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 which adorns the roof of Buckingham Palace was produced. The Visitor Centre is situated on a fairly level site and the mine up a steep hill. The Visitor Centre is mainly on one level while the guided walking mine tours go into the mine along tunnels on uneven surfaces. You should allow at least 1.0 hour to enjoy the Visitor Centre and 2.0 hours to go on a mine tour.
You can also enjoy our café and shop selling a range of slate and other souvenirs. These are all situated in the Visitor Centre with access mainly on the level; staff are on hand in the Visitor Centre should you require any assistance. We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any queries or require any assistance please telephone us on 017687 77230 or e-mail 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.transportdirect.info simply enter your postcode and ours, which is CA12 5XN, to get 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 on request.
Car Parking and Arrival
• There is parking on site for 100 + cars and the car parks are approximately 40 yards from the Visitor Centre.
• The onsite car park surfaces are loose slate chippings and there is a tarmac path outside the main entrance under the veranda. The car park is not lit at night
• It is possible to drop off (not a marked point) at the main entrance, on a fairly level slate chippings surface.
• There are no steps leading to the main entrance.
• The main entrance door is automatic and is 930mm/ 36ins wide.
Main Entrance, Reception and Ticketing Area
• The main entrance is step free, fairly level access.
• There are wooden bench seats and chairs in this area.
• The floor surface outside the main entrance is tarmac and inside is slate tiles and crazy paving which is fairly level.
• The area is lit with overhead lighting from fluorescent and spot lights.
• A magnifying glass, pen and pad of paper are available at each counter.
• The ticketing area for the mine tours is in the shop and Gallery which are approached through two automatic doors (one using a low level push button) along a 12,000mm/ 474ins tunnel and slate garden the floor surface of which is a combination of concrete and slate chippings.
Shop and Gallery (displays, exhibits)
• The shop sells a variety of slate products, souvenirs, books etc
• The floor surface in the shop and Gallery is fairly level concrete. The shop and Gallery are immediately adjacent to the factory – a noisy and dusty environment.
• There is a factory viewing window 800mm/ 31.5Ins high in the shop and a factory viewing point accessed from the shop through a wide doorway ( there is an alternative wider access through plastic dust panels)
• Interpretation boards are all in large text, and have pictorial representation where applicable. All are at a top height of 190cm/ 75ins Braille is not currently available on the boards but this is part of an ongoing programme.
• At the end of the shop we have a video (no speech, music background) playing continuously showing an aerial view of the mine.
• Individual wooden seats and benches are located at various points around the galleries.
• Lighting in the shop and Gallery is generally evenly lit with overhead fluorescent lighting.
• The shop is level throughout.
• There is ample room within the shop for a large wheelchair to manoeuvre and turn.
• There are tall display racks and low tables accessible from a seated position.
• There is background music on a promotional video playing.
• Staff can offer assistance if required.
Public Toilets
• Public ladies toilets are located between the main entrance/ cafe 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 three 250mm/ 10ins steps
• There is a unisex accessible toilet and baby changing area in the cafe area with:
A light, easy open door 930mm/ 36ins wide.
The toilet height is 460mm/ 18ins.
There are vertical rails either side of both basin and toilet.
There is a horizontal rail on the side wall adjacent to the toilet.
An emergency alarm pull cord.
• The toilets are well lit with fluorescent tube overhead lighting with a low level light switch.
• The flooring is limestone paving.
• There are lever taps on the sinks.
Catering
• The café is situated adjacent to the main entrance with no door. The seating area is on the same level as the main entrance and the self service area is accessed up a 70mm/ 2.75 ins step.
• Tables in the restaurant and café are reasonably well spaced apart, with varying heights, with a mixture of upright chairs without arms and benches. There is a low comfortable settee in the cafe service area.
• Where possible all our food produce is locally sourced. We do our best to cater for your dietary requirements; please contact us in advance to check any specific requests you may have.
• The cafe is self-service; however, staff can assist on request.
• All staff can assist by running through menus with you.
• Crockery is white and contrasts with the tables where possible.
• The nearest public toilet with an accessible WC is located near the main entrance.
Grounds and Gardens
• There is a small garden area with an uneven concrete and slate chippings path.
• There are small picnic areas on a level in the garden and outside the main entrance. They have a combination of wooden and slate picnic benches and wooden tables with individual chairs.
• Visitors should be aware that Honister is a working mine and factory and there are noisy, and large vehicles moving on the site. Additional Information
• All of our staff receives regular training that includes disability awareness training.
• All our information brochures, evacuation procedures etc. are available in large print.
• A water bowl is available at the main entrance/exit for assistance dogs.
• Clear signage is used throughout the attraction using Arial font large letters black/white on an orange background.
Future Plans
• We are planning a revamp of the gents toilets which should be done in May 2019.
