Bath or York?

That depends on what sort of history you enjoy--Georgian or medieval. We really liked York, didn't much care for Bath except the Roman Baths which were fascinating........Continuing after your reply, we only had a half day in Bath. We toured the Roman baths and walked up to the Royal Crescent. Since we aren't fans of either Jane Austen or Georgian history, we found that was ample time......Since I am also an history teacher, I could happily spend a week in York and environs.

I agree that it depends on which history interests you. Also, you might want to think about the surrounding countryside and towns. Would you want a side trip to Bristol or to the Yorkshire Dales? Just a thought. Pam

Thank you, Cynthia and Pamala. As a retired history teacher, I especially enjoy Medieval history which seems to point toward York. However, by taking a day trip to the Cotswolds out of Bath, that just leaves me with a day and a half in Bath, itself. Is that going to be enough time to spend in Bath?

A day and a half in Bath is more than enough in my opinion. In a day you have ample time to go through the Roman baths and cathderal (in close proximity) and also see some of the crescents. Not much else of top tier in Bath. I would spend two days (or more)actually driving in the Cotswolds. York can take one to (preferably) two days seeing the wall and the sights within the wall. Another day or two driving the moors and seeing some of the nearby ruined abbeys If I had an extra day, I would lose myself in the Cotswolds, and possibly visit either Compton Wynyates and/or Blenheim Palace. Although you will spend most of a day getting from Bath/Cotswolds to York. (I would do this by train).

I like both a lot. I would probably spend more time in York only because I've spent less time in that area up to now and have more I'd like to see there.

If you are staying in Bath and have a car a great pub with lots of history is a few miles outside... The George Inn at Norton St Phillips.. It's been a pub for 700 years!! http://www.georgeinnnsp.co.uk/home.php I loved York and there is plenty to see and do around there, equally ~ originally being a 'west country 'gal' I love Bath, Bristol and surrounding countryside..

If you are driving Id suggest 2 days York,2 days cotswolds and 2 days bath stopping in Avebury on the way.Bath is a nice place but doesnt need 3 days.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I'm convinced that I can explore the main sites of Bath in a day and a half. This leaves me a couple of days to explore the Coteswolds before I travel on to York. While I have some logistical questions about the Coteswolds, I am going to ask them in a new posting.

I only have so much tolerance for Georgian architecture, so it'd be York for me.

Michelle, no one has mentioned the free walking tour of Bath. It is a wonderful introduction to the city and if you take the 10:30 tour, with the remainder of the day, you can likely cover the town. I agree that it is a good idea to evaluate what is nearby. No one mentioned Stonehenge. I know some on this board have found it underwhelming. I found it very worthwhile. Also Salisbury and Wells are nearby. The cathedral and close in Salisbury are wonderful. One of the four original copies of the Magna Carta can be seen at the Salisbury cathedral.

Michelle To help you with your searching, there is no "e" in Cotswolds.

Short and sweet, Michelle; I'd cut one night from each stopover and spend those bonus two nights in Edinburgh. I don't recall from the thread whether the Royal Mile and/or Scotland was included in your plans but, if not, they sure would be in mine. Easy train access from York to Edinburgh. Have "done" Bath and York (the first numerous times because of family connections and the second a few times because of geneology matters) and can't imagine more than 2 nights in either for the usual visitor. After London, Edinburgh is next on my "best" list of UK places to visit/stay.

Thanks, Geoff. Edinburgh was certainly going to my next stop after York. Though it's been many years since I've been there, I am going to take your kind advice and spend 4 nights and 3 1/2 days. I'm a retired history teacher who is enamored with the story of Mary, Queen of Scots and plan to retrace her steps.
Michelle

Agree with no more than 2 days in Bath, take the free walking tour. If you are driving, Wells is beautiful town not too far away with magnificent cathedral, I think Rick featured it on one of his England shows. When in Edinburgh, be sure to see Mary King's Close and the Royal yacht at the harbor, both are worth it.