At Honister, we provide a range of family activities guaranteed to leave you with fun-filled memories for life! From indoor climbing to canyoning, we’ve got you covered. See the Adventures page for our extensive offering of adrenaline-packed activities.
We have a café located in the main visitor area, known as The Bait Cabin. It is open daily and serves toasties, soups, bacon sandwiches, ice cream, and homemade cakes, along with a variety of refreshing drinks. Additionally, we provide toilet facilities, including a baby changing facility, conveniently located in the café.
We also have WiFi available to our customers, as well as parking facilities – FREE for Honister customers and £5.00 per day per vehicle if you are not a customer.
Unfortunately, we are not able to permit dogs or any service dogs on paid activities such as Mine Tours, any Via Ferrata experiences etc.
However, you are welcome to bring your dog(s) in the café and shop. There are lots of routes near by to take them for a walk too!
Honister’s Via Ferrata, Climb The Mine and Infinity Bridge activities do not require a high level of body strength, but some activities can be physically demanding and therefore do require reasonable levels of fitness. For more experienced climbers with higher levels of fitness, the Via Ferrata Xtreme is the choice for you.
Please see our booking terms for more information on fitness level, height and weight requirements.
Many of our activities are child-friendly, particularly if there will be adults present too. You’ll find minimum age requirements on our individual adventure activity pages, as well as guidance on whether adult supervision is necessary.
Please consult our booking terms for further information.
Our Climb The Mine activity is the perfect indoor climbing adventure for a rainy day! Climb the Mine follows the route of the original underground mine workings and is complete with vertical climbs, rope-bridge crossings, steel ladder ascents, run-away zip line and a Tarzan swing.
You’ll be able to explore a secret world of hidden passages and magnificent cathedral-sized caverns where miners used to extract rock for roofing slates, before emerging to a spectacular view of one of England’s highest mountain passes.
No. This is agreed to in the terms and conditions at the time of booking.
We will, however, issue you with a voucher which is valid for 12 months if cancelled 48 hours BEFORE the date of your activity. If you cancel WITHIN 48 hours vouchers will not be issued. All changes in bookings are subject to a £10 admin fee as per our terms and conditions.
Yes. Located in the main visitor area, our Bait Cabin Cafe is open daily serving toasties, soup, bacon sandwiches and homemade cakes with teas and coffees.
Whilst we try to cater for all dietary requirements sometimes it is not always possible.
No. The bus operates to take mine tour customers to the mine entrance only.
Keswick is 8 miles, Cockermouth 13 miles.
Yes, we have Wifi available for our customers only.
No. The closest public phone is in Seatoller (at the bottom of the pass).
We will only cancel our activities in the case of Strong Winds or electrical storms.
Honister reserves the right to make any operational changes at any time which are considered necessary for safety or operational matters.
For safety reasons we may introduce amendments to the route or activity termination.
If the weather does force us to cancel an activity, we will endeavour to contact all customer prior to arrival; an alternate activity or an opportunity to rebook will be offered. Refunds will not be given.
FREE for Honister customers.
£5.00 per day per vehicle, if you are not a customer.
Tickets are available from the Shop.
On leaving the B5289 the main entrance for customers wishing to park at Honister is at the front of our Visitor Centre. Turn immediately right for our main ”Visitors’ Car Park”, turn left for the “Overflow Car Park”.
We do not recommend you use our coach/wagon entrance as the track is not suitable for passenger vehicles.
Coaches are welcome to park at Honister free. We have lots of space, but please phone ahead and we can help with traffic flow.
Overnight Parking is available for £15 a night. This can be purchased on our website or on the day by visiting our centre.
The address for Honister Slate Mine is Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick Cumbria CA12 5XN. This will take you to Seatoller please contiue up Honister Pass.
We are located along Honister Pass, next door to the YHA Youth Hostel.
From Keswick:
Head southwest on Station Road toward Lake Road/A591.
Turn left onto Lake Road/A591.
Continue to follow A591 for approximately 8 miles.
Turn right onto B5289 (signs for Borrowdale).
Follow B5289 for about 5 miles until you reach Honister Pass.
Honister Slate Mine will be on your left.
From Penrith:
Take the M6 southbound.
