The map on the right shows how central Nutshell Cottages is to these attractions.  Just click on the map to see the full size version.

Cheltenham Spa & The Cotswolds

"Rarely have I seen such a place that so attracted my fancy."
Charles Dickens

Home of the National Hunt Festival, International Music Festival and much, much more, Cheltenham offers the visitor beautiful Regency architecture, gardens galore and a fabulous shopping centre.

The Cotswolds are well known as an area of outstanding beauty, with rolling hills and escarpments and picturesque Cotswold stone villages and small market towns, including the beautiful Bibury and Bourton-on-the Water - the Venice of the Cotswolds.

Gloucester & The Forest of Dean

Gloucester, on the River Severn, has played an important part in British history. Parliament has been held at Gloucester Cathedral and in Roman times the city was awarded the highest status a provincial town could attain. The cathedral and the historic docks are well worth a visit.

The Royal Forest of Dean is one of England's few remaining ancient forests, covering some 30,000 acres of woodland. It was designated as a National Forest Park in 1938, the first in England, and offers spectacular views and walks in beautiful woodland scenery together with a variety of attractions.

South Gloucestershire

The Severn valley and estuary to the south of Gloucester is tidal. There are a number of pretty villages and towns as well as the famous Berkeley Castle and the internationally famous Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre.

Monmouth and the Wye Valley

The county town of Monmouth is a quiet market town offering a good selection of shops, restaurants, "watering holes" and timeless countryside with lovely walks along the River Wye and Offa's Dyke, as well as a number of historical attractions dating back to Norman times.

The lower reaches of the Wye Valley form one of the most beautiful river valleys in the country. From Ross on Wye to Chepstow it is possible to follow the valley by road through this breathtaking countryside and lovely riverside towns and villages.

Worcester, The Malverns & Elgar's Severn

Internationally known for its fine china and its sauce, Worcester has many splendid medieval buildings crowned by the beautiful Cathedral on the banks of the River Severn.

The Malvern Hills provide spectacular scenery, pretty towns and villages and wonderful walks. contrasting dramatically with the river meadows of Elgar's beloved River Severn and its riverside towns. This uniquely beautiful area is also host to festivals and a wide choice of events throughout the year, including major shows and events at the Three Counties Showground.

Shakespeare's Stratford and the Avon Riverside Towns

William Shakespeare dominates Stratford upon Avon (35 miles) and has made it Britain's biggest tourist centre after London but it is a rewarding place to visit in its own right with its beautiful half timbered buildings, broad streets and riverside setting.

Situated in the heart of the English countryside, between the Cotswolds and the Malvern Hills, the rich and tranquil river plains of the Avon provide a striking contrast. The towns each have a unique and individual character and are rich in heritage and also famous for their festivals, medieval fayres and regattas.

Herefordshire

Hereford, dating from the 7th century, stands on the peaceful banks of the beautiful River Wye on the borders of Wales. Hereford Cathedral is one of the oldest in England and houses a number of important artefacts including the Mappa Mundi.

Herefordshire, lying between the Malvern Hills and Wales is a picturesque county, famous for its hops and fruit, especially its cider apples, and it is home to a number of famous cider makers, including Bulmers and Weston's. It was also the birthplace of the famous Hereford cattle.