I'm considering a trip to the Cotswolds next February -- interested in hiking (short distances), touring, chilling out. We spent a night in Bradford on Avon last trip and really like that village. Would be interested in renting a cottage for a week or less, there or in the neighborhood. Would appreciate any leads on rentals, either through agencies or individuals. <BR> <BR>Many thanks!

Harriett, <BR>Check the website: www.kgp-publishing.co.uk <BR> <BR>There you'll find the Great British Bed and Breakfast and Self Catering Cottage Guide on line with a listing of over 600 B&Bs and a hundred or more cottages. The guide, quite handsomely illustrated, is also available from Amazon.com <BR> <BR>I do believe you'll have difficulty in renting for any period less than a week though some cottages do rent for "short breaks" which essentially are long weekends.

Try www.country-holidays.co.uk

Goto visitbritain.com <BR> <BR>Under accomodations, choosse self catered. It give a definition and ask you to click for the featured ones. Click on those and then you will be able to get to a place where you can specify the location you want and get all sorts of places. <BR> <BR>It's a little awkward and I think I have written the correct procedure. If not, just click around until you hit upon it (It took me a few times before I could remember what sequence to do it)

Thanks for the information. Someone else sent me a lead to another company that does cottage rentals throughout the British Isles. It's www.gtunlimited.com; the firm is called Great Trips Unlimited. They have lots to choose from and are very prompt in answering my inquiries.

We rented a cottage for 2 weeks in Bradford on Avon for two weeks last June..had such a good time. Rented it through an agency - English Country Cottages. Their US agent is Four Seasons Villas 1-800-338.0474. WWW.fourseasonsvillas.com. Email me if you wish more info.

An addendum to my original posting: A friend whose husband is British said that February would be a 'wretched' time to visit English countryside -- she said London would be okay, because it's easier to deal w/ nasty weather, but otherwise it's the worst possible time to go. Any comments?

A highly recommended holiday cottage company, based in the Cotswolds, is Rural Retreats - www.ruralretreats.co.uk <BR>The Cotswolds is a beautiful part of England - scenic countryside and charming villages - but expect February to be cold and wet. Choose a cottage with a log fire! <BR>