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

NEW! - Extra Dry Stone Walling course...

25/08/2020

...for Beginners

Rock Shop & Gem Panning...

24/07/2020

...are now open EVERY DAY! - 7 days a week!

National Stone Centre

Inspiring people to engage with Geology and the history of Stone