Exit the M6 at junction 40, signposted Penrith.
Follow the A66 westbound for approximately 17 miles.
At the roundabout, take the second exit onto the A591 (signs for Keswick).
After about 3 miles, turn left onto B5289 (signs for Borrowdale).
Follow B5289 for about 5 miles until you reach Honister Pass.
Honister Slate Mine will be on your left.
From Windermere:
Head north on Lake Road/A591.
Continue on A591 for approximately 18 miles.
Turn left onto B5289 (signs for Borrowdale).
Follow B5289 for about 5 miles until you reach Honister Pass.
Honister Slate Mine will be on your left.
From Ambleside:
Take the B5286 northbound out of Ambleside.
Continue on B5286 for approximately 9 miles.
At the junction with the A591, turn right onto A591.
After about 2 miles, turn left onto B5289 (signs for Borrowdale).
Follow B5289 for about 5 miles until you reach Honister Pass.
Honister Slate Mine will be on your left.
Our Via Ferrata Classic route is the perfect introduction to stepping out of your comfort zone. If you’re seeking an adrenaline-filled activity with the added bonus of natural beauty, this is the ideal adventure for you. You’ll follow the historic miner’s path high onto Fleetwith Pike – it’s sure to be a memorable experience. The addition of a continuous cable makes climbing this magnificent Lake District mountain achievable and safe for everyone.
The Via Ferrata can be seen from a distance from a layby on the Buttermere side of the pass (binoculars recommended) however please be aware it is not always possible for people to spectate any of the adventures as this view is entirely weather permitting.
No. We provide all the necessary safety equipment required. (Helmet and harness/lanyard system). You must use Honister’s own equipment due to our strict equipment maintenance & testing.
Our experienced guides are on hand to assist and are fully trained to deal with all situations. Our aim is to encourage as many people as possible to experience our spectacular location while getting your adrenaline pumping!
Italian for “Iron Walk Way”
A via ferrata is the bridge between scrambling and climbing. It requires simple to use equipment and requires a relatively good head for heights.
Unlike climbing or bouldering, a via ferrata routes are usually marked out by metal rails and rungs embedded into the mountain.
It’s easy to follow and a great way to tackle otherwise impassable cliffs and ledges.
Often round in the French Alps or the Dolomites, via ferrata is commonly used for sport, you climb from the bottom to the top of a mountain or crag (pretty vertically) and walk back down again.
Historically, via ferrata was used to get between mountains – a way of taming an otherwise inaccessible ridge. One of the original used of via ferrata was that they were frequently used during the First World War to move troops and equipment across the mountains.
Yes. For safety, we have a strict restriction of 18 Stone (114KG), with a waist measuring no more than 43 inches and thighs less than 27 inches.
All our tours are with experienced guides. That have received full external and internal training to be able to lead groups up our routes.
Participation on the routes must be part of a supervised group with an internally trained guide.
It is strictly forbidden to access any part of the route without a guide.
Minimum participation age is 10 years and 1.3 meters tall, Unfortunately, children (10 years – 15 years) must always be accompanied by an adult (16 +) on any activity. One adult may supervise up to 5 under 16’s and the participating adult must be prepared to sign a disclaimer accepting responsibility for the children.
Cameras/Mobile phones are not permitted on the via ferrata route due to health and safety, you must be able to use both hands whilst climbing. ‘Go Pro’s’ may be used if attached to a one of our helmets, or via a chest mount. This must be checked by the guide. A select few of our helmets have the mount attachment on the helmets, these are available on a first come first served basis. They cannot be hand held or attached to wrists/clothing.
We would recommend dressing for cold weather most of the year! Plenty of layers is recommended and strong footwear.
Heeled boots/shoes are not suitable to be worn onsite anywhere and open toed shoes/sandals will prohibit participation on any activity.
Honister does have the right to refuse admittance if inappropriate clothing is worn.
We would always recommend wearing gloves for our activities, please make your clothing choices appropriate to the weather conditions!
We are in a very remote location and failure to come equipped may affect your experience at Honister!
Please remember it is always much cooler in the mountains than down at sea-level.
