we will be in London in sept and will have time for a day trip to either Bath or York. we would like input on both places.we like sightseeing,walking in shopping areas,local food etc. if anybody has any suggestions for another day trip would appreciate that also thanks for the input

Been to both several times and could not recommend one over the other - the two finest cities in England outside of London. Can't go wrong. York has two things however than Bath does not - a very famous Minster - or cathedral and the National Railway Museum (free!) right by the train station.

Bath to me is a more gorgeous overall looking city and York has a better city centre in my subjunctive take - really you can't go wrong.

Bath is more charming and has the Roman Baths (if your interest in antiquties).

York has a wonderful history (check out the sub basements of the minster) and look at the Shambles and the exhibits from the Viking Invasions (I beleive called Erik Bloodaxe).

If I could only do one I would do York but you can;t be wrong in either one.

http://www.bettys.co.uk/branchlanding.aspx>

York does have one of the world's most famous tea rooms - Bettys - if in York do not miss this treat and unique place!

http://www.bettys.co.uk/

maybe this link works.

I live near York so I'm biased - but I love Bath too.
Both places fulfil your requirements - could come down to tossing a coin!

It only takes 1.5 hours to take the train London to Bath. York is closer to 2 hours. Not a big difference, but maybe that will help you decide.

I've been to both and loved them both equally. You can't go wrong with either IMO.

look a train fares to each - if a big difference go for the cheapest - yup toss the coin!

They are totally different cities/experiences. I agree - toss a coin. Either would be a wonderful day trip - do a bit if research and decide if York Minster, Shambles and Rail museum or the Roman baths Georgian architecture are more to your liking . . .

I agree--we loved them both but they are different as stated above.

If the "we" includes kids--then I would vote for York since you can walk the walls, go to the fabulous railroad museum and other interesting things for kids to do. We didn't go to Jorvik so can't comment on that.

I love York - sitting by the Minster and listening in any season...it is lovely. I have used the area as a base and I adore it. As for Bath, what can be said? It is so beautiful that it is a bucket list place. In other words, you can't go wrong. I agree with what janisj said - they are two different experiences completely but both so worthwhile.

Bath has Sall Lunn's http://www.sallylunns.co.uk/

Agree with most of the other comments both are excellent. Bath is probably going to be easier to get to though.

bath also has one of the neatest follies (whimsical things that look like something but are nothing - something out of nothing if you have it - in Bath the famous folly built by man around town socialite Beau Nash is Sham Castle - a sham of a castle - outside of the town center but well worth the trek, knowing the history.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sham_Castle

https://www.google.com/search?q=bath...=1600&bih=1075

PalenQ - what would life be without whimsy? I didn't get there - on the list...

There are follies all over the country.
Many were built around 200 years ago by landowners who paid the local workforce to make them rather than work on the land.
We have a replica Stonehenge 'folly' up here in the Yorkshire Dales!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilton,_North_Yorkshire

I spent a bunch of my early adult hood near Bath and I live nearish to York. I was in Bath again a couple of years ago. If anything bath has gone down in the last 25 years, the antique shops have nearly all closed, the place has the Roman baths (which are great) but nothing much else (lots of Stone) but York has so much

A useable river, walls, cathedral and environs, shambles, the merchant venturer's hall, the railway museum etc etc. Betty's is pleasant though, of course, the Harrogate and Ilkley ones are far better.