Whether you’re holidaying in the Lake District to marvel at its striking landscapes and breathtaking scenery or you’re a local in need of something new to do at the weekend, Honister Slate Mine is a regional gem you’d be silly to miss out on.
From family days out to solo adventures
Located at the head of Honister Pass, we’re known for producing Westmorland Green Slate – a beautiful, 450 million-year-old material that’s existed longer than humankind.
We’re also famous for providing holiday goers and locals alike with an abundance of unique and memorable adventures. Our wide range of high-adrenaline activities caters to a variety of different ages and abilities, and there’s definitely something for everyone. Situated in the heart of the Lake District, you can take part in jam-packed activity days while enjoying stunning views.
Discover which adventure you could be embarking on soon through this extensive guide.
What thrill-seeking activities can we offer?
Adrenaline Pass
Do you want to try the Lake District’s number one adventure activity? If so, then you need to experience Honister’s Adrenaline Pass.
From a 30m freefall to exploring our underground mines, this adventure incorporates all of Honister’s staple activities for a memorable day you’re unlikely to forget. You’ll begin by navigating our famous 1000ft Infinity Bridge – the longest high-wire bridge in Europe – before descending into the mines. While enjoying vertical climbs, rope-bridge crossings, steel ladder ascents, run-away zip line, and a Tarzan swing, you can marvel at our secret world of hidden passages and magnificent cathedral-sized caverns. You’ll finish your adventure by facing the Jump, our new 30m freefall experience – if you can brave it!
If you’re interested in taking part, here are some things you might need to know:
- £100 pp
- Minimum height: 1m 30cm
- Minimum weight 5st/34kg
- Maximum weight 18st/114kg
- Maximum waist measurement 43 inches, thighs max 27 inches
- U16s must be accompanied by an adult (18 +)
- Essential equipment will be provided.
- Duration: 3-4 hours. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your activity starts.
All Day Pass
If you’re looking for a jam-packed day enjoying some of the best activities Honister has to offer, go for an All Day Pass.
Activities you’ll get to experience include:
- The Infinity Bridge
- Via Ferrata Xtreme
- Canyoning
We’ll also offer you free official photos of your day, which we usually charge £20 for.
Our all-day pass is extremely limited so be sure to book yours soon so you don’t miss out!
Here’s some important information:
- £160 pp
- All participants must be 10 years or older and be at least 1m 30cm tall to take part in all the activities.
- For canyoning, please bring swimwear, a towel, trainers that will get soaked, and warm clothes for post-activity.
- For Infinity Bridge/Via Ferrata please bring walking boots & come prepared for any weather, including waterproofs, suncream, sun hat, woolly hat, gloves etc
- Check individual activities for more in-depth information.
- Duration: All day. Your guide will inform you on the day of the sequence of activities
Canyoning
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 along the way in this magnificent mountainous scenery.
Here’s what you need to know:
- £80 pp
- Minimum age: 10
- Minimum height: 1m 30cm
- You do not need any prior canoeing experience.
- Please bring swimwear, a towel, trainers that will get soaked, and warm clothes for post-activity.
- Changing facilities are on site.
- Essential equipment will be provided.
- Duration: 4 hours.
- We cater for groups of up to 6. Please enquire about larger groups/private sessions.
Cathedral Working Mine Tour
If you’re intrigued by Honister’s colourful history, see how we mine today and take a tour through our working environment and cathedral-sized caverns on an after-hours tour with our longest-serving guide Roly. Learn more about Westmorland Green Slate and its 400+ years past, as well as how the mine was resurrected from an abandoned eyesore to become the busy working enterprise and tourist destination we are today.
Here’s some additional information:
- £25 pp
- The minimum number is 4
- Tours run on Friday evenings only
Cliff Camping
Cliff camping is the perfect adventure for any brave adrenaline junkies out there – but it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted.
After crossing our famous Infinity Bridge, you’ll abseil down the side of the crag to approach your cosy corner for the evening. You’ll be suspended 5000 ft above Honister Pass in snug sleeping bags under the stars. In the morning, you’ll wake up to one of the most impressive sunrises in the world.
