crafted for you, time to laugh and enjoy with your friends and family, time to relax in whatever way you choose. This is your vacation after all.

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DAY 8: Farewell feast & goodbyes

Though your festive journey at Well Cottage draws to a close, Laura’s hearty breakfast ensures your day begins right. With no rush and in utmost comfort, Nathan will transport you to the airport. Our warmest wishes accompany you, hoping that our paths cross again – no matter the season!

We will say our heartfelt goodbyes, wish you a safe onward trip and hope to host you again in the not-too-distant future!

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