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Santa's Secret Grotto at Honister
Borrowdale, Cumbria
Magical underground journey to meet Santa Claus.
About
Embark on a truly magical Christmas adventure deep within the Lake District's Honister Slate Mine. Led by Santa's Chief Elf, this unique experience takes families on a journey through magically lit underground tunnels to discover the elves' workshop and Santa's sleigh. The highlight is a special meeting with Santa Claus in a hidden cavern, where each child receives a gift. For 2025, a thrilling underground sledging finale awaits!
Our Take
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Magical, adventurous, festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Mid-Range
Photo Friendly
Moderate (check specific rules inside)
Weather Sensitivity
Low (mostly indoors)
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.
Location
Event Details
Pricing
Kids & Adults: Β£40, Under 1's: FREE
Duration
1.15-2 hours
Ages
All ages
Schedule
15th November - 23rd December 2025
Organizer
Honister
Practical Information
Parking
Customer Parking: Β£5.00 per day per vehicle, tickets are available from the Shop. Overnight parking is available for Β£15 per night, cars, vans & motor-homes all welcome. Please note we cannot accept tents and no facilities are available through the night. There is no drinking water available except for in the cafe to purchase.
Accessibility
Accessibility Information can be found at https://honister.com/about-honister/access-statement/
Pet Policy
No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Food & Drink
Festive drink and snack included; The Bait Cabin Cafe open daily; Festive dining available at The Yew Tree pub.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Book tickets well in advance, as this unique underground Santa experience is highly popular and sells out quickly.
- Dress warmly in layers, as the underground environment can be cooler than the outside temperature, even with the festive atmosphere.
- Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear suitable for walking on uneven surfaces within the mine.
- Consider arriving early to enjoy the scenic drive up Honister Pass and explore the mine's surroundings before your grotto experience.
- Take advantage of the on-site parking, which is free for those booked on activities, but remember to obtain a ticket from the slate shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Santa's Secret Grotto experience?
A fully guided festive journey to Santaβs secret underground grotto, post your letter to Santa, a special gift for every child, festive drink & snack, reindeer food for Christmas Eve, and a sledging finale.
What is the duration of the experience?
The magical journey lasts between 1.15 and 2 hours.
What are the prices for Santa's Secret Grotto?
Under 1's are FREE, Kids & Adults are Β£40. A 10% Family Discount is applied.
When is Santa's Secret Grotto available?
From 15th November to 23rd December 2025.
Where is Santa's Secret Grotto located?
Deep inside Honister Slate Mine, in the heart of the Lake District.