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 notice

Please note that due to the Gateway Theatre Co. production today (1st August) and tomorrow (2nd August):

  • Food service will end at 2:00 PM
  • Takeaway drinks and cakes available from 2:30 PM (to be consumed outside only)
  • Café and Shop will close at 3:00 PM

We appreciate your understanding.

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.

Six Poster (Facebook Cover)

SIX The Musical: Teen Edition: 1st & 2nd August 2025

The Gatepost Theatre Company presents SIX The Musical: Teen Edition, hosted at the National Stone Centre.

Join us for two performances of the production on the Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd of August 2025.

To book your tickets, please visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/gateposttheatrecompany

 

Summer Family Workshops - Event listing-1

Summer Family Workshops: 5th & 7th August 2025

Join Wild Roots Creative at the NSC for a variety of interactive workshops for all the family.

Tuesday 5th August 

Willow Weaving Taster: 11am - 12pm

Try your hand at willow weaving and make two lovely things to take home.

Pyrography Taster Session: 1 - 2pm

Design and decorate a coaster or bookmark using pyrography (ages 11+)

Thursday 7th August

Plaster Casting: 11am - 12pm

Using clay and plaster of paris we'll create a fantastic plaster piece to take home.

Sun Printing: 1 - 2pm

Come and have a go at cyanotype printing a fascinating photography process.

View full poster here
Fossil Trail tours - Event listing (1)

Summer Family Fossil Trails (Various dates)

Come and join one of our Summer Family Fossil Trails at The National Stone Centre.
Each tour starts at 11.00am and finishes 2.00pm (on the hour)

Available dates
  • 30th July & 1st August
  • 4th/6th/8th August
  • 18th/20th/22nd August
  • 25th/27th/29th August
  • 1st/3rd September

Tickets are £3 per adult. Children are free.
Under 16s must be accompanied.

Maximum 15 per group.

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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Volunteering

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

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