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.

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

World Soil Day Banner

World Soil Day: Saturday 5th December

Come and join us on Saturday 5th December to discover Soil Super Heroes in the ground beneath your feet.

Get your hands dirty and see what you discover on a soil safari trail.

Activities run 10am to 3pm in our marquee and are FREE to join.

Suitable for all ages.

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Family Christmas Decoration Workshops Banner

Family Christmas Decoration Workshops: 12th & 13th December

Fun festive making sessions for all the family.

Create a rustic wreath or festive themed wall hanging. All natural materials will be provided.

A price of £15 for the whole family for one creation and only £10 for each additional item.

Come together this Christmas and create something truly special.

Booking is strongly advised, call us today.

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Friday Fossil Trails Web Banner

Family Fossil Trails: Every Friday

Come and join one of our insightful and educational family fossil trails!

The trails will be held every Friday at 11:00am and 12:00pm.

Please meet at the Rock Shop within the Discovery Centre.

Led by Viv Smith, NSC Volunteer who holds wealth of knowledge and insights into the natural geology of the site as you explore the trail and its viewpoints.

Trails leave hourly from the Rock Shop.

Children go free
£4.00 per adult

Under 16s must be accompanied
Maximum 15 per group

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Schools, Groups and Services

Marquee Hire

Marquee Hire

Our on-site marquee is available to hire for a wide range of occasions, including birthday parties, group bookings of up to 40 people, wakes, workshops, and walking or cycling groups.

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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.
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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. 

We're always on the lookout for volunteers to help in the following areas:

• Grounds maintenance
• School visits
• Rock Shop cashier
• Events support

If you feel like you could help in any of these areas, please get in touch with us today.

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