Accessibility Information

Accessibility Information & Visitor Guide

This access statement does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with access needs but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services that we offer all our guests/visitors.

Introduction

Situated at the top of Honister Pass in the Lake District, this unique visitor experience is England’s last working slate mine, where the beautiful green slate that adorns the roof of Buckingham Palace was produced. The Visitor Centre is situated on a fairly level site, while the mine itself is up a steep hill. The Visitor Centre is mainly on one level, whereas the guided walking mine tours take visitors through tunnels with uneven surfaces. You should allow at least 1 hour to enjoy the Visitor Centre and 2 hours for a mine tour.

You can also enjoy our café and shop, which sell a range of slate products and other souvenirs. These facilities are all located within the Visitor Centre with mainly level access, and staff are available to assist if needed. Free WiFi is available for all visitors.

We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any queries or require assistance, please telephone us on 017687 77230 or email us at info@honister.com.

Pre-Arrival

For full details and maps of how to reach us, please see the Directions section of our website. Alternatively, you can plan your journey by car or public transport using www.stagecoachbus.com simply enter your postcode and ours (CA12 5XN) for directions.

• The road outside the attraction is a steep Lakeland pass and does not have a paved path.
• Our brochure and guide are available in larger print upon request.

Car Parking and Arrival

• There is on-site parking for 100+ cars. The car parks are approximately 40 yards from the Visitor Centre.
• The car park surfaces are loose slate chippings with a tarmac path under the main entrance veranda.
• The car park is not lit at night.
• A drop-off point is available at the main entrance (not a marked bay) on a fairly level slate chippings surface.
• There are no steps leading to the main entrance.
• The main entrance door is automatic and 930mm / 36ins wide.

Main Entrance, Reception, and Ticketing Area

• The main entrance provides step-free, fairly level access.
• Wooden bench seats and chairs are available in this area.
• The flooring consists of slate tiles and crazy paving, which is fairly level.
• The area is well-lit with fluorescent and spotlighting.
• A magnifying glass, pen, and pad of paper are available at each counter.
• The ticketing area for mine tours is inside the shop and gallery, accessed through two automatic doors (one with a low-level push button) along a 12,000mm / 474ins tunnel and slate garden. The floor surface consists of concrete and slate chippings.

Shop and Gallery (Displays, Exhibits)

• The shop sells a variety of slate products, souvenirs, books, and gifts.
• The floor surface in the shop and gallery is fairly level concrete.
• The shop is adjacent to the factory, which is a noisy and dusty environment.
• A factory viewing window (800mm / 31.5ins high) is located inside the shop.
• A factory viewing area can be accessed through a wide doorway or an alternative wider access through plastic dust panels.
• Interpretation boards are in large text, with pictorial representations where applicable. They are placed at a maximum height of 190cm / 75ins.
• Braille is not currently available on interpretation boards but is part of an ongoing improvement programme.
• A continuous video (no speech, with background music) provides an aerial view of the mine.
• Wooden seats and benches are available throughout the gallery.
• The shop is well-lit with overhead fluorescent lighting.
• There is ample space for wheelchair users to manoeuvre and turn.
• Tall display racks and low tables allow accessibility from a seated position.
• Background music is played from a promotional video.
• Staff are available to offer assistance if required.

Public Toilets

• Public ladies’ toilets are located between the main entrance/café area and the shop, with access up a 140mm / 5.5ins step.
• Public men’s toilets are located in the slate garden, with access up to three 250mm / 10ins steps.
• A unisex accessible toilet and baby changing area is available in the café area, featuring:
  • A light, easy-open door (930mm / 36ins wide).
  • A toilet height of 460mm / 18ins.
  • Vertical rails on both sides of the basin and toilet.
  • A horizontal rail on the side wall next to the toilet.
  • An emergency alarm pull cord.
  • Well-lit conditions with fluorescent tube overhead lighting and a low-level light switch.
  • Limestone paving flooring.
  • Lever taps on sinks.

Catering

• The café is adjacent to the main entrance with no door.
• The seating area is on the same level as the main entrance.
• The self-service area is accessed via a 70mm / 2.75ins step.
• Tables in the café are well spaced with varying heights, offering a mix of upright chairs (without arms), benches, and a low comfortable settee.
• Where possible, all our food is locally sourced.
• We aim to cater to dietary requirements—please contact us in advance for specific requests.
• The café is self-service, but staff can assist upon request.
• Staff can read through menus if needed.
• Crockery is white to contrast with tables.
• The nearest accessible WC is near the main entrance.

Grounds and Gardens

• A small garden area features an uneven concrete and slate chippings path.
• Picnic areas are located in the garden and outside the main entrance, with a mix of wooden and slate picnic benches and wooden tables with individual chairs.
• Please note that Honister is a working mine and factory, with large, noisy vehicles moving on-site.

Additional Information

• Free WiFi is available throughout the Visitor Centre for customer use.
• All staff receive regular disability awareness training.
• All brochures, evacuation procedures, and other key information are available in large print.
• A water bowl for assistance dogs is available at the main entrance/exit.
• Clear signage is used throughout the attraction in Arial font, with large black letters on an orange background.

We strive to make Honister Slate Mine as accessible as possible and welcome feedback on how we can improve. If you need any additional information, feel free to contact us.