England in September

Jeff, Just to confirm, you have one week in England before you'll be heading for Paris? In the same situation, I'd probably start in Bath as it's a great location to get over jet-lag and get up to "touring speed". However, that would depend on whether you're able to manage the short trip to Bath after an international flight? Which airport are you arriving at? If you'll be arriving at LHR, you could take the National Express Coach to Bath, as they have frequent departures and the cost is relatively inexpensive. Using Bath as a "home base", you could take a day trip to Stonehenge or the Cotswolds (check the Mad Max Tours website). I'd suggest spending the majority of the time in London, as there's SO much to see there. Leaving London for the second part of the week will also make the transportation to Paris somewhat easier (I assume you're taking the EuroStar? Regarding your last question, my suggestion would be to definitely use public transport! If you had a longer time to spend, a rental car would be the best way to explore the countryside around Bath. With such a short time frame, travel by train or Coach would be the best choice. Happy travels!

Cotswolds are the essence of what we all imagine the English countryside is like. I would rent a car , find a cute village in the Cotswolds as a base and use that to visit Stonehenge and Avebury. Bath is only worth half a day to see the Baths and the cathedral (other cathedrals are just as interesting), you can do that by train from London- or by train/car/bus from the Cotswolds. Spend the bulk of your time in London- 3 or 4 days. Do the Cotswolds first and then dump your car before doing London. Do a little reading and decide what you want to see in London and countryside. There are a number of areas within a few hours from London besides the Cotswolds if they dont appeal. But concentrate on London and one other area. Ending in London makes sense as it is convenient for your travel to Paris

Personal preference...I always drive the countryside and love Bath, Cambridge, Oxford, and all the lovely little villages in the Cotswolds. Driving around exploring the castles, pubs, thatched cottages, Stratford etc....and frankly my choice is always to head to the countryside. If you love big cities, then stay longer in London...but 2 days in London and I am ready to take to the country. As with any city you can live there for years and not see it all. I am good with a play, nice dinner, the 'old lady hop on bus' and a bit of wandering on my own and shopping. All depends on what you like.
I usually stay in very small villages and day trip.

Jeff, assuming you arrive early morning on Monday, I would rent a car at Heathrow and drive to Bath. There have been many discussions on the subject of type of transmission. Even if you are familiar with sticks, I would recommend an automatic as it appears this is your first trip to left lane country. Also, Cotswolds roads can be narrow. Suggest Sixt. rates are good and automatics available. Easy drive out M4 to Bath. Spend Monday afternoon walking, see Cathedral and Baths. Take walking tour on Tuesday morning and the drive to Cotswolds. Go back to M4, drive west to M5 north toward Cheltenham. Stay in Cotswolds Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday morning return to Sixt facility, drop car, walk across street to Hatton Cross underground and take Picadilly line into London. Spend Thursday through Sunday in London. Monday take Eurostar to Paris.

We loved the town of Wells not a far drive from Bath, beautiful cathedral.

Presumably, you will be departing for Paris from London. Therefore, I'd work up an itinerary that has me in London at the end of the week. Where possible, use public transport to get from A to B. Rent a car when you are really interested in the scenery between A and B. Buses are usually slower than trains, but get closer to the local scenery. Buses leave often from Heathrow to Bath or Oxford. It's about a 90 minute to two hour trip to either. Getting to a place to stay in London usually takes an hour or so, even if you take the Heathrow Express and a cab. Given your preferences, you might spend the first night in Bath or Oxford. Both are towns of about 100,000. Don't rent a car in Heathrow or Gatwick and drive. Rent it later when you have your wits about you. If you see the sights in Bath or Oxford, you won't need a car until at least the third day.

Thank folks! Some differing opinions here but great food for thought. One thing is for certain - countryside first, London second.