Well, we've finally narrowed down the search to two cottages. Our criteria were: convenient to Gloucester, and not too far for day trips to Bath, Cotswolds Villages, and possibly Oxford. We wanted an open fire and a quaint, traditional feel.

http://www.fivevalleyscottages.co.uk...es/nwc0001.htm

or

http://www.fivevalleyscottages.co.uk...es/nwc0010.htm

The price and location are about the same. The owner said the main difference is which village we'd prefer--Eastcombe or Bisley. Of course, I know nothing about either one

Any thoughts???

Bisley would be my preferred village.

Bisley and Eastcombe are about a mile apart, whether by road or the footpaths down the Toadsmoor Valley and up through Bismore.

To my mind Bisley is prettier - more typically Cotswold. Most of the houses are older, the Bear http://www.bisleybear.co.uk/ is the best pub in the area though the Stirrup Cup http://www.stirrupcup.co.uk/ is also popular. There is more to see when you walk around - the Wells (which are dressed with flowers on Ascension Day) the Lock-up, the old Court House, the well-head in the churchyard. More about Bisley here...

http://www.bisleyonline.net/

Eastcombe has the Lamb Inn which serves OK food, nothing special. It is quite close to Two Pillars which overlooks the village green - but you shouldn't get noise at night, the Lamb is more of a dining pub rather than a drinking pub. Eastcombe probably has the better shop with regard to supplies though the Bisley post office is 'cuter'. Eastcombe has more modern buildings and is not so picturesque.

Here are some pictures of Eastcombe...

http://www.picturesofengland.com/Eng...ctures/1022498

I think the final picture #11 is of Two Pillars!

A short drive or walk from Eastcombe brings you to Bussage (where I live!) where there is a Tesco express (open 7am-10pm), a pharmacy, a Chinese takeaway place and the doctor's surgery. (The doctor lives in Eastcombe, just along from Two Pillars.)

There are other pubs with good food within a few miles at Old Neighbourhood, Oakridge, Miserden and Foston's Ash.

From the pictures Coopers Cottage appears larger than Two Pillars, and I would say the location is better. Plus you get a view over the village.

Good luck, if you have any more questions please ask, and let me know which you decide to pick!

Julia -
You are a treasure -- and I'm so grateful to you -- and to this forum.

Cooper's Cottage in Bisley it will be!

Now we just have to decide whether to overnight in Bath before checking in -- versus doing it as a day trip. And ... if we don't start in Bath, we'll have to choose between Bristol & Birmingham airports.

But we're chiseling away ... one decision at a time. Once this is settled, we'll lock in the next legs -- Wales & Liverpool.

At least I've finally got Philadelphia and New York City settled. That trip's less than 48 hours away!

Thank you SO much for your help.

Fellow Fodorite Barb stayed with me in October, and this is what she wrote about Bisley in her trip report...

<< Our first stop is the little town of Bisley. Now this is how I have imagined English country villages in my mind and I am not disappointed, the wells, the horse troughs with beautiful white ducks. I walked up to High Street, snapping photos and just soaking in all the charm. I was practically the only person walking around and just the odd car. It felt truly like stepping back in time. Really like something out of a period movie. I came upon the Bear Inn, with all the gorgeous flowers decorating the outside. The quintessential English Pub!! DJ promised we could come back maybe that evening and have a drink. >>

Fodorite wrenwood was planning on driving through on her September visit to England and we await her promised trip report!

I don't think many others have visited this part of the south Cotswolds.

Thoughts on Birmingham v Bristol Airports...

If you fly into Bristol, you have to traverse a good part of the city whether you are going east to Bath or north to Bisley. If you don't like driving much, or haven't driven on the left much before, then this could be a challenge. And it will take considerable time during the day due to traffic and roadworks. It's impossible to give a time on this. I can get to the airport in 1hr 5 mins as long as it's before 8am! Also I think some of the signage in Bristol is a bit confusing at times - and if you don't get in the right lane fairly quickly you can end up heading the wrong way, at least I do sometimes!

If you fly into Birmingham, you are pretty much straight onto the M42 motorway, you'll stay on this until you join the M5, and then head south to Junction 11A. Bisley would take me 15 mins from the junction, but I know the roads well, you should probably allow 10-15 mins more as they are narrow - two cars can pass easily in most places, but there is no central white line. While the motorways will be busy it will be an easier drive. Try to avoid the rush hours! I've got to/from Birmingham airport in 1hr15mins, but would generally allow 1 1/2 to 2 hours to be on the safe side if I had a flight to catch.

Bath is about 30 miles from Bisley. The first 5 miles or so will be minor roads and hills, but once you get to Tetbury it is plain sailing so to speak. You'll pass Gatcombe Park where the Princess Royal lives, and Highgrove where Prince Charles lives, though you can't actually see either house from the road. The drive will take about 40-45 minutes. Then you leave your car in the Park & Ride by the racecourse on top of the hill and take the bus down into Bath. Quite a scenic ride and you are dropped right in the middle of Bath on Milsom Street. Much easier than trying to find a parking space, and cheaper too than paying for parking. The buses run every 15 minutes.

Hope this helps a bit.

Julia –

Thank you SO much. We’re now all settled. We’ll fly into Bristol. I’m comfortable driving on the left and will have a GPS … so I think we’ll be okay.

I’ve now got everything booked!!! We’ve decided to do Bath as a day trip – so will be spending 6 nights at Cooper’s Cottage. I hope we’ll have a chance to say “hello”!

Your help has been much appreciated.

Wow, what terrific information, Julia.

Copying and pasting for next summer, sounds great.