Help with Lake District - Scottish Highlands

I'm just back from the Lake District, 6 nights in June, first timer to Lake District. I was in Edinburgh and surrounds, 6 nights in April this year - not a first time trip to Scotland. There is really no right or wrong answer to your question from my perspective - totally depends on what you like and want to see.

Ambleside is a 'cute" town. We enjoyed walking around Ambleside and did some fell walking in the area. I'm not a foodie or pub aficionado, so have no recs for you. By enjoying "cultural activities" do you include museums? If you are interested in literary giants - the Wordsworth sites - Dove Cottage, Rydal Mount, Hawkesworth Grammar are all worthwhile. Beatrix Potter Hill Top, John Ruskin's house Brantwood at Consiton Water. Museums in the area that we enjoyed - the Pencil Museum in Keswick (don't laugh - quite something!), Ruskin Museum. The area is gorgeous - special features worth a drive - Castlerigg Stone Circle, Tarn Hows, the many different "lakescapes", mining areas.

Re Scotland - Pitlochry is "cute", but small. I assume you would use as a base? Blair Castle is in the area and Queen's View. Two nights in Edinburgh isn't a lot depending on your interests.

It sounds like you enjoy driving through scenery with stops along the way? That's the way I view your itinerary. Hubby and I did that once decades ago. I can still pictures some of those landscapes!

Thanks ORDtraveler! That's my home airport too- we live in Deerfield. Thanks for the input - much appreciated! Actually, the Pencil Museum sound great! We love off the beaten path things to do! Have you ever been to the Toby Jug Museum in Evanston? Very interesting! Unfortunately they are closed now. We enjoy a museum or two, so thanks for those recs!

We actually have 3 nights in Edinburgh. We may have one extra night as well - not sure where to add it if we do. Yes, we do enjoy driving the scenic routes and stopping along the way!

Depending exactly on the dates a problem with Ambleside may be a clash with the Whit weekend (or Spring) bank holiday on May 25, but people will be arriving on Friday 22 May.
Most places are not going to be wanting bookings which eat part way into the weekend.
There are lots of guesthouses in Ambleside which fit that bill. I would be surprised if anyone has their 2026 bookings open yet.
As regards culture, apart from the Theatre by the Lake at Keswick, there may well be am dram on at Grasmere Village Hall. Also there is the Old Laundry Theatre at Bowness and the Brewery Arts Centre at Kendal- 12 miles away.
Two of the three branches of Zeffirellis movie theatre in Ambleside also have restaurants attached. Also the Royalty Movie Theatre in Bowness has now reopened. As well as movies they are also doing live music or theatre from time to time, so you may hit lucky.
If going for a drink at night one should be a nominated driver- we have low drink drive limits.
If you are coming to the Lake District give it 3 nights. It's a big area which could easily justify a week, irrespective of what anyone else may say.
I'd rather you skip it entirely than Rick's 2 night treatment, a kind of obligation.

Unless you go high into the fells, which with a 5 mile limit is unlikely, you aren't going to be finding unprotected heights. Loads and loads of walks which fit your specs- the issue is one of parking. Far too many cars (because people won't use the excellent public transport) and too few places to park.

That Saturday there should also be a Country Fair and Fell Race on at Hutton Roof, about 6 miles out of Kendal. A good way to encounter local customs. Hutton Roof was also the home of the most decorated non combatant in WW1- Forces Chaplain- Theodore Bayley Hardy VC DSO MC.
It should also be the 3 day Potfest at Penrith - all about Pottery and Ceramic Art.

isn31c - thank you for the very informative post! We actually would be arriving in Ambleside on Monday May 25 - a bank holiday. Is that still a concern or not as much as we're just arriving for our 3 nights on that day? I'll be sure to check out your other recommendations - thanks again!!

At Liverpool on a Bank Holiday Monday you may have to go to John Lennon Airport to rent a car.
If that's the case you will be leaving Liverpool on the 2 hour drive on the M62.
That passes close to the old USAAF base at Burtonwood. If it's open their Heritage Centre might be worth a visit.
If the weather is anything like reasonable it may not be 2 hours. There will be a lot of traffic leaving South after the weekend, but also a lot of day trip traffic heading the same way as you. You could be crawling all the way in from Ings, possibly even Staveley- potentially 6 to 8 miles of stop/start.

It's not really a rec as it could be just as bad, but I might stay on the M6 to junction 40, then along Ullswater, up the Kirkstone Pass, and down The Struggle to Ambleside. If nothing else it would be the scenic way in. Less soul destroying than creeping along in 1st and 2nd gear that far.
The other more sensible route would be to come off at Levens, and take the A5074 Lyth Valley Road, then the bottom road at Bowness. On the way you could stop off at Blackwell- the Arts and Crafts House and maybe visit the Ospreys at Foulshaw Moss.
Should not be too bad for hotel rooms arriving that night, although there will be a lot of folk staying the week.

thanks again isn31c - always up for a scenic route- good tips!! Thank you!