Our Via Ferrata Extreme route is an adrenaline filled adventure! The Via Ferrata is a series of iron staples and obstacles on the side of the crag which will lead you up to some spectacular views of the surrounding area once you reach the summit. This course includes elements such as overhangs, The Burma Bridge and The Sky Ladder, to keep that adrenaline pumping! The addition of a continuous safety cable makes climbing this magnificent Lake District Mountain achievable for everyone.
The Via Ferrata can be seen from a distance from a layby on the Buttermere side of the pass (binoculars recommended) however please be aware it is not always possible for people to spectate any of the adventures as this view is entirely weather permitting.
Average fitness level. Think of a 3-hour mountain walk. You will be moving for most of the activity at a steady pace.
Our experienced guides are on hand to assist and are fully trained to deal with all situations. Our aim is to encourage as many people as possible to experience our spectacular location while getting your adrenaline pumping!
Italian for “Iron Walk Way”
A via ferrata is the bridge between scrambling and climbing. It requires simple to use equipment and requires a relatively good head for heights.
Unlike climbing or bouldering, a via ferrata routes are usually marked out by metal rails and rungs embedded into the mountain.
It’s easy to follow and a great way to tackle otherwise impassable cliffs and ledges.
Often round in the French Alps or the Dolomites, via ferrata is commonly used for sport, you climb from the bottom to the top of a mountain or crag (pretty vertically) and walk back down again.
Historically, via ferrata was used to get between mountains – a way of taming an otherwise inaccessible ridge. One of the original used of via ferrata was that they were frequently used during the First World War to move troops and equipment across the mountains.
Yes. For safety, we have a strict restriction of 18 Stone (114KG), with a waist measuring no more than 43 inches and thighs less than 27 inches.
All our tours are with experienced guides. That have received full external and internal training to be able to lead groups up our routes.
Participation on the routes must be part of a supervised group with an internally trained guide.
It is strictly forbidden to access any part of the route without a guide.
Minimum participation age is 10 years and 1.3 meters tall, Unfortunately, children (10 years – 15 years) must always be accompanied by an adult (16 +) on any activity. One adult may supervise up to 5 under 16’s and the participating adult must be prepared to sign a disclaimer accepting responsibility for the children.
Cameras/Mobile phones are not permitted on the via ferrata route due to health and safety, you must be able to use both hands whilst climbing. ‘Go Pro’s’ may be used if attached to a one of our helmets, or via a chest mount. This must be checked by the guide. A select few of our helmets have the mount attachment on the helmets, these are available on a first come first served basis. They cannot be hand held or attached to wrists/clothing.
We would recommend dressing for cold weather most of the year! Plenty of layers is recommended and strong footwear.
Heeled boots/shoes are not suitable to be worn onsite anywhere and open toed shoes/sandals will prohibit participation on any activity.
Honister does have the right to refuse admittance if inappropriate clothing is worn.
We would always recommend wearing gloves for our activities, please make your clothing choices appropriate to the weather conditions!
We are in a very remote location and failure to come equipped may affect your experience at Honister!
Please remember it is always much cooler in the mountains than down at sea-level.
On average, 3 hours, but this may vary due to groups capabilities.
We welcome everyone to Honister; however, whilst our activities are designed to be accessible to most people, they do offer a degree of physical and mental challenges.
For some people with additional needs this may mean that additional equipment and/or persons will be required for safe participation, unfortunately due to the terrain and nature of the mountain we cannot permit wheelchair users on our tours as they involved 40 uneven steps.
Our visitor centre is wheelchair friendly and access for all toilet facilities can be found in our café.
If you are unsure or have any questions, please get in touch [email protected] or 01768777230
Mostly ground level as you go into the mine horizontally, the mines in Honister crag span 10+ miles, created through over 250 years of mining.
No. Our tours are in tunnels that may require a person to bend/stoop for short periods of time & the tour also includes 30/40 steep steps. This is all walkable.
Yes. We recommend night setting, with flash enabled, please note video recording is not permitted on the tours.
Temperature is a constant 51 degrees Fahrenheit / 10 degrees Celsius, please come prepared for the weather.
Good warm jackets, waterproofs and strong footwear are recommended.
Heeled boots/shoes are not suitable to be worn onsite anywhere and open toed shoes/sandals will prohibit participation on any activity.
