Both Avening Cottage and Hope Cottage are in the beautiful area known as the Five Valleys, near Stroud. Local attractions include the town's famous Farmers Market - a real must for a Saturday morning. Slad Valley, immortalised by Laurie Lee in 'Cider with Rosie' is just a short drive away, as is Tetbury, with its antique shops and great cafes. Painswick is full of Cotswold charm, and handy for the Rococo Gardens and Prinknash Abbey. Local stately homes include Berkeley Castle, Sudeley Castle and the wonderfully eccentric Gothic mansion at Woodchester Park. Walkers shouldn't miss Westonbirt Arboretum, and local National Trust properties include Chedworth Roman Villa and Newark Park.
There are many good places to eat locally - with a choice of restaurants in Nailsworth, Stroud and Cirencester - and numerous atmospheric country pubs within a few minutes drive of both properties. Shopping can be done in the nearby towns, as well as in bigger centres such as Bristol, Cheltenham and Bath - all of which are within a 45-minute drive. Gloucester Docks is also worth a visit, along with the Cathedral, where filming took place for scenes in several of the Harry Potter films.
Both cottages are conveniently situated for a number of major local events including Gatcombe Horse Trials, Badminton and Kemble and Fairford Air Shows. Cheltenham is also home to the world famous Races, as well as respected Literary, Music, Jazz and Science Festivals.