Need inputs on a 12-day itinerary in UK

Sounds well thought out. Unfortunately u will have little time to explore Oxford or Cotswolds. But a drive thru will def. give u the enchanting feel of the cotswolds villages. I would opt for more time if poss.
Def get an automatic rental, it will be one less thing to sort out while driving.
I have managed ine driving but always get an automatic and keep the driving time to no more than 2 hrs so as to not get fatigued.

Looks ambitious but doable. However, on day 6 you have a lot of driving just to get to Oxford and not much time there. I'd suggest skipping Oxford and driving up into the Cotswolds straight from Bath. Oxford is worth more than the few hours you'll have for it. If you do go there, try to park in one of the outlying park-and-ridelots and take a local bus into the city. The center is compact enough that a car will be a nuisance and parking is scarce.

If you're really set on Oxford, it's an easy day trip by train from London. But you have so few days in London that it seems a shame to leave the city at all.

I'd cut out Oxford. Apart from that though your route seems fine.

Why does is always seem that when I find myself commenting on a proposed itinerary for travel in Europe that I am advising people to slow down and not spend so much time traveling.

We have a 28 day driving tour of England and Wales and only have three days where we drive more than two hours from one place to another.

You have two nights in the Cotswolds, which is not enough time at all.

One big flaw in your plan is planning for parking in Oxford. Do some research on where you plan to park for all stops.

At best, for Oxford, you will have to park outside the city and take the bus into the city. This will slow you down and you already have little time in the Cotswolds. Too bad you don't plan to see Blenheim Palace, Stratford on Avon and more.

Also, you have two days in York, that means one full day to see the city. Have you researched what you will cut out?

We drove in England in 2013 after a cruise for three days and found that it is best to have a navigation system as well as an automatic. Also, your passenger can help remind you to stay on the left and give you as well.

If you haven't purchased your flights, I suggest that you skip Scotland for another trip. Edinburgh is wonderful, but you are spending a lot of time to go there. There is a lot more to see in England and Wales. Scotland can wait for another trip.

Warwick Castle is not a pitstop, it's a few hours! But that said this isn't a bad plan for a first visit.
Note comments about Oxford parking, use Park&Ride bus. About £2 per car and £2.80 return bus fare per person.
Why keep the car overnight day8/9 - they will charge you for the whole day, drop it late afternoon day 8.

Basic notes for first time driver from USA on UK roads:

If the car isn't specifically described and confirmed as automatic it won't be, you'll have a clutch pedal under your left foot. For two people a Fiesta/Corsa/Polo class car would be big enough given you only have a couple of hours on motorways. Anything bigger might be a problem in the Cotswolds.

Motorway driving needs concentration. You do not pick a lane and stay in it, you must stay left unless passing something slower. In reality the left lane may be full of trucks so you are always passing in the middle lane, but if you pull out into the right lane to pass something try to get backover as soon as possible. Obviously if there are route markings on the lanes use the appropriate one. Speed limit for cars is officially 70mph but many travel at 80mph so take care when pulling out to pass. You would be using motorway from near Coventry until close to York, just over a couple of hours of it in the whole trip.

Assuming you approach York on the A64 and the car needs to be returned with a full tank, use Tesco by the Park&Ride as you enter the city.

Ediburgh-London flight. If Heathrow and you are staying overnight there it's OK. But if staying in London maybe the train wold be better. If to any other London airport, check carefully how you will transfer.

Book train tickets online ASAP, they will be cheaper with an early fixed reservation and your itinery is fixed.

I would cut out Oxford, leave that for your next trip. That would give you two days in the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds are well worth two days.

Hi All,

Thank you for your wonderful inputs! You are right, it's too aggressive. I left Oxford out for another time to carve more time for Cotswolds. Will ensure planning enough time for Warwick castle - thanks for the nudge, it definitely is not a 'pit-stop' =).
Don't want to skip Edinburgh, visiting for work as well.

Thank you again!

What do you plan to do in Bath? A few hours was enough time for me, and I spent most of them in the Museum of East Asian Art. I think you could see the Baths, the Royal Crescent, etc., the day you take the train up from London; the trip only takes 1-1/2 hours. The extra night may be a good idea if you're big fans of Georgian architecture. I am not.