Planning an early October trip to Scotland. Plan to add on 3-5 days prior and visit either the Lake District or the York area. Thought about trying to do both, but it appears that we would be spending a great deal of time traveling on public transportation as we will not be renting a car. Plan to fly in and out of Edinburgh.
Welcome thoughts and recommendations.
The two are completely different - The Lake District is open countryside - scenery, walking and outdoor based activities although there are museums and stately homes to visit...
York/Durham are both cities with magnificent cathedrals, castles. museums... York is larger and there is more to do than in Durham.
So a lot depends on what your main interests are and what you are wanting to do/see/achieve in those days.
Different places by far, but I would EASILY pick York and Durham as well as adding a drive through the Yorkshire Moors.
The Lake District was nice, but more practical for hiking, etc.
York is very historic with ancient walls dating centuries; the amazing Minster; quaint narrow streets in ancient city and some wonderful museums.
The National Railway Museum is super.
We stated at The Minster Hotel that has parking and a great breakfast, not far from the north gate.
On the chance that it lines up with your schedule: Rabbies has a 5-day tour (departing Edinburgh Monday morning and returning Friday evening) that includes both of these regions. I've had it bookmarked for some time, after having taken four day trips with Rabbies and enjoyed them all. https://www.rabbies.com/en-gb/tour/york-the-dales-lake-district-hadrians-wall-5-day-tour-from-edinburgh