Bath or Oxford?

I've been to both and to me, Bath is more picturesque and has more sights.

Thanks, Claudette, that's very helpful to us.

Been to both several times and I would agree that Bath is the better choice. Stow-on-the-Wold is lovely. Of course Hadrian's Wall and York Minster are a must
to see.

I would always do another night in the Cotswolds (and possibly see blenheim or Stonehenge/Avebury) but of your choices, Bath is a lot easier and more compact for a visotor.

Try to also visit town of Wells with great cathedral, I think only about half hour from Bath, you can see if on one of Rick's videos. Be sure to take the free walking tour of Bath which you can pick down by the church. We stayed at the Henry B&B, good location and I think they had done major renovations. It does have shared baths though. To find a B&B we usually use Smoothound.com which gives great details.

I like both but would chose Bath, it's a really pretty town. The Roman Baths and Cathedral were very interesting to me. The architecture and building materials make Bath probably the prettiest Georgian period town in England.

So many helpful hints. We will definitely try to maximize our time and see as much of the English countryside and towns as possible. Thanks to all!

While Bath is nice and Wells cathedral is impressive, I would definitely choose Oxford. Bath is at least an hour and a half out of your way, each way. The general Oxford area includes Blenheim, Stratford, all of the Cotswolds, Warwick, Coventry, and Kenilworth. There is a magnificent, free auto museum in Coventry. There is much to see in Oxford if you follow the walking tour in the Steves' book.

Bath is, by the book, more scenic than Oxford, especially in spring and summer. But, while Bath has its scenic charms, Oxford has its own compelling attractions. After all, it is a college town, probably "the" college town. Much of what Oxford has on offer is world class. I suggest doing some research on what each city offers and spending some time with a travel guide that offers lots of photos of either city. Nothing like a bunch of good photos to give you a feel for the looks of a place. Oxford is a one-hour trip from Paddington. Bath is about two hours out of Paddington. For the purposes of your itinerary (a good one, btw) either one will work. If you're like me, York is the place you'll want to visit again.

If you go to bath from waterloo station you will change trains in Salsbery so can see another great site for free. Padington is quicker and more expensive

Salisbury?

Agree with above re Bath very pretty and the baths interesting, the circle architecture different but a day walking around Oxford is fascinating in a different way especially if you like history. You see places where Tolstoy taught, the pub where C.S.Lewis and his mates drank and the sight of looking down on the spires of Oxford is very unique. The university buildings are magnificent. We caught a train from London for the day, walked around ALL day and had a marvellous time. If you aren't interested in any of that sort of thing then go to Bath.