
Honister Slate Mine
England's last working slate mine offering thrilling adventures like the Infinity Bridge and Via Ferrata Xtreme.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience

Honister Slate Mine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
England's last working slate mine offering thrilling adventures like the Infinity Bridge and Via Ferrata Xtreme.
"The adrenaline buzz is awesome, as was the feeling of satisfaction when we’d done, we couldn’t stop smiling!"

Book Your Adventure Online
Popular activities like the Adrenaline Pass sell out fast. Book in advance to secure your spot!
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Good grip is essential for climbing and hiking. Hiking boots are highly recommended for all activities.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Infinity Bridge
Honister Slate Mine
Walk Europe's longest high-wire bridge, suspended 1,000 feet above the valley floor. A true test of nerve!

Via Ferrata Xtreme
Honister Slate Mine
Climb, scramble, and traverse the crag on this exhilarating outdoor via ferrata route. Only one in England!

Climb the Mine
Honister Slate Mine
Explore the historic underground mine, following miners' routes with ladders and traverses. An indoor adventure!

Fleetwith Pike Hike
From Honister Slate Mine
Hike to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views over Buttermere and Crummock Water. A rewarding fell walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Thrills
Embrace the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Your Adventure Online
Popular activities like the Adrenaline Pass sell out fast. Book in advance to secure your spot!
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Good grip is essential for climbing and hiking. Hiking boots are highly recommended for all activities.
Pack for All Weather
The Lake District is known for its changeable weather. Bring waterproofs and layers, even on sunny days!
Guides Make it Easy
Guides like Heather and Zara are fantastic! They offer encouragement, safety, and great photo ops.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Your Adventure Online
Popular activities like the Adrenaline Pass sell out fast. Book in advance to secure your spot!
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Good grip is essential for climbing and hiking. Hiking boots are highly recommended for all activities.
Pack for All Weather
The Lake District is known for its changeable weather. Bring waterproofs and layers, even on sunny days!
Guides Make it Easy
Guides like Heather and Zara are fantastic! They offer encouragement, safety, and great photo ops.
Parking Fee
Parking at Honister Slate Mine costs £5 for the whole day. A small price for a big adventure!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Honister Slate Mine for its thrilling and unique adventure activities, with the Adrenaline Pass and Via Ferrata Xtreme being standout experiences. Guides are frequently commended for their professionalism, encouragement, and ability to make the adventures fun and safe. While the unpredictable Lake District weather can add to the challenge, most reviewers find the exhilaration and sense of accomplishment well worth it.
"3 of us visited yesterday for the adrenaline pass activities. We were not disappointed! We were scared, excited, nervous, surprised, exhilarated, terrified etc!!!!🤣 Our guide Heather was amazing….. just the perfect combination of encouragement and support along with no nonsense attitude!
Climb the mine was great, hard going at times! The infinity bridge in the rain and wind, well I’m sure you can imagine what that was like! The drop….. amazing! Terrifying but amazing! The adrenaline buzz is awesome, as was the feeling of satisfaction when we’d done, we couldn’t stop smiling! 😊 I’d recommend it to anyone but be prepared for your body to feel like it’s had the mother of all workouts the following day! Thank you for a wonderful experience! X"
Helen Greenhough
"We've just had the best afternoon here!!! We done the Mine Tour first and then The Infinity Bridge....which was absolutely brilliant!
We were so lucky (not with the weather.....it rained but that's the Lake District for you) as no one but us had booked the 3pm slot.
We had Heather (who was really fun....plus an EXCELLENT photographer) as our guide and we just had the best, most fun, experience and got some great photos to remember it by."
Rosalie Sheppard
"Amazing place, visually stunning and really makes you rethink your position in life as well as the Uk as a whole. Tour guide was absolutely fantastic and can be forgiven for his football alliances. Well worth a visit, booking is a must!!"
Glenn Maguire
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Honister Slate Mine is located in Keswick, in the heart of the Lake District National Park. You can drive there via the scenic Honister Pass, which offers stunning views. Parking is available on-site for £5 all day.
Honister Pass is generally open year-round, but it can be subject to closures during severe weather conditions, especially in winter. It's always a good idea to check local traffic updates before your journey.
Public transport options to Honister Slate Mine are limited. While buses run to nearby towns like Keswick, reaching the mine directly often requires a taxi or a combination of bus and a significant walk.
The nearest major town is Keswick, which is about a 20-30 minute drive away. Smaller villages like Borrowdale are also in the vicinity.
The drive up Honister Pass is very scenic but can be challenging due to its narrowness and steep gradients. It's suitable for most vehicles, but drivers should be cautious and aware of other traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Adrenaline Pass typically includes the Infinity Bridge, Climb the Mine, and The Jump (free fall). Prices can vary, but expect it to be around £65-£75 per person. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Yes, booking tickets in advance is essential, especially for the popular activities like the Via Ferrata and Adrenaline Pass, as they often sell out.
