Return to Ho-Ho-Honister | Santa's Secret Grotto
Disclaimer: This post is written in partnership with the lovely team at Honister. All review words and opinions are my own. All photos are copyright property of Me Becoming Mum.
Our Christmas countdown has officially begun. Our home is already becoming the ultimate Christmas grotto and we were invited back to Ho-Ho-Honister to visit the big man in red.
Read on to explore how Honister Slate Mine have created a bigger, better experience than ever, complete with everything you need to know about how to book your own visit to Santa there this year.
Watch my video of our visit
Want to see what it's like in more than just photos? Check out the reel I created of our visit to Ho-Ho-Honister's Santa's Secret Underground Grotto.
What's included in Ho'-Ho-Honister's Santa's Secret Grotto experience?
Once upon a time, in the heart of the Lake District, there existed a wondrous place hidden away from the bustling world, known only to the elves and magical creatures who dwelled there. It was here that Santa Claus chose to retreat during the chilly winter months, far from the eyes of the world.
Sign in with the elf on reception
The elf on reception was super lovely. She asked the children to guess how old she was and told them she's over 400 years old (doesn’t she look good!). We got signed in and the children were given their quizzed, ready to complete for the competition to win the giant elf, that she rightly pointed out is even bigger than Munchkin.
Kit out ready for the mines
Once we had signed in, it was time to head down the hall to meet our tour guide elf. This year we met Snowy, who made the ‘Elf and Safety’ talk fun, reminding the tallies to watch their heads, and the smallies to watch their step. Once we were all fitted for hard hats, the team drove us up to the mine, and the real adventure began.
Explore the winter wonderland mine shafts
Walking into the entrance of the mine, you're immediately transported into Ho-Ho-Honister's winter wonderland. The first answer on the quiz can be found just inside, and as you move on through the mine, tunnels and pathways are lit with Christmas lights, caverns are filled with Christmas characters, and Christmas music is played throughout. The atmosphere was amazing, and the Christmas joy could be seen on all the children’s faces.
Post a letter to Santa
Just beyond the entrance to the mine is a beautiful Christmas tree and Santa's post box. Don't forget to bring your Christmas lists and letters to Santa to post to the big man in red!
Discover the story of Christmas at Ho-Ho-Honister
Each cavern you visit has a theme, and a story. Discover the characters that make up the story of Ho-Ho-Honister, with fun and history thrown in for good measure. The main areas you visit include:
Snowman Cavern
The Workshop
Penguin Party
Keep an eye out for Naughty Elf
This year the Naughty Elf was back and cheekier than ever. He made Santa late for work by stealing his pants, and tinkered with the slay causing it to puff out smoke and steer the wrong way. The children thought he was hilarious, and it was a great way to engage the children with a bit of fun and excitement as they kept an eye out for him throughout the winter wonderland tour.
Visit the big man in red
Meeting Santa at Christmas is always a highlight of the festive season for our family, and the Secret Underground Grotto at Ho-Ho-Honister is one of the best we have visited in all the years we’ve visited (which is over a decade now!) I love the set-up and design, there is enough space even for a family as big as ours, and Santa is so lovely, remembering everyone’s names and taking time to speak to each of the children.
P.S. While you wait for the other members of your tour group to have their visit with Santa, why not fill out a wish tag to hang on the wishing tree? Don't forget, the wish has to be for someone else, or it won't come true!
The elf canteen
Once we visited Santa, is was time to head to the elf canteen, set up below Santa's garden. We had time to enjoy a drink, and a snack, hang the wishes on the tree, and ensure our children had completed their Christmas quiz.
Plenty of places for lovely photos
From the beautifully lit caverns to the snowman photo cutout board, there are so many places to stop, enjoy the festive cheer, and take lots of photos. Whether I write a blog or not, photo are always a perfect way to remind my family and me of the wonderful memories we make together; including our Christmas adventure at Ho-Ho-Honister.
Post the quizzes (and maybe go shopping!)
Once the quizzes are complete, and we'd popped our email onto the bottom with the children's names, it was time to post them for the elves to collect. Plus, it gave us a great chance to have a wander through the shop and check out the slate items and more for sale.
Don't forget…
Elf and safety
Always stay with your group and keep children supervised. Slate mines may be one of the safest mine tours on earth, but you can’t just head off on your own. Got a slow family member? Don’t panic. Peanut did an amazing job of trying to walk the mines, but progress was slow. Snowy made sure to stop to allow us to catch up, and check in on us as we made our way through the mines.
Dress appropriately
Ho-Ho-Honister will provide the hard hats, but it's important you remember to wrap up warm and wear sensible footwear. Honister Pass is over 1000ft up, and Cumbrian weather can be unpredictable at best. Make sure you check the weather forecast, and wear warm clothing and coats accordingly.
FAQs about visiting Ho-Ho-Honister
What is Ho-Ho-Honister?
For over 400 years, Honister Slate Mine has had its 450 million year old Westmorland Green slate mined, but that's not all. Located in the heart of the stunning Lake District, Honister now offers a range of activities including mine tours, via ferrata, and the Infinity Bridge…. And back again for 2024, Christmas! This comes in the form of their temporary renaming, Ho-Ho-Honister and of course Santa's Secret Underground Grotto.
How do I find Ho-Ho-Honister?
Honister Slate Mine is located on Honister Pass. The gradient is on average 10% so be sure your car is up to the task before heading up.
To find the car park, use this post code: CA12 5XN
Parking is free for anyone using the café, shop, or booked on any of the Honister activities. Don't forget to get a parking pass when you speak to the elf in the shop.
How much does Santa's Secret Underground Grotto cost?
2024 entry to Santa's Secret Grotto costs:
Up to 14th December: £25 per person
15th - 23rd December: £35 per person
Christmas Eve: £45 per person
Is Ho-Ho-Honister's Santa's Secret Grotto worth the money?
We think so! There are so many things that make a visit to Ho-Ho-Honister worthwhile and value for money including:
No queues
Free parking
Exploring the mine
A magical winter wonderland with all the Christmas lights
The visit with Santa including a gift for all the children
Free photos of your visit with Santa - simply give your phone or camera to your elf tour guide
Hot drinks and biscuits
A quiz competition
What happens if it rains?
It just makes it all the more exciting! It was absolutely pelting down when we visited last year, but it was just as amazing. Let's be honest, what child won't enjoy running through waterfalls and jumping in puddles in the tunnels?
Is there anywhere to eat?
Fancy a brew? Or maybe a homemade snack? Ho-Ho-Honister has a small café with indoor seating just inside the entrance. If you're feeling brave and the weather holds out, there are also picnic benches outaide where you can enjoy refreshments.
Are there facilities available?
Honister Slate Mine offers facilities for all, including an accessible toilet and changing facilities adjacent to the café. However, Santa's Secret Underground Grotto is in the mine, and there are no facilities available. The whole experience lasts around 1.5 hours, so don't forget to remind your littles to use the bathroom before you go!
I am so grateful to Honister for inviting us back this year, and for the opportunity to explore their improvements and exciting changes to the Ho-Ho-Honister Santa's Secret Underground Grotto experience this year. I hope you've enjoyed seeing what we got up to, and are able to book in to enjoy this amazing place with your family, too.
Wishing you and yours a very happy Christmas from all of us!
For more posts about Christmas, visit the Christmas category page or for blog posts about exploring the beautiful outdoor spaces the Lake District has to offer, check out my days out and travel blog.
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