Where to Visit - Honister Slate Mine
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At the highest point of Honister Pass, between Buttermere and Borrowdale, Honister Slate Mine is the ideal place for a day out. Catering for all age groups, the mine is a link between past and present.
Re-opened in 1996, Honister is the only working slate mine in England. The old skills of riving and dressing the beautiful green slate are once again being used to produce not only the roofing slates which adorn Buckingham Palace but also items for the house and garden.
You can venture on a one and a half hour underground tour and watch demonstations of slate riving. Or you can relax with tea or coffee and absorb the atmosphere in the Visitor Centre. Winter and summer the workshop operations can be viewed from the Centre and the history of the mine is shown on information boards.
House signs can be made while you wait and slate products in the Centre ranging from place mats to clocks and wine racks provide unusual gifts. The Slate Garden displays water features, slate benches, paving and planters.
Contact Details ;
Telephone : 017687 77230
Email : info@honister.com
Web Site : www.honister.com
Address :
Honister Slate Mine
Honister Pass
Borrowdale
Cumbria
CA12 5XN
Opening Times ;
Honister Slate Mine is open every day of the week, all year round. Entry to the Visitor Centre is free.
Mine tours leave at 10.30, 12.30 and 3.30 and can be booked in advance.
OPENING TIMES
Mon-Fri 09.00 - 17.00
Sat-Sun 09.00 - 17.00
Visitor Prices ;
Free entry to visitors' centre
Mine Tours
£9.75 Adult ticket
£4.75Child ticket
£27.00 Family ticket
(2 adults + 2 children)
Bookings essential at busy periods
Via Ferrata Classic
£25.00 per adult
£20.00 per child
Via Ferrata Zip
£35.00 per adult
£25.00 per child
Visitor Directions ;
From Keswick - 9 miles
Take B5289 through Borrowdale and Rosthwaite
From Cockermouth - 14 miles
Take B5292 to Keswick after four miles turn right onto B5289 through Low Lorton and Buttermere.
The slate workings are located either side of the Honister Pass, between Borrowdale and Buttermere (NGR NY 220 130). Many visitors will arrive at Honister on foot and will pass through the site on the various public footpaths.