Inspiring people to engage with Geology and the history of Stone

Discover a world of geology that has been 330 million years in the making

Ever wanted to try your hand at traditional stone crafts? Stone Carving and Dry Stone Walling courses available here - see below

Welcome to the National Stone Centre

Run by a small group of volunteers and set within six former limestone quarries in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales, on the edge of the Peak District National Park, and close to the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, the National Stone Centre (NSC) is a 40 acre Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), for its geological formations, offering outdoor and indoor activities for all.

• Outdoor fossil trails around our free to access site
• Visitor Centre with shop, café and “Building Britain” Exhibition
• Geo walks and picnic areas
• Childrens play area

Dry Stone Walling

The National Stone Centre continues to hold the very popular introductory course on dry stone walling.

Held over a weekend, the course covers the basic skills of dry stone walling with a section on stone sourcing as well as a guided trail along the Millennium Wall.

This course also provides the basic skills required for the more advanced Stone Features for Improvers course.

We also run introductory traditional Stone Carving courses.

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Stone Carving

Try your skills at stone sculpturing with our Stone Carving Course.

The stone carving course is one of our most popular courses so it's wise to book early.

Our friendly stone carving tutor Mark Eaton is a highly experienced Stone Mason and Master Craftsman who really enjoys passing on his skills and knowledge to others.

You will get to choose the item to carve (within reason of course!) and take the finished carving home with you.

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Latest News

Non-visitor related activities at the National Stone Centre...

23/03/2020

...such as mail order of items - including books & maps etc. - as well as our technical advisory services

Discovery Centre is now temporarily CLOSED...

23/03/2020

...including our Exhibition, Rock Shop (gem panning too) and the Blue Lagoon Café

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