We are a group of some 25 people of various interests, aged 35 to 60, going on a trip in September 2006 for 4 days, travel included. We will travel from Switzerland.
We are looking for a city destination that offers a nice historic town, very walkable in terms of distances and sights/atmosphere, with a good historic heritage. (As an example, some 3 years ago, we went to Bruges, which was a delight to all of the members).
I also like the idea of presenting a no mainstream destination for swiss people.

May I have your opinion on Bath, York, Edinburgh please?

Thanks

Of the three cities you mention, I think Edinburgh would offer the most interest and diversity for a 4 day trip.
I love the towns of York and Bath but don't think there's really enough to do for 4 days.

Edinburgh city centre is certainly walkable and fairly compact, and offers much in terms of historical heritage, with its striking contrast of old and new towns, and the castle that dominates the city.
For culture, there are lots of great museums and galleries, most of them free, for history there's the old town, the castle and Holyrood palace, and for green spaces and great views, there's Arthur's seat and Calton Hill.

Many companies also offer day trips from Edinburgh up to the highlands, Stirling, etc., for those wishing to see a bit more of the Scottish countryside.

Admittedly, Edinburgh is a mainstream tourist destination, but for good reason. In my opinion it's the most beautiful city in the UK.
(Being from Edinburgh, I may be biased of course )

Hanl,
Thanks for your info.
I have been to Edinburgh once and I am sure it qualifies to a great extent for what we are looking for.
Could you play what we call in French 'l'avocat du diable' (the devil's attorney?) and promote Bath or York to me, or would that be high treason for you?

Well, you don't have to spend 4 days in Bath - you could use it as a base from which to see places like Stonehenge, Avebury, Salisbury and Wells (fabulous cathedrals), Glastonbury, the Cotswolds, Oxford - all these places and many, many more are within an hour or so of Bath.

If you decide to settle on Bath as your destination, then we can come up with many more suggestions for places to visit from there...

I have been to all three and vote for York. More so if some of your group might take the train out of York. Short trip to Durham, two hours to Edingurgh. York offers a wealth of sights, very walkable, and they have river boats. In any event, you can't go wrong with any of you three options.

All three are wonderful. But for a group that size and factoring in logistics/travel, etc. I'd recommend Edinburgh for sure.

You can fly directly to Edinburgh. For Bath you'd have to fly into London or Bristol. For York - Manchester or Leeds.

Also there is more to see actually IN Edinburgh to fill your 4 days. York and Bath are beautiful cities w/ lots to see - but just more so in Edinburgh.

You don't say if the whole group would be taking day trips outside of the city - There are good day trips available from all three - julia_t mentions several from Bath.

But if you want to be in a city where you can fill 4 days and individuals can take excursions if they want - then Edinburgh would meet your needs the best.