Honister Slate Mine
This access statement aims to clearly describe the facilities and support available to help all visitors plan their visit with confidence. We aim to provide a welcoming environment and encourage visitors to contact us in advance if they have specific access requirements or questions about suitability.
Honister Slate Mine is open 7 days a week from 8:30am – 5:00pm.
Step-free access to the main entrance
Automatic entrance doors with wheelchair-friendly push button
Accessible unisex toilet located within the cafe area
Baby changing facilities available
Large-print interpretation boards in the shop and gallery
Free WiFi available throughout the visitor centre
Assistance dogs welcome in visitor centre areas
On-site parking available (loose slate chippings surface)
Activities take place on uneven terrain and may not be suitable for visitors with mobility limitations
Honister Slate Mine
Honister Pass
Borrowdale
Keswick
Cumbria
CA12 5XN
Telephone: 017687 77230
Email: [email protected]
Honister Slate Mine is located at the summit of Honister Pass between Borrowdale and Buttermere in the Lake District National Park. The road is scenic and narrow in places, and visitors unfamiliar with mountain passes are advised to drive carefully and allow extra travel time.
Over 350 parking spaces are available on site.
Parking is free for visitors who have booked the All Day Pass or multiple different activities.
Visitors not meeting these conditions can book parking online in advance or pay on arrival at the site.
The main car park surface consists of loose slate chippings, which may be uneven for wheelchair users.
A drop-off point is available directly outside the main entrance on a fairly level surface.
Please note that the car park is not lit at night.
Honister can be reached by public transport.
The seasonal Stagecoach 77A / 77C Honister Rambler bus stops at YHA Honister Hause, approximately 100 yards from our entrance.
Nearest railway stations:
Penrith
Workington
Taxi services are available from these stations.
Local taxi providers include:
Davies Taxis – 017687 72676
Iain’s Taxis – 017687 36333
The main entrance provides step-free access with automatic doors and a wheelchair-accessible push-button entry.
Flooring consists of level slate tiles, and the entrance area is well lit with both natural daylight and overhead lighting.
The visitor centre is well lit with both natural daylight and overhead lighting throughout the building.
If you require assistance at any time during your visit, please speak to a member of staff and we will be happy to help.
The visitor centre, shop and gallery areas are mainly on one level and provide space for wheelchair users to manoeuvre comfortably.
Large-print interpretation boards and display screens are located throughout the shop and gallery areas.
The shop offers a range of Honister slate products, gifts and souvenirs, and staff are available to assist with purchases where needed.
Free WiFi is available throughout the visitor centre.
Dogs are welcome only in the visitor centre and cafe areas.
The cafe is located adjacent to the main entrance and provides level access throughout the seating area.
The cafe serves fresh hot drinks, all-day breakfast items, light lunches and cakes, with a variety of seating options including tables and chairs of different heights.
Lighting includes both natural daylight and overhead lighting, and background music may be played during opening hours.
We aim to accommodate dietary requirements wherever possible, and visitors are welcome to contact us in advance to discuss specific needs.
Due to our mountain location, mains drinking water is not available, however bottled drinking water is available for visitors.
Public toilets are located within the visitor centre.
A unisex accessible toilet is available within the cafe area and includes:
Wide door access (930mm)
Grab rails
Emergency alarm pull cord
Lever taps
Accessible sink height
Bright overhead lighting
Public ladies’ and gents’ toilets are also available, although some require stepped access.
Activities at Honister take place within historic underground and mountainside environments where surfaces can be uneven and natural terrain may vary.
Each activity has specific safety requirements, including height, weight and health restrictions.
Visitors with mobility, medical or access concerns are encouraged to contact our team before booking so we can provide guidance and help determine suitability.
If you have any questions about accessibility or would like to discuss specific requirements before your visit, please contact our team.
If at any point during your visit you require assistance, please speak to a member of staff and we will do our best to support you.
We look forward to welcoming you to Honister Slate Mine.
If you have any questions about accessibility or would like to discuss specific requirements before your visit, please contact our team and we will be happy to help.
Telephone: 017687 77230
Email: [email protected]
Accessibility information last reviewed: March 2026
