Let's Go 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.
Christmas is my favourite time of year, we all know that, but what is the best part of the Christmas countdown? For me it's got to be visiting Santa, and the children's joy and excitement.
So of course, as has become a yearly tradition, we donned our matching Christmas jumpers and visited Ho-Ho-Honister to see the big man in red. Read on to check out this year's better than ever Secret Underground Grotto deep in Fleetwood Pike.
Watch my video of our visit
If a picture is worth a thousand words, what is a video worth? Check out the reel I created of our visit to Ho-Ho-Honister's Santa's Secret Underground Grotto for 2025.
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
Kit out ready for the mines
Explore the winter wonderland mine shafts
Discover the themed caverns and discover the story of Christmas at Ho-Ho-Honister
While wandering the mines you'll get a chance to see:
Penguin Party
BONUS
Do you have an 8 year old like Pickle? They may have the chance to show how the mining was done back in the day!
Snowman Cavern
The Workshop
BONUS
If you're lucky you may get to spot one of Santa's elves hard at work.
Naughty Elf's (Messy) Bedroom
BONUS
Don't forget to keep an eye out for Naughty Elf himself! As well as being able to visit his messy bedroom, keep any eye out for him on the rest of the tour, especially on the Elf Playground (which nearly gave me a heart attack!)
Santa's Sleigh
Fog Bubbles
Santa's Secret Underground Grotto
P.S. Can you spot elf security on the door?
Visit the big man in red
Santa, St Nick, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas… whatever name your family uses, this is the highlight, the goal, the whole reason for visiting Ho-Ho-Honister. We've loved it every year, but this year was fabulous.
We got to spin to see if we were on the naughty or nice list (yes, even John and I!) and we were all nice!
Santa asked what the children would like (instead of what they want… I loved him using this vocabulary!) for Christmas.
The children each got a gift (which amazingly matched our matching Christmas jumpers!)
We got photos (and videos!) with the big man in red himself!
P.S. While you're waiting outside the grotto for your turn to visit with Santa, why not fill out a wish tag to hang on the wishing tree? Don't forget, elf wishes have to be for someone else, or they won't come true!
Tubing in the mines
Hot chocolate and donuts
Post a letter to Santa
Don't forget…
Elf and safety
Stay together and always supervised your children. Slate mines are one of the safest mine tours on earth, but you should always follow your elf guide and stick with your group. Got a slow family member? Don’t worry. Peanut was the slowest member of our group but we had an elf at the back with us and the group waited at each cavern so we could all experience the areas together.
Dress appropriately
Ho-Ho-Honister provide everyone with hard hats, but with Honister Pass being over 1000ft up, and Cumbrian weather super unpredictable it's key you remember to wrap up warm and wear sensible footwear. Always check the weather forecast, and wear suitable 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?
2025 entry to Santa's Secret Grotto costs £40 per person.
P.S. Under 1s go FREE!
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
Fabulous staff
Stunning location with breathtaking views
All safety gear provided (and transfer up the fellside to the mine entrance)
A guided tour through the mines
Mine shafts and caverns filled with festive lights
Fun meet and greet with Santa
A gift from Santa for all the children
Free photos of your visit with Santa - simply give your phone or camera to your elf tour guide or elf security
Tubing in the mines
Hot chocolate and donuts
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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It's 2023 and Belle, our Christmas elf has returned for another advent! Find her antics here.