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.

Visiting info:

Situated at the top of Honister Pass in the heart of the stunning Lake District, Honister Slate Mine is England’s last working slate mine, where the beautiful green slate that adorns the roof of Buckingham Palace was produced. This unique visitor experience offers breath-taking views along the way, making your journey worthwhile.

Getting Here:

Honister Slate Mine is easily accessible by car and public transport. If you’re travelling by car, follow the A66 and look for signs directing you to Seatoller and Honister Pass. We have ample on-site parking available for visitors.

For those using public transport, the nearest bus services connect to the local towns of Keswick and Borrowdale. Please note that the Honister Rambler 77A / 77C bus runs seasonally and stops at the YHA Honister Hause in both directions. You can plan your journey by visiting Stagecoach and entering your postcode along with ours (CA12 5XN) for directions.

Visitor Centre and Mine Tours:

Upon arrival, you’ll find clear signage directing you to the Visitor Centre, which is located on a fairly level site. The Visitor Centre is mainly on one level, while the guided walking mine tours take you through tunnels with uneven surfaces. We recommend allowing at least 1 hour to enjoy the Visitor Centre and 2 hours for a mine tour.

While here, be sure to explore our café and shop, where you can purchase a range of slate products and other souvenirs. Both facilities offer mainly level access, and our friendly 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 don’t hesitate to contact us at 017687 77230 or email [email protected].

Car Parking:

We offer on-site parking for over 350 cars, conveniently located approximately 40 yards from the Visitor Centre. Free parking is available for activity participants; simply collect your parking ticket from the Slate Shop on-site.

The car park surfaces consist of loose slate chippings, with a tarmac path leading under the main entrance veranda. Please note that the car park is not lit at night.
For added convenience, there is a drop-off point at the main entrance (not a marked bay) on a fairly level slate chippings surface. Access to the main entrance is step-free, and the automatic door is wheelchair-friendly.

Main Entrance and ticketing area :

The main entrance offers step-free, level access, with wooden bench seats and chairs available in the area. The flooring is composed of slate tiles, providing a stable surface, and the space is well-lit with both fluorescent and spotlighting.

Inside the shop and gallery, you’ll find the ticketing area for mine tours, accessible through two automatic doors—one equipped with a low-level push button. This area features a floor surface of concrete and slate chippings, leading through a 12,000mm / 474-inch tunnel and slate garden.

Shop:

The shop offers a variety of slate products, souvenirs, books, and gifts, all displayed on a fairly level concrete floor. It is located adjacent to the workshop, which can be slightly noisy.

Interpretation boards are provided in large text, accompanied by pictorial representations where applicable, and are placed at a maximum height of 190cm / 75 inches for easy visibility.

The shop is well-lit with overhead fluorescent lighting, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. There is ample space for wheelchair users to maneuver and turn comfortably. Tall display racks and low tables ensure accessibility from a seated position, while background music adds to the pleasant ambience. Our staff are always available to assist if needed.

Toilets:

Public ladies’ toilets are conveniently located between the main entrance/café area and the shop, accessible via a 140mm / 5.5-inch step. Public men’s toilets can be found in the slate garden, requiring access up to three steps of 250mm / 10 inches.

For added convenience, a unisex accessible toilet and baby changing area is available in the café. This facility features:
– A light, easy-open door (930mm / 36 inches wide)
– A toilet height of 460mm / 18 inches
– 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 overhead fluorescent tube lighting and a low-level light switch
– Lever taps on the sinks

Cafe:

The café is conveniently situated at the main entrance, with the seating area at the same level for easy access. We prioritize locally sourced ingredients for our food whenever possible and strive to accommodate dietary requirements. Additionally, a water bowl for assistance dogs is provided at the main entrance/exit.