Sidetrip to Oxford

The easiest way to add Oxford would be to go direct to Oxford when you arrive in London, before you continue to Bath.

Oxford best done from London.
You need more than two day to see York. Don't miss the National Rail Museum.

You could fit Oxford in on the way to Bath or on the way to York - either would work out. It's got most of its features in one large but compact area so really lends itself to a couple of days visiting.

Personally I would probably cut Bath to 3 and add a day to York - but then that all depends exactly what you are aiming to see and do.

Oxford was absolutely lovely. Easy walking city with so much history. We booked a tour with an Oxford alumni who had access into areas not normally available. I highly recommend this approach....fairly certain we used the Rick Steve's book for this Oxford tour !!! We also visited Blenheim as well!! Both sites were very accessible from the Cotswolds....we were based in Chipping Camden at the time and had a car !!

Different strokes for different folks. I would have the Ironbridge area ahead of anywhere else on that itinerary.

Another vote in support of Ironbridge, particularly if you are interested in the Industrial Revolution and visiting the different museums in the Gorge. Blists Hill Victorian Town is a fascinating step back into the past and you could easily spend a full day there.

It makes a change to see someone going somewhere different!!

Oxford is an interesting side trip but don't try to drive into central Oxford. Leave the car at one of the Park & Ride carparks on the outskirts and take the frequent shuttlebus into central Oxford.