Honister does have the right to refuse admittance if inappropriate clothing is worn.
Please make your clothing choices appropriate to the weather conditions!
We are in a very remote location and failure to come equipped may affect your experience at Honister!
Please remember it is always much cooler in the mountains than down at sea-level.
The Adrenaline Pass at Honister is their latest adrenaline pumped challenge that features three thrilling activities: The Infinity Bridge, Climb the Mine, and The Jump. The Jump, in particular, offers an adrenaline-fueled 30-metre free fall experience, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.
The Adrenaline Pass includes the Infinity Bridge, the Mine Climb, and ‘The Jump,’ which offers a 30-meter free fall experience. Unlike a traditional bungee jump where you rebound, in ‘The Jump,’ you are safely and slowly lowered to the ground
The Adrenaline Pass at Honister costs £100 per person.
The minimum age requirement for The Adrenaline Pass at Honister is 10 years. The minimum height 1m 30cm. ALL Under 16’s must be accompanied by a participating adult (18+).
Maximum weight 17st/112kg. Minimum weight 5st/34kg. Maximum waist measurement 43 inches, thighs max 27 inches. You cannot participate if you have any of the following: any heart condition or heart-related issues such as high blood pressure or heart disease, any type of back/neck/spine/foot/ankle/leg condition, a weak physical constitution or poor physical condition, any physical/mental/emotional condition that could be aggravated by participating.
The All Day Pass at Honister offers a full day of excitement for the ultimate adventure day out in the Lake District. You’ll enjoy three of our most popular adrenaline-packed activities; the award-winning Infinity Bridge, Via Ferrata Xtreme, and Canyoning, as well as free official photos of your experience.
The All Day Pass at Honister Slate Mine is suitable for individuals who have a sense of adventure, are comfortable with heights, and possess a reasonable level of fitness. Participants must be at least 10 years old to take part in these activities. For those under 16, an accompanying adult (18+) is required. Additionally, there are specific physical requirements: participants must be at least 1.3 meters tall, weigh no more than 18 Stone (114KG), have a waist measuring no more than 43 inches, and thighs measuring less than 27 inches to participate. These guidelines ensure safety and enjoyment during the adventure day.
The All Day Pass will start at around 9am and finish up no later than 5pm.
The All Day Pass is £160 per person.
Participants must be at least 10 years old to take part in these activities. For those under 16, an accompanying adult (18+) is required.
For your All Day Pass adventure, it’s best to wear flexible and comfortable clothing, with layering as a smart choice. Depending on the weather forecast, you might consider wearing shorts, but keep in mind that long trousers offer better protection against scratches and sharp rocks. Additionally, make sure to wear comfortable walking boots or shoes, or even comfortable trainers if you prefer. It’s advisable to bring waterproof clothing, as this can be weather-dependent. Don’t forget to pack swimwear and a towel, along with a change of clothes. Given that your footwear will get soaked during canyoning, having a spare pair is essential.
The award winning Infinity Bridge at Honister is the longest high-wire bridge in Europe. With its name derived from the fact you’re unable to see the other side during some weather conditions, crossing our Infinity Bridge is a guaranteed way to test your nerve. Boasting stunning views of an incredible industrial landscape, our bridge will take you 1000 ft above sea level.
The Infinity Bridge at Honister is 190 metres to be precise!
The Infinity Bridge in the Lake District is located at Honister Slate Mine, situated in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Cumbria, United Kingdom. This iconic bridge offers a thrilling experience as it spans the stunning landscapes of the Lake District.
The Infinity Bridge at Honister costs just £25 per person
Canyoning is a great activity to push your boundaries while appreciating striking landscapes. Set in the picturesque Lake District National Park, you’ll make your way along the course of a waterfall, abseiling down sheer faces and scrambling over rocks whilst taking in magnificent mountainous scenery.
Honister offers canyoning experiences at £80 per person for groups of up to 8 people. Please enquire about larger groups or private sessions, as costs will vary depending on your requirements.
While “Canyoning” and “Canyoneering” may sound different, they essentially refer to the same outdoor activity. The choice of terminology is often influenced by cultural preferences. “Canyoning” is widely recognised across the globe, while “Canyoneering” is favoured in the United States.
Canyoning typically involves navigating larger, more technical canyons with significant water flow, often requiring specialised gear like ropes and harnesses. In contrast, ghyll scrambling, popular in the Lake District and other UK regions, takes place in smaller streams, offering a milder and more accessible experience suitable for a wider range of participants.
Mine tours are appropriate for all ages and fitness levels. Please note that this activity does involve descending down approximately 50 steps (with a handrail).
Unfortunately, due to the terrain and nature of the mountain, we cannot permit wheelchair users on our tours. However, our visitor centre is wheelchair-friendly and accessible toilet facilities can be found in our café.
The Cathedral Working Mine Tour costs £30 per person and a minimum number of 4 participants is required.
The Cathedral Working Mine Tour and the regular Mine Tour offer distinct experiences. While the regular Mine Tour provides an overview of the mine’s history, geological features, and daily operations, the Cathedral Working Mine Tour offers a more immersive and hands-on adventure. During the Cathedral Working Mine Tour, visitors have the opportunity to engage in active mining activities, witness the mining process firsthand, and gain a deeper understanding of the mine’s operations, making it a more interactive and specialised experience for those interested in the mining industry.
The Cathedral Working Mine Tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
Typically, for a mine climbing experience like this, you should wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities. You might want to dress in layers, as temperatures inside the mine can vary. Sturdy and supportive footwear, such as hiking boots, is usually recommended for better traction on uneven terrain. Helmets and all safety gear are provided.
The cost of the Climb the Mine at Honister is £55 per person.
The duration of Climb the Mine is roughly 2.5 hours.
“Climb the Mine” at Honister Slate Mine is likely a 2.5 hour adventure activity that involves exploring the inside of the historic slate mine. Participants go through a series of challenging obstacles as they ascend or descend parts of the mine using various techniques like Via Ferrata, zip-lining, or climbing ladders and ropes. It’s an exciting and unique way to explore inside the mine and stunning landscapes of the Lake District.
Climb the Mine has a moderate level of physical demands, such as climbing ladders or traversing obstacles. Participants should generally have a reasonable level of fitness and mobility.
The booking terms & conditions are agreed at the time of booking. For Santa’s Secret Grotto, all of our usual booking terms and conditions will apply. You can view them by clicking here. All changes in bookings are subject to a £10 admin fee.
We do not offer refunds. This is agreed to in the terms and conditions at the time of booking. Any changes or cancellations must be made 48 hours before your activity is due to take place. This includes rescheduling a booking or cancelling and issuing a voucher to re-book. Any changes within 48 hours will not be accepted. All changes in bookings are subject to a £10 admin fee as per our terms and conditions.
Honister is open all year and in most weather conditions. If road conditions are icy on Honister Pass we can pick custoers up from Seatoller in our 4X4s. For safety reasons, we may introduce amendments to the route. If the weather does force us to cancel, we will contact all customers prior to arrival and provide an opportunity to rebook. Refunds will not be given.
Santa’s Secret Grotto at Honister is suitable for all ages, including babies. It’s a family-friendly experience that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.It’s a magical experience for the whole family.
No, due to uneven terrain and narrow passageways. We recommend bringing a front baby carrier or sling for infants, as this will provide a more comfortable and safe experience for both you and your baby. Back carriers are not allowed due to low passageways.
We recommend dressing warmly as the mine can be quite cool. Don’t forget to bring warm coats, hats and gloves, especially if visiting on a particullary cold or wet day. Layered clothing and comfortable footwear are advisable. You might want to wear waterproof footwear as the ground can be quite wet.
We recommend arriving 30 minutes before your scheduled start time to allow for check-in. Please check your booking confirmation for specific arrival instructions. Due to our location, please check travel times before leaving and allow a little extra time.
From the start time to the end it is approximatley 1.5 – 2 hours.
Under 1’s
£17.50
Kids & Adults
£40
A fully guided festive journey into the Grotto, Post your letter to santa, a special gift for every child, festive drink and snack, reindeer food, sledging finale, festive day out for the whole family!