Opening hours can vary depending on the season and specific activities. It's best to check the official Honister Slate Mine website for the most up-to-date information on operating times.
Yes, Honister Slate Mine offers various activities, including the Mine Tour, Infinity Bridge, Via Ferrata (Xtreme and Experience), and the Adrenaline Pass. You can book these individually or as a package.
You can visit the site and enjoy the views, and there's usually a cafe and shop. However, to participate in the main adventure activities, booking is required.
🎫 🧗 Onsite Experience
The Adrenaline Pass is a package of thrilling activities that typically includes the Infinity Bridge (Europe's longest high-wire bridge), Climb the Mine (an underground via ferrata), and The Jump (a 30-meter free fall). It's designed for maximum thrill!
The Via Ferrata Xtreme is an outdoor climbing route on Honister Crag, involving scrambling, Burma bridges, and sky ladders. It's a challenging and exhilarating experience for thrill-seekers.
Climb the Mine is an underground experience, so it doesn't involve heights in the same way as outdoor climbs. It's a great option for those who want an adventure but are wary of open-air heights.
Sturdy, closed-toe footwear with good grip is essential. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement. Waterproofs are highly recommended due to the unpredictable Lake District weather.
Yes, all the main adventure activities are led by experienced guides who ensure your safety and enhance your experience. They are known for being encouraging and professional.
📸 📸 Photography
The Infinity Bridge offers dramatic shots with vast valley views. The Via Ferrata Xtreme provides action shots on the crag. The mine tours offer unique underground perspectives.
Yes, you can take photos during most activities, but it's important to prioritize safety and follow your guide's instructions. Some guides are excellent photographers themselves!
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds. However, the dramatic landscapes of the Lake District are stunning in various weather conditions.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of other visitors and the safety requirements of the activities. Avoid obstructing guides or other participants.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. For action shots, a camera with good autofocus and burst mode is beneficial. A waterproof case for your phone or camera is advisable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For the more adventurous, the Climb the Mine activity offers an indoor via ferrata experience that can be thrilling for older kids and teenagers. The Infinity Bridge is also a popular choice, offering incredible views and a sense of accomplishment. Ensure you check age and height restrictions for specific activities when booking.
adrenaline Junkies
The Via Ferrata Xtreme is another top pick, offering a serious outdoor climbing challenge on the crags. With overhang descents, Burma bridges, and sky ladders, it’s designed to push your limits. Guides ensure safety, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the thrill.
History Buffs & Culture Seekers
Learning about the centuries of hard work and the unique challenges of extracting slate from the mountain offers a profound connection to the area's past. It’s a chance to appreciate the resilience and ingenuity of the people who shaped this landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill Seeker's Guide to Honister
For those who prefer to scale the heights, the Via Ferrata Xtreme offers an unparalleled outdoor climbing adventure on Honister Crag. This route involves scrambling, traversing iron ladders, and navigating Burma bridges, all while securely clipped to a safety cable. It's the only Via Ferrata of its kind in England and provides incredible views and a serious rush.
If you're looking for an underground thrill, Climb the Mine takes you deep into Fleetwith Pike, following the original miners' routes. This via ferrata-style experience involves navigating tunnels, crossing iron ladders, and feeling the history of the mine. It's a fantastic option for those who want an adventure without the extreme open-air heights.
Exploring the History of Honister Slate Mine
During the tour, you'll learn about the geological formation of the slate and the traditional methods used for extraction. It’s a chance to connect with the industrial past of the Lake District and understand the hard work that shaped the landscape. The guides often share personal anecdotes and historical facts, making the experience both educational and engaging.
Many visitors find the historical aspect as compelling as the adventure activities. Understanding the context of the mine adds another layer of appreciation to the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding fells. It’s a reminder of the human endeavor that has taken place in this dramatic landscape for generations.
Hiking and Views from Honister
From the summit of Fleetwith Pike, you're rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Buttermere, Crummock Water, and the surrounding fells. It's a classic Lake District view that many hikers seek out. The descent can be made back the same way or via alternative routes, offering varied scenery.
For those seeking a more challenging hike, Honister is also a gateway to routes like the Haystacks and High Stile ranges. The dramatic landscape and the sense of remoteness make hiking from Honister a truly memorable experience. Remember to check weather conditions and carry appropriate gear for any hike.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit