The National Stone Centre

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.

Visit Us

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 find out more information about each event, click the '+' or anywhere on the event listing tile.

Easter Activities: 30th March, 1st, 3rd, 6th, 8th & 10th April

Morning sessions of geology and
nature based crafts and activities

• 30th March, 1st April & 3rd April 10.00 - 12.00

• 6 April, 8 April & 10 April 10.00 - 12.00

£5.00 per child / £8.00 including gem panning

Family fossil trails

• 30th March - 6th April, 8th and 10th April, 12.30, 13.30 & 14.30 (Hourly from the Rock Shop)

Children free / £3.50 per adult

And much more including:

• Easter Egg Hunt
• Spotters Trail
• Easter Activity Packs
• Colouring Competition
• Gem Panning

Come and join the fun!

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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.

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.

School Visits

We're proud to offer a variety of engaging and interactive educational activities for students and children.

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.

A site 330 million years in the making