Person rock climbing indoors with a rope harness, wearing an orange helmet and headlamp, smiling while suspended against a red and orange illuminated wall with rocky terrain below.

Climb the Mine

A high-adrenaline journey deep into the heart of Honister's slate mine. Scale cavern walls, traverse rope bridges, tackle ladders and zip lines, then emerge blinking into one of England's highest mountain passes.

Tackle daring obstacles

Scale walls, climb the mine's core, traverse the void and zip to through your descent.

2.5h underground

Arrive 30 mins early to kit up. The adventure starts the moment you step in.

Rain? No problem.

You're inside a mountain. The forecast doesn't get a vote.

Ages 8+

Kids and adults welcome. An exhilarating experience for ages 8+.

Thrill Factor:

Adventurous

A mix of fun and challenge. Expect variety, movement, and mild adrenaline.

From
£70 /person

Climb the Mine

Rock climber scaling a vertical wall at night wearing yellow and red climbing gear, illuminated by headlamp against orange and black textured rock face.
Person wearing blue climbing suit and orange-blue helmet smiling while rappelling down a rocky cliff face with climbing ropes and equipment visible.

What is Climb the Mine?

An action-packed underground adventure for the whole family, whatever the weather. Follow in the footsteps of Honister's slate miners as you journey deep into the mountain.

Winding passages and old mining routes lead the way to a series of challenges that demand courage and reward you with a rush. Vertical climbs, steel ladder ascents, a Tarzan swing, rope bridges and a zip line, you'll work your way through every one, egging each other on, laughing through the nerves.

Hidden caverns reveal the secrets of the slate miners who shaped this mountain. When you emerge at the top, the view across one of England's highest passes is your reward. These are the moments you don't forget.

Person wearing climbing gear and headlamp smiling inside a dark cave with rope and rock formations visible in the background

Rope bridges

Traverse the void, one step at a time.

Rock climber wearing an orange helmet and blue shirt climbing a narrow granite chimney, photographed from above looking down at the climber smiling at the camera with safety rope visible.

Cavern wall climbing

Scale real rock deep inside the mountain.

Child wearing an orange helmet and red jacket crawling through a metal ladder rungs obstacle course, smiling at the camera while climbing with safety equipment attached.

Steel ladder ascents

Vertical climbs through the mine's core.

Person rappelling down inside a cave wearing an orange jacket, helmet, and safety gear, suspended by ropes against brown and golden rock formations illuminated by warm lighting.

Zip line finale

A run-away zip to cap off your descent.

Person holding climbing gear displaying a metal pulley attached to a rope, with orange carabiners and additional climbing equipment visible in the background.

Arrive & kit up

Cave explorers in red safety gear and helmets working inside a large cavern, illuminated by red lighting and headlamps, with rope systems and equipment visible on the rocky cave walls and formations.

Follow in the footsteps of Honister's slate miners as you journey deep into the mountain

Rock climber in bright orange jacket and yellow helmet ascending via ferrata route on steep cave ceiling with ropes and metal fixtures, another climber visible in background inside mountain cave.

Tackle daring obstacles

Multiple people rappelling and climbing inside a large cave with rock walls, wearing colorful safety gear including helmets and harnesses while secured by ropes and ladders.

Steel ladder ascents

Person wearing an orange helmet and blue jacket rappelling or climbing down an underground cave passage with headlamp illuminating the dark rocky walls above.

Vertical climbs through the mine's core

Person ziplining through an illuminated cave with blue and green lighting, arms raised in celebration, while spectators watch from the ground below.

A run-away zip to cap off your descent.

Four climbers ascending a vertical cave wall at night, wearing helmets and safety gear, connected by ropes as they navigate the dark rocky surface illuminated by headlamps.

You're inside a mountain. The forecast doesn't get a vote.

