Honister Slate Mine

Honister Slate Mine sits high on Honister Pass above Borrowdale and is presented by its operator as England's last working slate mine. Families can take a guided underground tour through the old workings, watch craftspeople split and shape green slate in the visitor centre, and browse the shop for slate souvenirs. Older children and teenagers can go further with activities such as the Via Ferrata climbing routes, a climb inside the mine and zip-wire flights across the valley, most of which carry minimum ages. There is a cafe on site, a shop with a gallery of slate products, and a kids' party offer. Activities take place on uneven mountain and cave terrain, so the site suits active families with sturdy footwear and waterproofs more than visitors with limited mobility. The visitor centre itself is mostly level and has an accessible toilet.