Ever wondered what lies beneath the rolling fells and picture-perfect views of the Lake District? A visit to Honister Slate Mine takes you deep into the hidden heart of this iconic landscape, where history and adventure collide.
This is one Lake District experience that’s anything but ordinary. So grab your helmet and keep reading to find out more about this truly unique tour.
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Where Is Honister Slate Mine?
Honister Slate Mine is tucked high up in the dramatic Honister Pass, in the heart of the UK’s Lake District National Park in Cumbria. That’s the northwest of England, and the last county before you hit Scotland, if you’ve rarely traveled further than London.
While Honister is one of my favorite places to visit whenever I’m back in my home county, the road can definitely look a little scary to first time visitors. Its remote, elevated location not only adds to the sense of adventure, but also makes the journey there part of the experience. Especially in the winter.
Perched near the popular town of Keswick, Honister sits among some of the region’s most striking mountain scenery. With sweeping views over deep valleys and rugged fells, it’s worth the drive. I promise.
How Much Does a Mine Tour Cost?
The tour of Honister Slate Mine is only £20 per adult, £12.50 for children (under 3 is free). For an hour and a half tour, complete with knowledgeable guide, that’s a pretty good deal.
Parking is free for those doing a tour, although anyone can park here so sometimes hikers might leave a car there while on a day hike. They would have to pay £5 though, so having parking included in the mine tour cost is already worth it.
Feeling like you want something more? There are additional mine adventures available. How about a Climb the Mine tour, including rope bridges and a zip line? That’s around £65 per person.
There are also seasonal variations of the mine tour. Take a haunted ghost tour through the mine in October. Or visit Santa and some festive lights from mid-November to late December.
What Time Of Year Is Best?
Honister Slate Mine can be visited year-round. However, the best time to go is late spring through early autumn. That’s when longer days and milder weather make both the journey and surrounding walks more enjoyable. After all, you’re going to want to make a day of it once you see where Honister is located.
Summer offers the clearest views across the Lake District fells, and the widest choice of activities. But spring and early autumn are ideal if you prefer fewer crowds. My preference!
Winter visits are possible too, but weather can be unpredictable, so checking conditions in advance is key. Snow or ice will make it very difficult on the narrow, winding road to Honister.
I recently took the mine tour in winter and while it wasn’t too icy, there was a lot of rain and localized flooding. Needless to say I didn’t get any walks in while I was there. But the mine itself is covered, so rain or shine you’re still in a dark hole underground.
Top Tips For Visiting Honister Slate Mine
For anyone taking a tour of the Honister Slate Mine you’ll get lots of info before you arrive by email including specifics on what to wear and what to expect. But here are a few of my must knows for if you’re considering this tour.
- LAYER UP – It’s always a little colder and more damp in the mine, even on a nice day. Take a light jacket or extra layer just in case.
- WEAR APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR – Closed toed shoes with a good grip are a must. It will be slippery in places, especially on the stone steps you’ll walk down within the mine. Best wear shoes that you aren’t too attached to in case they get dirty.
- ARRIVE EARLY – You’ll need to check in 30 mins before your mine tour anyway. But allow plenty of time for the drive there which takes longer than you think. Don’t worry, if you arrive early there’s a little cafe on site, as well as a gift shop.
- PARKING IS FREE – There’s a parking lot next to the mine for visitors. Parking is free if you’re taking a Honister Slate Mine tour. £5 if you aren’t taking the tour.
- NO BATHROOMS ON THE TOUR – This shouldn’t surprise you, but the mine does not have bathrooms. Make sure you go before the tour. The visitor center has very nice, clean bathrooms – complete with my favorite local hand soap.
Taking A Tour Of Honister Slate Mine
As if being in the middle of such a wonderful area isn’t good enough, it’s time to see a completely different side of the Lake District. The inside, that is.
Like any good mine tour you’ll start with a safety talk and get kitted out with a really stylish hard hat. Fashionable as it might (not) be, you are going underground, and as well as sharp corners and low ceilings, there’s also the potential for falling debris.
But first, how do you get to the mine? Luck is on your side, especially on a rainy day, as you’ll board a little bus to reach the mine entrance. Not that it’s too far, but this precarious ride takes you up the steep path to save your legs. Although, you might be a little close to the edge to be fully comfortable.
One mini heart attack later, expect an intro to Honister as you prepare to enter the last working slate mine in England.
Headlamps on, follow your guide through a doorway in a rocky cliff face, and into the depths of the mine. The long, low, dark tunnel opens up into a cavernous space where you can see the enormity of the operation.
HONISTER PAST AND PRESENT
Your tour guide will tell you all there is to know about Honister mine, mining in general, and slate in particular. Get ready for some serious knowledge-testing questions, bringing all kinds of high school geography flashbacks. Luckily there was a kid on the tour I took, so I stayed out of the line of fire.
You’ll explore the mine, see the pools, the mine shafts, and descend down some questionable steps to more of the same below. But the stories will keep on coming throughout. Including why the mine is still operational and the reason they started doing tours.
The final stretch of tunnel leads to the daylight you feel like you haven’t seen in forever. Imagine how the miners must have felt. I’m not sure I’m cut out for being underground all day.
What Else Is There To Do Nearby?
There’s no shortage of things to do near Honister Slate Mine, thanks to its prime location in the Lake District National Park. From gentle lakeside strolls around Derwentwater to challenging hikes like Catbells and Haystacks, the area is a dream for outdoor lovers.
Haystacks and Warnscale Bothy are two hikes that start in the parking lot of Honister Slate Mine. Two to three hours round trip, they have the most impressive views over Buttermere. Fancy making it a longer trip? You can even camp at Warnscale Bothy for free for the night. Although the basic lodging is first come first served so you might want to bring a tent just in case.
Nearby, you’ll also find charming Lake District villages, cozy pubs, and plenty of viewpoints perfect for soaking up those classic Lake District vistas. All of this makes it really easy to turn your slate mine visit into a full day (or weekend) of exploring.
Is Honister Slate Mine Worth Visiting?
As tours go, the Honister Slate Mine tour is really informative. Plus, the guides make what could be a dry topic pretty entertaining. I’d been interested in doing the mine tour in the past, but just never gotten around to it. However, visiting my parents in nearby Carlisle, I decided to book this tour for my Dad’s birthday since it coincided with my trip.
While you might prefer to spend a nice day topside, exploring the local English countryside, and walking trails to viewpoints that can’t even be described, a tour of the mine is still worth doing in my opinion. Especially if you find your vacation being rained out, or if you need a break from that notoriously hot British summer weather (*cough*).
The more adventurous traveler may not find a mine tour particularly adrenaline inducing, which is why the Via Ferrata tour, or scarily high Infinity Bridge tour are there as alternate options. I, however, prefer to keep my feet firmly on the ground – even if I am under it. Kid friendly tours for the win!
Whether you’re drawn by the history, the scenery, or the sheer novelty of heading underground, a tour of Honister Slate Mine is an experience that definitely stands out. You’ll leave with great stories, and a whole new appreciation for what lies beneath the famous fells of England’s largest National Park.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Would you like to do the Honister Slate Mine tour? Or would you rather brave one of the more exhilarating tours?
Oh this is perfect since I plan on roadtripping up to Scotland from England this June! It might be a little busier than in your pictures, but hopefully that means the weather will be pleasant! I’ve never been in a mine, so I had no idea they would look so cool!! What a fun find – thanks for the recommendation!
I think a tour of a slate mine would be fascinating! The Lake District is so beautiful that the slate landscape would be an interesting contrast. I appreciate the tip about free camping for my next campervan adventure in the UK. This area is notoriously challenging for campervan park-ups, so finding a place to camp, hike, and explore a slate mine would be a highlight for me.
Ruggedly beautiful 🙂 I already Imagining myself trekking those old paths, feeling the cool mountain air and maybe even peering into the caverns that the miners once worked in. It sounds fun. The dramatic bit of the Lake District makes you just sit back and admire the views that unravel before you in the soft mist #𝐟𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐛𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞 🥖🪽
I’ve been to the lakes a couple of times but didn’t realise I could do a slate mine tour. This looks really cool! Definitely added to my list and thankful for the detailed information on parking, toilets etc you’ve shared too.
I’ve been to a slate mine in Wales before as a kid but didn’t realise there was one in the Lakes too. I love activities like this when I’m on holiday – my partner and I have so many photos of us wearing hard hats! I’m not convinced about the Via Ferrata tour though – I’ll leave that one for someone more adventurous than me!
We don’t live too far from the Lake District – a couple of hours’ drive or so – so we really should visit again. It’s the most delightful area. Honister slate mine looks like a fantastic place to add to a trip. I didn’t realise it was still a working mine. It sounds as though the tour is really informative as well. Must don those hard hats and get up north!
I have never been to a slate mine and can only echo the excitement from previous commentators. The slate mine in the Lake District is still operting you say? This is pretty cool and adventurous. I also like the idea of a zip line and a special guided tour, so yeah they would get my money. As alsways I appreciate you sharing such a unique travel experience, a pin was dropped on my Google maps!
Carolin | Solo Travel Story