Group of cavers exploring illuminated underground cavern with headlamps and lanterns, surrounded by rocky formations and darkness above

An action-packed underground adventure for the whole family

Person holding climbing gear displaying a metal pulley attached to a rope, with orange carabiners and additional climbing equipment visible in the background.
Cave explorers in red safety gear and helmets working inside a large cavern, illuminated by red lighting and headlamps, with rope systems and equipment visible on the rocky cave walls and formations.
Rock climber in bright orange jacket and yellow helmet ascending via ferrata route on steep cave ceiling with ropes and metal fixtures, another climber visible in background inside mountain cave.
Multiple people rappelling and climbing inside a large cave with rock walls, wearing colorful safety gear including helmets and harnesses while secured by ropes and ladders.
Person wearing an orange helmet and blue jacket rappelling or climbing down an underground cave passage with headlamp illuminating the dark rocky walls above.
Person ziplining through an illuminated cave with blue and green lighting, arms raised in celebration, while spectators watch from the ground below.
Four climbers ascending a vertical cave wall at night, wearing helmets and safety gear, connected by ropes as they navigate the dark rocky surface illuminated by headlamps.
Group of cavers exploring illuminated underground cavern with headlamps and lanterns, surrounded by rocky formations and darkness above

What You Need To Know

Everything you need before you arrive. Come prepared, come ready, and come for the adventure of it.

Min age
Minimum age

8 years+

Under-16s must be accompanied by a participating adult (18+).

Height
Minimum height

1.3 metres

Max weight 18st / 114kg.

Arrival
Arrive early

Arrive 30 mins before

Allow time to kit up and get briefed.

Weather
All-weather activity

Rain or shine

Underground means the forecast doesn't matter.

Boot
Footwear

Boots or sturdy shoes

All other equipment provided on arrival.

Guide
Fully guided

Expert guides

Knowledgeable, safety-trained and encouraging throughout.

Real people. Real memories.

Stories from the summit

"It's the scariest, but best thing I've ever done."

Andrea C via TripAdvisor · ★★★★★

“Absolutely fantastic! This needs to be done if you love adventure and a thrill.”
Letter G in bold black font on a bright lime green circular background with black border
Mr R Breaker
Via Google

WHAT TO EXPECT

From the moment you arrive to the moment you step back into daylight, here's how your adventure unfolds.

Step 1

Arrive & kit up

Check in at reception 30 minutes before your session. You'll be fitted with a harness, helmet and head torch, and given a full safety briefing by your guide.

Step 2

Enter the mountain

Your guide leads you through the mine entrance and into the tunnels. The temperature drops, the adventure begins.

Step 3

Take on the challenges

Work through the course at your own pace. Rope bridges, ladders, Tarzan swing, cavern wall climbs and zip line – your guide is with you at every step.

Step 5

Emerge victorious

Daylight. Mountain air. A view across one of England's highest passes. And a story you'll be telling for years.

Got questions?

The duration of Climb the Mine is roughly 2.5 hours.

A reasonable level of fitness helps, but this isn't a race. Climb the Mine is designed to be challenging and achievable, your guide sets the pace and supports everyone through the course.

Yes – the minimum age is 8 years old and minimum height is 1.3m. All under-16s must be accompanied by a participating adult (18+). Kids typically love every second of it.

Wear or bring sturdy boots or strong shoes. All essential equipment: harness, helmet, head torch, is provided by Honister on arrival. Dress in comfortable layers you don't mind getting dirty.

Climb the Mine runs in all weather, you're underground! It's actually one of the best things to do on a rainy Lake District day.

We don't offer refunds, but if you cancel more than 48 hours before your activity we'll issue a voucher valid for 12 months. Cancellations within 48 hours don't qualify for a voucher.

While we do allow on-site ticket purchases, we recommend booking in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability and avoid disappointment. Booking in advance guarantees you a spot and helps streamline your visit.

Yes, we have ample parking on site.

The mine is open year-round, offering a unique experience in every season. If you prefer fewer crowds, we recommend visiting during the off-peak months (autumn or winter). However, summer offers beautiful views and a vibrant atmosphere in the surrounding Lake District.

Thermal imaging of a person holding a rifle with a glowing red heat signature against a dark background

Book your Climb the Mine adventure

Adventures fill up fast. Secure your place and take on the mountain.