Why you should visit the brilliant Honister Slate Mine

If you are looking for something a bit different to the usual tourist traps in the Lake District while still getting to experience some incredible views, the fantastic Honister Slate Mine is not to be missed.

This huge mine has a fascinating history and is still working today, producing small amounts of roofing slate.

Located in the beautiful Honister Pass in Borrowdale, the slate mine offers a range of exciting activities to suit visitors of all ages, so anyone who is keen to experience the outdoors (and underground) from a different perspective has plenty to look forward to.

Magnificent mine tours

There are all kinds of tours on offer at the mine, giving you the chance to explore the mine, its history and the mountain surroundings.

One of the benefits of the main mine tour is that it's underground and therefore a fun activity even when it’s raining outside. Some of the tours combine underground and outdoor explorations such as the industrial history tours, so you can choose which best suits your interests as well as the weather conditions. The excellent tours are run by entertaining and informative guides.

Mine tours start at £12.50 per adult and £7.50 per child with appropriate safety equipment provided.

Via Ferrata experiences

One of the principal attractions at the mine is the UK’s first via ferrata. Via ferrata are steel cables which are anchored into the rock face of the mine, allowing you to travel up along the mountain hooked on with a safety harness. This is an exciting experience that will really get the adrenalin going and give you incredible views of the surrounding mountains.

You have a selection of two excellent Via Ferrata experiences to choose from. The Honister Via Ferrata Classic enables you to follow the original route used by miners while climbing up the side of a mountain. The route is suitable for participants aged 10 years and older and costs £25 per child and £35 per adult.

Visitors who are looking for something more challenging will love the Honister Via Ferrata Xtreme which involves the likes of vertical climbing and traversing a cable bridge high above the ground. Prices for the Xtreme experience cost £39.50 per adult and £29.50 per child. Regardless of which option you choose, you are guaranteed to enjoy amazing views and a wonderful sense of achievement on completing your chosen route.

Climb the mine

Ever wondered what it would be like to climb within a mine? Well now you can find out first-hand courtesy of an underground mine climbing trip.

The climb doesn’t require participants to be particularly strong but it does require a reasonable level of fitness and health. This adventure is open to adults and children aged 10 and older with a minimum height of 1.3 metres. Participants are accompanied by an instructor for the duration of the climb and a safety briefing is provided beforehand.

Prices for the climb are £19.95 for participants aged 16 years and older, while the cost for children aged 10 to 15 years old is £14.95.

Pop into the visitor centre

The Honister Slate Mine includes a visitor centre which is free to enter. A café provides a variety of tasty snacks to refresh individuals before or after their mine explorations and there is also a gift shop and showroom for visitors who are keen to take home a slate souvenir of their trip.

What to wear and how to get there

It can get very wet and windy where the mine is located so you should wear warm and waterproof clothing, and sensible and sturdy footwear with a good grip. There is a risk that clothing may get dirty or possibly damaged against a rock face while climbing, so please bear that in mind.

The mine can be reached by car as well as via a seasonal bus service known as the Honister Rambler. The journey up to the mine offers some incredible panoramic views.

It's an unforgettable day out, so definitely deserves a place on your holiday to-do list. Explore our list of Lake District campsites to find somewhere nearby to stay.