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

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.

To view our schedule of planned events, click here.

Fossil Trail tours - Event listing (1)

Fossil Trail Tours: 24th - 30th May

Do you love fossils?

Come and join one of our Family Fossil Trails at the National Stone Centre.

11:00am - 2:00pm (on the hour)

£3.00 per adult

Children go free, under 16's must be accompanied by an adult.

Maximum of 15 per group.

View the full poster here

Christmas Fossil tours - Event listing (4)

Derbyshire Open Arts 2025

Join us all Bank Hoilday Weekend to celebrate Derbyshire Open Arts 2025!

View the full poster here

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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