Honister Slate Mine

Honister Slate Mine sits at the top of the dramatic Honister Pass in the heart of the Lake District, between Borrowdale and Buttermere. It is England’s last working slate mine, still producing the prized green Westmorland slate that has roofed Cumbrian buildings for centuries, and is one of the most distinctive visitor attractions in the National Park.

Guided mine tours lead visitors deep inside Fleetwith Pike to see the cathedral-like underground workings, hear the story of generations of miners and watch slate still being cut and split by hand. The site is also famous for its via ferrata routes, which use the old miners’ paths and fixed cables and ladders to traverse the cliff face above the pass, offering a serious dose of exposure and superb views down the valley.

Above ground, the visitor centre includes a shop selling slate gifts, a café, and viewpoints out over the surrounding fells. Honister Pass is on the Honister Rambler open-top bus route that links Keswick, Borrowdale and Buttermere in the summer months, making it a memorable car-free day out from Keswick.