From ancient mine tunnels to breathtaking mountain passes, Honister Slate Mine isn’t just a must-visit destination for adventure and heritage – it’s also earned its place on screen. As part of Cumbria Tourism and VisitBritain’s Starring Great Britain campaign, which shines a spotlight on the nation’s most iconic filming locations, we’re proud to look back on some of the memorable moments that have brought Honister to national and international screens.
Here’s a look at some of the standout appearances that have helped share Honister’s magic…
2019 – Don’t Tell the Bride: A High-Flying Wedding Surprise
In 2019, Honister Slate Mine found itself at the heart of a wedding day twist on the popular TV show Don’t Tell the Bride. Groom Steve ditched his bride Leona’s dream of an elegant Downton Abbey-style venue and instead arranged for their nuptials to take place at new heights – quite literally – suspended above the dramatic landscape of Honister.
The bold, high-wire ceremony captured the attention of viewers across the UK and showcased Honister’s incredible scenery and adventurous spirit to a whole new audience. While not your average wedding venue, the segment highlighted the mine’s truly one-of-a-kind offering – perfect for couples who dare to do things differently.
2016 – BBC’s Secret Britain: The Lakes
In this popular BBC series, Honister took centre stage in an episode that uncovered some of the Lake District’s most awe-inspiring hidden corners. Our slate mine featured alongside dramatic aerial footage of Fleetwith Pike and deep dives into the region’s cultural landscape, helping viewers appreciate the unique environment beneath their feet.
2016 – Great British Railway Journeys with Michael Portillo
Michael Portillo visited Honister as part of his journey across Cumbria, spotlighting the historic significance of England’s last working slate mine and its contribution to regional heritage. A proud moment that placed our green slate and mountain scenery in front of millions.
2021 – Gordon Ramsay’s Future Food Stars (BBC One)
The hit BBC show saw Gordon Ramsay and his team of aspiring entrepreneurs take on daring challenges in incredible locations. Honister set the scene for one of the show’s most adrenaline-packed episodes, with the Via Ferrata Xtreme and Infinity Bridge taking centre stage. Spoiler alert: the Lake District weather didn’t hold back!
2022 – Craig and Bruno’s Great British Road Trips (ITV)
ITV’s energetic duo, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli, ventured to Honister on their Lake District road trip, bringing laughter, excitement, and a huge spotlight on our spectacular location and adventure experiences.
2022 – Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out (Channel 5)
Susan Calman’s joyful exploration of the Lakes brought her to Honister, where she explored the mine and shared in the awe of the mountain landscape. Her visit was a reminder of the emotional impact Honister has on all who visit – not just the views, but the story beneath
2023 – NatWest x ITV’s Backing Business Campaign (featuring Alison Hammond)
In a heart-warming episode of the ITV campaign celebrating local businesses, Alison Hammond became an honorary member of the Honister team – even donning her hard hat to try out a day in the mine. The segment highlighted the resilience and passion of the family behind Honister, giving a national audience a peek behind the scenes.
Honister on Screen – What’s Next?
Honister’s dramatic landscape, rich industrial history, and family-run charm make it the perfect location for film and television. As VisitBritain continues its Starring Great Britain campaign, we’re excited to share our story with even more screen-lovers and adventurers.
Want to walk in the footsteps of TV legends? Visit Honister Slate Mine and experience the magic for yourself.