For an active couple in our early 60's what would be recommended for a trip in Sept/15
Do both , they're very different and you have the time.
How long will you be there? Will you have a car? My husband and I (mid 50s) did both of those places in September 2013. We started in the Cotswolds and drove up to the Lake District. It was about a 5-6 hour drive including a lunch break. We had four days in each area. Four days was okay for the Cotswolds but not for the LD. We could have spent much more time there.
Kent is right, they are very different and both are worth visiting.
Yes, we will have a car- we'll have a total of 3 weeks to do England & Northern Ireland.
See both...you have time and they are completely different.
The Costwolds is a very picturesque area with stone villages, quaint vistas, and beautiful little hamlets tucked in and among the rolling terrain. It strikes me as being on a very small scale.
The Lake District is green, rural, and on a slightly grander scale. The fells (mountains) are quite high, and in between are towns with whitewashed farms, running rivers, spectacular lakes, stone barns, stone walls, and sheep, sheep sheep. In September the heather on the hills will be starting to turn purple and gold...it's quite stunning to see!
The tourists really start to disappear in the fall and you'll be dealing with fewer people in both places than in the summer...September is a perfect time to go!
You'll be glad you visited both!
Quick piggy-back question: We have the opportunity to visit both this year--either in late-April/May or September time frame. What are your thoughts on advantages or disadvantages of those times?
I concur , they are both wonderful and you do have the time . Since you will have a car , consider going to Wales by driving north from the Cotswolds and spend several days in the Peak District which is also charming and unique . In the lower part of the Peak near the town of Bakewell is located Chatsworth , arguably the grandest of the English country manor homes . While Highclere is currently very popular due to the success of " Downton Abbey " , Chatsworth is truly a must see , and is nicely woven in between the Cotswolds and North Wales . Watch this video about Chatsworth to start your mouth watering ------- http://youtu.be/rNP6zTv28kM
Would there be enough time (without rushing things) to also visit the Isle of Skye?
In my estimation , given your other intended destinations , Skye is really pushing things .
Re your choice of month to visit - I just posted on a similar question; perhaps that might help you?
Any suggestions for a VRBO or Airbnb apartment that is centrally located in the Cotswolds?