Additional information:
- One Portaledge overnight stay (2 people) – £500
- Two Portaledges overnight stay (4 people) – £800
- Limited availability and weather dependent.
- A member of our team will be on call via radio 24/7 in case of an emergency.
Climb The Mine
If you’re experiencing some particularly depressing drizzle on your family holiday, Climb the Mine is the ultimate wet weather activity to save the day.
Embark on a thrilling adventure inside the heart of a Lake District mountain. 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.
Here’s what you need to know:
- £55pp
- Minimum age: 8 years
- Minimum height: 1m 30cm
- Maximum weight 18st/114kg
- Maximum waist measurement 43 inches, thighs max 27 inches
- U16s must be accompanied by an adult (18 +)
- Bring boots or strong shoes
- Essential equipment will be provided on arrival.
- Duration: 2.5 hours
Infinity Bridge
You’d be silly to miss out on an opportunity to tackle the longest high-wire bridge in Europe. With its name derived from the fact you’re unable to see the other side, crossing our Infinity Bridge is a guaranteed method to test your nerve. Boasting stunning views of an incredible industrial landscape, our bridge will take you 1000 ft above sea level. Book tickets now for an unforgettable experience.
Here’s some additional information you may need to know:
- £25 pp
- Minimum age: 8 years
- Minimum height: 1.25 m
- Children aged 8-15 must be accompanied by an adult (18 +)
- Come prepared for all weather with waterproofs, gloves & strong footwear
- Essential equipment will be provided by Honister
- Spectators can come and view the fun for £7.50 pp
Mine Tours
Our fun and informative mine tours are the perfect activity for a rainy day. Situated deep underground amid the tunnels and caverns of the magnificent Fleetwith Pike, you’ll be able to experience Honister’s rich mining history for yourselves. Filled with enhanced reality technology and explosive special effects that will transport you back in time, you’ll immerse yourself in Honister’s 350 years of working history.
Here’s some key information:
- Adults (16 +) £17.50
- Children (3-15) £9.50
- Family (2A + 2C) £49.00
- Free for under 3s
- Descending approximately 50 steps (with a handrail)
- Suitable for all ages
- Please come prepared with warm clothing and sensible footwear – this is a walking tour.
- Safety helmets and lamps will be provided by Honister on arrival.
- Duration: 90 minutes
Via Ferrata Classic
The Via Ferrata Classic route is a perfect introduction to move out of your comfort zone into a more stimulating and memorable experience. 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, with the addition of a continuous cable making climbing this magnificent Lake District Mountain achievable and safe for everyone.
Here’s some relevant information:
- £45pp
- Minimum age: 10 years
- Children aged 10-15 must be accompanied by an adult (18+)
- You do not need previous climbing experience.
- You will be guided by professionals and secured to the mountain by cable throughout.
- Please come prepared for all weather conditions with waterproofs, gloves and strong footwear.
- All essential equipment will be provided by Honister on arrival.
- Duration: 1.5-3 hours, depending on ability
Via Ferrata Xtreme
If you’re up for a challenge, the Via Ferrata Xtreme is the ideal adventure for you. Designed to boost adrenaline, you’ll require a good level of fitness to tackle mountain edge exposure, vertical ladder climbs, overhang descent, a Burma bridge and a sky ladder to finish. Once completed, you’ll have the chance to experience spectacular views of Buttermere, Crummock and Loweswater, framed by Haystacks fell.
Here’s what you need to know:
- £60 pp
- Minimum age: 10 years
- Minimum height: 1m 30cm
- Maximum weight 18st/114kg
- Maximum waist measurement 43 inches, thighs max 27 inches
- Children aged 10-15 must be accompanied by an adult (18+)
- You will be guided by professionals and secured to the mountain by cable throughout.
- Please come prepared for all weather conditions with waterproofs, gloves and strong footwear.
- All essential equipment will be provided by Honister on arrival.
- Duration: 3 hours
And there you have it! To make sure you don’t miss out on experiencing our range of incredible activities and family adventure days, contact us now.