Hi there, <BR>Planning a trip to London and thought an overnight trip out of the city might be nice for 1 or 2 nights. I've heard a lot about Bath, but I don't know much about York. Have you been there? What is there to do and see? I will not have a car and am relying on the train for transportation. Any suggestions for lodging (under 50L for a single). <BR>Thanks

Both are wonderful, both are easily accessible by public transportation, and they were my 2 favorite cities in England. York minster in the center of York is a beautiful gothic cathedral, or whatever they're called when they're Anglican rather than Catholic. The entire city is surrounded by walls, and you can walk the entire circumference on the wall, which is well worth doing. This is my favorite walled city anywhere (and this is coming from an Italy-lover). There are pleasant narrow medieval streets fanning out from the minster. People are robust-looking and friendly, and the dogs are cute and sturdy. When the weather is miserable, the place looks moody and beautiful. I also loved Bath, found the Roman history fascinating, the sunset views on the river beautiful. You can't go wrong with either of these choices, and if you can, I'd recommend doing both.

Thanks CMT, <BR>Are there things to do inside (in case the weather is bad) or are most activities centered around outdoor ruins, gardens, etc. <BR>Thanks again for your help. <BR>Gomer

I have been to both places.To me, if the weather was not nice, there are more museums to see in Bath than in York.And the theater always has something interesting to watch in the night.If you go there in the Spring, with all the flowers blooming,there are many beautiful parks to take long walks in the morning,even in the Fall it is still very pleasant.

Does this ever bring back memories! My very first trip to Europe, in 1979, was to the British Isles, I visited both of these cities, and I'd have to second what cmt said: they're my two favorite cities in England. I'd also agree with cmt that if you have time, try to visit both. However, if you have time for only one, I found Bath much more enchanting. For one thing, much of the city is built with a warm-colored stone (sandstone, I think), giving it a different look and feel than any other English city I visted. You can't go wrong with either one...have fun!

I would say York, even though I like Bath a lot. <BR>You can get the train really quickly from London Kings Cross to York and you can book ahead on www.thetrainline.com. Don't just walk on the train as it will be expensive. That goes for any train in the U K, including Bath. <BR>By going to York, you will be visiting the North of England, a place that doesn't get as many tourists as the south (although York will always be on the tourist trail.) <BR>

I's say it all comes down to whether you're a medieval or a Georgian person. If you prefer Ivanhoe to Jane Austen, then visit York; if it's the other way round then visit Bath. <BR> <BR>I would disagree about there being more museums in Bath than in York. York has the Yorvik Viking Center, the National Railway Museum, the York Story, the York Castle Museum, the Yorkshire Museum ... <BR> <BR>Dave <BR>

Hi <BR>I think we can all agree that both cities are great places to visit. Both are atmospheric. <BR>Bath is a little easier for a daytrip or even an overnighter just because the train trip is shorter. Although the Abbey, the Pump Room, the Costume Museum, etc are very <BR>interesting, for me Bath is memorable for the Georgian architecture and the beauties found in walking through its streets. <BR>www.bath.co.uk web site for train and other information about Bath <BR>also excellent: <BR>http://webcenter. <BR>travelocity-dest.netscape.com/ <BR>DestGuides/ <BR>0,1840,NETCENTER|2456|3|1,00.html <BR>Interesting comment about Ivanhoe, I forgot that connection with York, because my favorite association is with Castle Howard,the <BR>model for the home in <BR>"Brideshead Revisited" and there are buses that will take you out there. <BR>rains North to York www.gner.co.uk <BR>I have not stayed at the following and don't know current rates, but it was recommended to me <BR>Hudson's Hotel, 60 Bootham. 30 rooms, short walk from the Minster. Room rate includes full breakfast. Dinner available. Private bathrooms, tv, coffee/tea-making facilities. Hotel has two restaurants and roof terrace.Said to be very clean, staff very helpful. <BR>for more info <BR>www.thisisyork.co.uk/ <BR>www.york-tourism.co.uk/ <BR>www.york.gov.uk <BR>http://webcenter.travelocity- <BR>dest.netscape.com/DestGuides/ <BR>0,1840,NETCENTER|4685|3|1,00.html <BR> has clicks for hotels, restaurants, sightseeing <BR>There are excellent walking tours of York and Bath, sightseeing information, and a useful map of each in the book <BR>"Day trips London" by Steinbicker <BR> <BR>

