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Mine Tours
Walk in the footsteps of hardy Lake District slate miners and witness traditional techniques in action
1.5 hours
Arrive 30 mins early to get kitted up. Then the mountain takes over.
Expert guides
Hear stories of the generations who shaped this landscape.
All weather activity
A great experience come rain or shine.
Activity for all
An exhilarating experience for ages
Thrill Factor:
Chilled
Relaxed and easy paced. Soak up the atmosphere without breaking a sweat.
About
Step back into the underground world of slate mining
Hard hat on. Headlamp lit. You're heading into the labyrinth inside Fleetwith Pike that forged 450-million-year-old Westmorland Green slate, and forward through 300 years of mining history.
The blood, the sweat, the grit of the generations who did this for a living. Follow your headtorch through dim passageways and over steep steps. Touch real mining tools. Stand in chambers so vast they'd swallow a house. Immersive effects bring the sights and sounds of Honister's working history back to life, including illuminations and a mock explosion.
Atmospheric and immersive
Illuminations, a mock explosion and immersive effects bring the mine's working history to life. This isn't a guided walk, it's a time machine.
The whole family, underground
Accessible and fun for a wide range of ages and abilities. The most family-friendly adventure at Honister, and one of the most memorable.
Hidden chambers, big views
Marvel at caverns so vast they'd swallow a house, then emerge blinking into some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in England.
What You Need To Know
Everything you need before you arrive. Come prepared, come ready, and come for the adventure of it.
Minimum age
All Ages
Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult throughout.
Terrain
Rough & uneven
Around 50 steps to descend with a handrail. Not wheelchair-accessible, call us if you have specific requirements.
Minimum height
For all
There's no weight/height restriction
All-weather activity
Rain or shine
You're inside a mountain. The forecast doesn't get a vote.
Footwear
Strong boots or shoes
Warm, waterproof clothing recommended. Helmets and lamps provided on arrival.
Fully guided
Expert guides
Stories, history and context at every turn. These guides know this mountain inside out, literally.
Real people. Real memories.
Stories from the summit
"It's the scariest, but best thing I've ever done."
Andrea C via TripAdvisor · ★★★★★
“It’s a great activity for kids who enjoy walking, exploring, and trying new things. We had such a brilliant time, highly recommend for families looking for something different!”
Megg D.
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
Hard hat on. Headlamp lit
Check in 30 minutes before your tour. Get fitted with helmet and headlamp, receive your safety briefing and meet your guide, the person who knows every tunnel, chamber and story in this mountain.
Step 2
The world outside disappears
You enter horizontally, straight into the side of the mountain. The temperature drops. The sounds of the outside world fade. Your headlamp lights the way through passages carved by hand over three centuries.
Step 3
300 years of stories
Touch original mining tools. Stand in chambers vast enough to swallow a house. Watch illuminations and a mock explosion bring the mine's working history back to life. Your guide fills in everything the walls can't say.
Step 4
Emerge in wonder
You emerge into mountain air and panoramic views, and something has shifted. You've been inside this landscape, not just looking at it. The mountain you drove up to get here means something different now.
Got questions?
Unfortunately, due to the uneven terrain and steep steps, the mine tours are not wheelchair accessible. However, we welcome all visitors, and our café and visitor centre are fully accessible. For more information or if you have specific requirements, please contact us.
The mines are mostly at ground level as you enter horizontally. The mines in Honister span more than 10 miles and were created over 250 years of mining.
Please wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear. Some areas involve climbing steps and walking on uneven ground. Suitable footwear is essential for safety and comfort.
Our mine tours are suitable for families and visitors of all ages.
Absolutely. The tour is a safe and enjoyable experience for children. However, it’s important to note that the underground environment can be dimly lit and the terrain is uneven. We recommend supervising younger children throughout the tour.
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.
Unfortunately, due to uneven terrain and steps throughout the mine, prams and back baby carriers are not permitted for safety reasons. If you’re visiting with a baby, we recommend using a front carrier instead. If you have any specific concerns or accessibility queries, please feel free to contact us before your visit.
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.
