Where to Spend two days before England ETBD?

Visit Paris. Definitely.

Well, Paris is my favorite city in the entire world, so I would vote for Paris.... but for something completely different, another option would be Exmoor National Park. About 90 miles from Bath, it's an wonderful place. There are wild Red Deer and shaggy Exmoor ponies, stunning views, delightful hikes and strolls.... it's not what most folks think of when visiting the UK, but it's romantic and amazing and grand.

No question that Paris is wonderful, but two days (one of which you may be jet lagged especially if you're just arriving from California) is not going to give you much time. An easier and very worthwhile option is to fly into London and spend it there. I'm not familiar with your tour, but I feel sure you won't be spending nearly enough time in London to see all there is to see there. That would take a couple of weeks. I would stay in London and hit some of the spots your tour will miss.

I agree that London is a good idea, but you should get a detailed list from RS of what is on the tour so that you don't duplicate it. Another idea might be to visit Oxford. It's on the way to Bath and it doesn't look like your tour visits either Cambridge or Oxford. http://tours.ricksteves.com/tours11/product.cfm/ru.rl/code/BRI11/228 I think that this is the tour you're going on. Another thought might be Salisbury. You could see the cathedral and visit Stonehenge. I'd love to to do that, but then I've been to Oxford. ; ) Pam

Need to know what is on the RS Tour first; but if you had a car, Exmoor, Somerset (Dunster) would be pleasant, and away from the usual tourist routes; without a car- Salisbury, Canterbury by train, even Winchester (all cathedral towns)