Unfortunately, due to the terrain and nature of the mountain wheelchairs are not permitted. This is because the route involves many uneven steps. Our visitor centre is wheelchair friendly and access for all toilet facilities can be found in our café. If you are unsure or have any questions, please get in touch [email protected] or 01768777230
The Santa’s Secret Grotto duration is around 1.5 – 2 hours and this time will include a short bus ride, followed by walking and standing for the remainder of time. There’s a steep incline at the start to get to the mine entrance, which includes some steep steps. The Santa’s Secret Grotto experience also includes tunnels that may require a person to bend/stoop while walking for short periods of time. Within the mine itself, there is approximately 1km of walking, which also involves descending stairs.
The address for Honister Slate Mine is Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick Cumbria CA12 5XN. This will take you to Seatoller please contiue up Honister Pass.
We are located along Honister Pass, next door to the YHA Youth Hostel.
From Keswick:
Head southwest on Station Road toward Lake Road/A591.
Turn left onto Lake Road/A591.
Continue to follow A591 for approximately 8 miles.
Turn right onto B5289 (signs for Borrowdale).
Follow B5289 for about 5 miles until you reach Honister Pass.
Honister Slate Mine will be on your left.
From Penrith:
Take the M6 southbound.
Exit the M6 at junction 40, signposted Penrith.
Follow the A66 westbound for approximately 17 miles.
At the roundabout, take the second exit onto the A591 (signs for Keswick).
After about 3 miles, turn left onto B5289 (signs for Borrowdale).
Follow B5289 for about 5 miles until you reach Honister Pass.
Honister Slate Mine will be on your left.
From Windermere:
Head north on Lake Road/A591.
Continue on A591 for approximately 18 miles.
Turn left onto B5289 (signs for Borrowdale).
Follow B5289 for about 5 miles until you reach Honister Pass.
Honister Slate Mine will be on your left.
From Ambleside:
Take the B5286 northbound out of Ambleside.
Continue on B5286 for approximately 9 miles.
At the junction with the A591, turn right onto A591.
After about 2 miles, turn left onto B5289 (signs for Borrowdale).
Follow B5289 for about 5 miles until you reach Honister Pass.
Honister Slate Mine will be on your left.
We have a Cafe located within the main visitor area, known as “The Bait Cabin”. It is open daily and serves a selection of homemade hot and cold food, including soups, bacon and sausage sandwiches and delicious homemade cakes. There is even a choice of festive hot chocolates and other treats. We have plenty toilet facilities, including a baby changing area. Please note, there are no toilets or changing facilities once you set off on your adventure up the mountain, therefore it’s essential that you do toilet stops before you set off, and hence why we ask that you arrive at least 30 minutes before your activity starts. We also have WiFi available to our customers, as well as parking facilities – FREE for our Santa visitors and £5 for all other cars.
Temperature is a constant 51 degrees Fahrenheit / 10 degrees Celsius, please come prepared for the weather. Good warm jackets, waterproofs and strong footwear are recommended. Heeled boots/shoes are not suitable to be worn onsite anywhere and open toed shoes/sandals will prohibit participation on any activity. Honister does have the right to refuse admittance if inappropriate clothing is worn. Please make your clothing choices appropriate to the weather conditions! We are in a very remote location and failure to come equipped may affect your experience at Honister! Please remember it is always much cooler in the mountains than down at sea-level.
Yes, we have plenty of parking available to our customers and it is free if you have booked Santa’s Secret Grotto. On leaving the B5289 the main entrance for customers wishing to park at Honister is at the front of our Visitor Centre. Turn immediately right for our main ”Visitors’ Car Park”, turn left for the “Overflow Car Park”. We do not recommend you use our coach/wagon entrance as the track is not suitable for passenger vehicles.
Yes, We can offer help booking transport for any size group.
Yes, we can provide food both from the Bait Cabin Cafe on site or our Yew Tree gastro pub: Yew Tree Pub | Beer Garden | Pub Restaurant, Borrowdale, Keswick (theyewtree1628.com) Please get in touch to book for groups above 10.
We have multiple options! Summertime is a great season for camping. We have 3 camping sites within one mile of our site, multiple youth hostels on either side of the valley and for a more luxury stay try Lodore Falls or Borrowdale Gates.
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