I have been to York many times and agree with the other suggestions. York is easy to get to and small enough to walk around. The museums are great - especially the railway museum. You can pre book entry to the Yorvik Museum by phone to avoid the queues. There are also plenty of traditional teashops and all the usual tourist shops. The Minster and city walls are wonderful. <BR>we stayed at the York Viking Moathouse in the centre of the town, but this is not cheap but very central, and they do offers. It is within walking distance of the station. There are plenty of small hotels if you contact the Tourist information.

Either one is lovely, two of my favorite cities outside London. Does anyone else feel that Bath is a little "commercialized"? Don't beat me up fo that, please. Perhaps I felt that way as I had seen Italy on a previous trip. <BR>I have the name of a wonderful guide in York. We walked the "Wall" of York, sat in the choir with the boy's choir at Evensong, etc. It was a wonderful day. <BR>Whichever you choose will be fine, Gomer&gt; <BR> <BR>Have a great trip! <BR>Gloria

Gloria <BR>Wow you are brave to say it, but I too thought Bath was overcommercialized on my last trip, although once I got out of the crush around the Minster and Pump Room and walked further away, I was reminded why I love the place. Seeing the Disney store in the heart of Bath bothered me, but I guess we have to remember that the place is a real city, <BR>not a museum, and people have to make a buck, I mean a pound.

Bath is definitely too commercialized! York and the surrounding countryside is not to be missed.The town is wonderful;prices are cheaper than London for the same things;so much more to do,etc. I would definitely try to spend the night if possible.( Our family has traveled alot and the "GHOST WALK OF YORK" with individual lanterns is something that our whole family remembers as a highlight.) The view from Robin Hood Bay is breathtaking,drive up to Whitby(where Dracula was based on coming out of the sea) and have a great seafood lunch in a darling fishing town. The ruins of Ripons Abbey nearby is surreal-almost magical.Geez-just thinking about it makes me want to have a steak and kidney pie lunch...........London,Stratford,Bath and the rest of the southern areas seemed to have been taken over by the tour buses whereas the northern area still has the parts that represent the best of the UK.York is very doable without a car. Have a wonderful trip! Debbie

Just this past Sunday there was an article about Bath in the Washington Post travel section (www.washingtonpost.com. You may want to check it out....

Interesting comments about Bath being too commercialized. That's not my recollection at all...but then, I was there nearly 22 years ago and have never been back since, so I'd probably be surprised by the changes. <BR> <BR>After I posted yesterday, I was curious about the type of warm stone used in so many of Bath's buildings which, to me, gives Bath such a unique look and feel, so I searched the web and found out that it's actually known as "Bath Stone." Here's a brief write-up about it: http://www.carfaxhotel.co.uk/bath/stone.htm

Agree with Gloria, Elaine, et al: I was in Bath in October and found it has become just a bit too commercialized, though still a pleasant place to visit. I'd opt for York, especially if you want to visit some of "ye Old England". The Shambles is about as picturesque a place as you can ever go, and the shopping isn't bad either. As for rainy days, the Minster is wonderful. And my favorite non-art museum is the Castle Museum, where you can see vignettes of English life past. (Also has one of the best collections of "ancient" toilets I've seen anywhere, not to mention most other things we've learned we can't live without.) And their Victorian street exhibit (inside) is enchanting. Well worth the price. Of course, there are a lot of other things to do. It makes the longer train trip worth it.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply. I really appreciate your comments. <BR>Anyone else care to add anything? <BR>Thanks again and Cheers! <BR>Gomer Pyle

We just spent a week in York. It w/oa doubt a feast for the eyes and you do not need a car. the train stops right in the heart of town, the bus system is easy too. We stayed w/ freinds so I have no lodging suggestions. york is <BR>a must over Bath. York has become a bit <BR>commercialized in the past 15 yrs though.