At the top of Honister Pass in the Lake District, this working slate mine pairs underground tours with outdoor adventures. A guided visit takes you into the old workings to learn how slate was extracted, while the shop sells items made from local Westmorland green slate. For a more active day, choose a Via Ferrata route, cross the Infinity Bridge or try an underground climbing experience. The mountain setting brings wide views over the pass, but uneven ground and steps inside the mine can make the tour harder for some visitors.
A working mine on Honister Pass
Honister Slate Mine sits high on Honister Pass, in the Lake District National Park. It is England’s last working slate mine, producing Westmorland green slate from the slopes of Fleetwith Pike. Slate has been quarried here for centuries, and the mine continues to work alongside its visitor activities.
The material is known for its green colour and is used in both practical and decorative pieces. In the shop, you can see slate being cut and shaped through the windows, then browse items ranging from small souvenirs to household signs and garden pieces. Custom engraving is available for signs.
What to expect on a mine tour
Guided tours descend into the old mine workings, where a guide explains the history and methods of slate extraction. The visit includes a short bus journey to the mine entrance and takes about 90 minutes in total. Underground, the scale of the caverns and the work involved in producing roofing slate give the tour its focus.
The route is not completely level: it has uneven ground and numerous steps going down. One family visit included an older guest who used a walking stick, but the terrain may still be demanding if stairs or rough surfaces are difficult for you. The tour is enclosed underground, so it can be an option when the weather makes outdoor plans less appealing.
Via Ferrata and other adventures
Honister’s Via Ferrata follows a high route once used by miners travelling to and from work. Participants wear a harness and stay secured to fixed cables while moving over metal rungs, ladders and bridges. The Classic and Xtreme routes offer different levels of challenge; the Xtreme course has overhangs and wire bridges along the cliff face. The route has a minimum age of 10.
Other activities include canyoning, abseiling, climbing inside the mine and crossing the Infinity Bridge. For the underground climb, participants follow old mine passages using fixed cables, ladders and rope bridges. Some activities include photos taken by guides, and action photos are provided on certain canyoning and abseiling experiences.
Outdoor routes give a different view of the surrounding fells and valleys, but conditions on the pass can change. Check the activity details when booking, especially if you are choosing a route that involves heights or exposed ground.
Planning a visit
The mine is at Honister Pass, Keswick, CA12 5XN. There is parking at the site, and the shop and café give you options if you are visiting without booking an activity. For a longer visit, you can combine a mine tour with an adventure or a look around the slate products.
Choose your activity according to your comfort with heights, uneven ground and physical effort. The guided mine tour suits visitors interested in the workings and history; the climbing routes are for those who want a more active experience. Book ahead for popular sessions, and allow for the drive over Honister Pass when planning your arrival.
FAQ
How long does the Honister Slate Mine tour take?
The guided mine tour takes about 90 minutes, including a short bus journey.
What can you do at Honister Slate Mine?
You can take a guided underground tour, try activities such as the Via Ferrata, canyoning or the Infinity Bridge, and visit the slate shop and café.
Is the Via Ferrata suitable for children?
The Via Ferrata has a minimum age of 10. Check the details for your chosen route before booking.
Is the mine tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The route has uneven ground and many steps down. Consider whether those conditions are manageable before visiting.
