A site 330 million years in the making

The National Stone Centre

A site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its geological wonders, the Stone Centre tells the story of stone. Its importance to our everyday lives and the allied industries it supports.

 
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About Us

Important Information

Monday 6th January to Friday 10th January

On these dates our food service will be limited to:

  • Cakes
  • Homemeade Soup
  • Sausage Rolls/Pasties
  • Toast/Teacakes
  • Bacon Cobs
     

We look forward to welcoming you and apologise for any inconvenience.

_____________________________________

Please note that with effect from Sunday 10th November & Monday 11th November, and on every Monday and Thursday going forward, our food service will be limited to:

  • Hot/cold drinks
  • Cakes
  • Homemade soup
  • Sausage rolls/pasties
  • Pre-packed sandwiches
  • Toast/teacakes
This arrangement will continue until further notice and is subject to change. We look forward to welcoming you and apologise for any inconvenience.

 

Visiting Us

What you can expect

Just 30 minutes north of Derby in the Derbyshire Dales, on the edge of the Peak District and easily accessible from the High Peak trail.

The National Stone Centre is a 40-acre site of natural landscape to explore. Open all year round and free to access.

Activities for the family include geo-trails to find fossils, gem-panning and a children's playground.

There is an onsite cafe for welcome refreshments and a Rock Shop with interesting objects that can be purchased as a memento of your visit.

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What's on at the NSC

There is always a warm welcome at the NSC. Keep an eye out for upcoming events, activities and special promotions.

Schools, Groups and Services

National Stone Centre - Exhibition (NSC)-22-1

Meetings and Events

Groups looking for a unique place to meet can hire space for meetings or other events. Onsite catering can be provided and experiences tailored to your needs. 
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Close up image of small stone chippings.

Stone Matching

From planning an extension in a conservation area through to restoring a scheduled ancient monument, we can identify and match the most appropriate stone.
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NSC is a popular venue for school visits web page image-1

School Visits

For schools looking for a structured outdoor learning experience, we can provide learning support in science subjects for key stage 1 and 2 pupils.
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A dry stone wall.

Craft Courses

For those looking to expand their interest in stone as a material, we offer regular courses in Dry Stone Walling and Stone Carving. Both are ideal for beginners.
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Latest news

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Historic Mary Anning Maquette Arrives in Derbyshire
National Stone Centre
National Stone Centre
The Mary Anning maquette has arrived in Derbyshire as part of a national museum tour around the country.
National Stone Centre
National Stone Centre
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An immersive work experience for local geology students
National Stone Centre
National Stone Centre
Students from Highfields School in Matlock, Derbyshire recently saw the subject of geology brought to life through a week of work experience hosted by the National Stone Centre ...
National Stone Centre
National Stone Centre
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New team takes shape at the National Stone Centre
National Stone Centre
National Stone Centre
National Stone Centre
National Stone Centre
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Enjoy Traditional Treats for King’s Coronation at The National Stone Centre
National Stone Centre
National Stone Centre
Visitors to the National Stone Centre (NSC) in Wirksworth, Derbyshire, will be able to celebrate the King’s Coronation with a classically English afternoon tea, served all day on ...
National Stone Centre
National Stone Centre
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Upcoming talk about geologists and Derbyshire miners
National Stone Centre
National Stone Centre
Peak District Mining Museum will be hosting a guest lecture from a PhD student, Josh Hillman of Leeds Uni, on the 2nd May 2023.
National Stone Centre
National Stone Centre
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Major sponsorship to boost visitor learning experience at the NSC
National Stone Centre
National Stone Centre
Major Derbyshire Dales employer Longcliffe Quarries Ltd has joined forces with the National Stone Centre (NSC) in Wirksworth to highlight career opportunities in the quarrying ...
National Stone Centre
National Stone Centre
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Volunteering

The Stone Centre is a charity and dependent on a team of passionate volunteers and public donations. 

Help Us