A site 330 million years in the making...

We are the
National Stone Centre

An educational family day out exploring the wonders of geology and how the world around was formed.

 
Visit Us
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.

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.

WPD Litter Pick Banner

Let's Clean Up the NSC!: Tuesday 30th June

Join the team from White Peak Distillery for a site litter pick at the NSC on Tuesday 30th June from 5.30pm - 7.30pm.

You could earn yourself a share of the community cask! *Terms and conditions apply

There will also be a 25% discount on drinks and cakes in the Quarry Cafe.

Everyone welcome!

View full poster

A Stone Tape Evening - Event listing

Richard Felix: A Stone Ghost Tape Evening

The talk will focus on Richard’s theory that stone, due to its silica content, may have the capacity to retain recordings of past events or “ghostly” impressions.

Richard is the owner of Derby Gaol and is well known for leading organised ghost walks. He is also a respected local historian who has contributed regularly to the Derby Telegraph and has taken part in numerous paranormal investigations.

His “stone tape” theory is currently attracting growing interest across a range of disciplines.

Further information about Richard can be found on his website: www.richardfelix.xo.uk.

Book tickets 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. 
Read More
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.
Read More
NSC is a popular venue for school visits web page image-1

School Visits

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

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

Help Us