A site 330 million years in the making...

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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.

A Stone Tape Evening - Event listing

Richard Felix - A Stone Ghost Tape Evening: 31st July

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

Fossil Trails 2026 Web Banner

Family Fossil Trails: 27th July - 4th September (Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday)

Each week of the summer holidays every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

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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Craft Activities 2026 Web Banner

Summer Craft Activities for Children: 27th July - 4th September (Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday)

Come and join us for geology and wildlife crafts with Volunteer Viv and Ranger Beth.

The craft sessions run every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from the 27th July - 4th September from 10am - 12pm.

Tickets are available in the Rock Shop.

Please purchase your ticket before taking part.

Craft Activities - £5.00 per child

Craft Activities plus Gem Panning - £8.00 per child

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View timetable

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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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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Group of people sat on wide steps at different levels smiling for the camera.

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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