Lake District with elderly relatives: best drives for views and things to do

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

I am planning a trip to the Lakes with a couple of elderly relatives in spring. Not booked accommodation yet but likely in the north lakes as I need to pick them up from and take them back to, the north east. That said I don't mind how far I drive to get to things once there.
They can't hike up hills etc so will take them on drives. What are the best routes for stunning views? Also looking for things to do with them. They can walk a little way so things like Beatrix Potter house are an option. Also ideas for pretty places for lunch with a view that are likely to be less busier than Ambleside/Bowness?
Thanks

Kirkstone Pass is one of the most incredible, scenic drives but I’d say that it is for confident drivers only and it is thin, steep and windy. There are a few pullover areas for photo-ops, or make a quick stop at the Kirkstone Pass Inn for the amazing views.
Shap Abbey is also worth doing. There is one way into the abbey: a very steep and narrow road that winds down the side of a hill. Not only are the ruins a beautiful sight, but the drive to the abbey is also very scenic
The courtyard cafe at Holker Hall is a really nice spot in which to sit on a warm day. The courtyard is pretty and peaceful, and the whole experience is quite restful. A visit to the gardens at Holker Hall is really worthwhile too, especially in the spring.
They might like to visit Rydal Mount
Take a cruise on the Ullsworth Steamers and see Aira Force waterfall (National Trust) which is a stop on the Steamers’ route.
Windermere Cruises is also good and there are lots of routes to choose from, and if you take the 40-minute trip that starts at Ambleside, you will also get free entry to the visitor centre at Brockhole, with its pretty gardens, exhibitions and restaurant. There is plenty of parking at Ambleside.
The cafe at Windermere jetty museum has amazing views and the food is all locally made and produced.
Wray Castle is quite impressive and has lovely grounds. There are free guided tours and a cafe. Don’t expect a highly refined afternoon tea experience, as limitations with water supply to the building mean that tea is served in a disposable cup (with throw-away cutlery if you have any food). That said, it’s good tea, and it’s the view from the picnic tables at the front of Wray that make this worthwhile. To make a real day of it, you could consider travelling to the castle by boat from Wray Castle jetty.
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is surely one of the most beautiful train journeys in England. It’s a 40-minute ride.
There’s the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick which always has a good range of performances including plays, musicals, comedies and films.
The Puzzling Place in Keswick has dozens of puzzles and hilarious optical illusions.

@Ricekrispie22 thank you so much for taking the time to write all of this, I really appreciate it and some fantastic suggestions

This is a good route but its in the south
www.donthibernate.co.uk/route-9-the-lakes/

Keswick is the best town in the North
This is nearby but its a very tight road
www.visitcumbria.com/kes/watendlath/

A walk round grasmere or Hawkshead. Both very picturesque and compact. Lovely shops. Fab views en route.

Also a walk along the coffin trail from grasmere Fairly flat walking but lovely view of rydalwater (I think!)

I would drive along the road to Wasdale Head (just up from the Ratty railway) at Boot. Wastwater is the deepest lake in England and I think it's stunning. Plus there's a pub at the end and Scafell Pike

You've had some great suggestions. Can I add that The Inn on the lake hotel at Glenridding has spectacular views over Ullswater and is great for afternoon tea, lunch or dinner.

The pub in wasdale is fab! Can get very busy in good weather as there’s not much else!

Cruise on Lake Windermere down from Ambleside to Lakeside, then steam train ride Lakeside to Haverthwaite and back, then cruise to Bowness for a quick look around, then cruise back up to Ambleside where you started from. A good way to fill a day, lots of scenery. Food/drink opportunities at Lakeside, Haverthwaite and Bowness for lunch/dinner/snacks etc, and very little walking involved!

Hardknot pass. Breathtaking... I do it every time we visit. You need to be confident driver though and not scared of almost vertical hill starts if you have to move over to let someone pass !

Wonderful, thank you all so much

Hardknot Pass & stop at the Roman ruin

Boat trip on Lake Windermere
There is also a steam train, with a motor vehicle/bike museum at the other end. Can purchase reduced price tickets, if you visit all 3 attractions, boat, train, museum

I agree Wastwater is stunning & much less people than Windermere/Bowness

Last time I went to Lake District

Over to Middlesbrough via the " fast A road"

On return journey, via beautiful, green valleys & countryside, up to the highest pub in England called Tan Hill. Great food & views across the Moors & Pennine Way
It's a classic !

Herdwicks at Haverigg and there is a nature reserve

Beach cafe at Silecroft

Thank you, more great suggestions, appreciate it

Seriously? The Hard knot Pass??
It's terrifying.
Hardly a nice scenic drive with elderly relatives!
We saw 2 cars stop with burned out clutches.