Visiting Us

All you need to know about finding us and what to expect when you get here.

Visit Us

Opening Hours

Free of charge, open access to the site all year round. The Discovery Centre including the café and Rock Shop are open everyday except Christmas Day from 10am to 4pm.

Modest car parking charges apply which helps to maintain the site.

Accessibility

Disabled parking; changing and toilets.

To access these turn left at the bottom of the drive and go under the stone archway and continue down the drive to park outside the National Stone Centre building. 

Site trails follow natural contours. The main path around the site has a flat surface, but certain areas may be difficult to navigate due to natural conditions.

The National Stone Centre is private land open to the public to enjoy for recreational purposes. When on-site follow the signposted guidance and advice provided. 

Finding Us

 

Porter Lane, Wirksworth, Derbyshire DE4 4LS

what3words coordinates: ///advantage.harnessed.doing

After turning off Porter Lane onto the drive to the entrance of the National Stone Centre, continue down to the bottom of the drive, then bear right into the car park on the righthand side.

Once parked, walk back towards the bottom of the driveway and walk along the pathway to the right by the parking machine and follow it under the stone bridge and continue down to the National Stone Centre at the bottom of the drive. For your safety the pathway continues away from the road after the bridge, past a large rock and takes you in front of the geosteps. Continue round to the front of the building on the right.

By Car - The National Stone Centre is on the B5035 Cromford-Carsington road.

(If you're using Sat Nav please put in National Stone Centre before the postcode DE4 4LS)

By Bus - Derby to Bakewell route (via Wirksworth), (Trent Barton Buses 6.1)

By Train - Cromford Station (1.5 miles) Derby to Matlock line (East Midlands Trains)

By High Peak Trail - the trail runs through the National Stone Centre site (High Peak Trail)

There is ample parking space for car and coaches providing access to the National Stone Centre.

Schools on a booked visit to us, don’t need to pay for coach or car parking.

For all other visitors our car parking meter takes contactless payment only. Fees apply

Facilities

Outdoor and indoor activities for visitors to enjoy:

OUTDOOR SITE TRAILS

Wooden signpost with footpath and geo-trails written on it pointing towards a pathway.

Self-guided trails that follow geological, ecological, industrial heritage or sculptural features of interest.

Geology: the land was formed 330 million years ago in warm, shallow waters which means there are fossilised crinoids and brachiopods.

Ecology: the landscape is dominated by woodland with plants that thrive in land that has formerly been quarried.

Industrial Heritage: stone and mineral extraction are amongst the oldest known industries and this site has lime kilns, railway tracks, workers cottages and mine shafts.

Sculpture: in 2003-2005, sculptor Denis O’Connor was commissioned to produce 3 limestone towers by Wirksworth Arts Festival to reflect the industry across the region.

MILLENNIUM WALL

Tall, round podium with a sign indicates the start of the Millennium Wall which is a demonstration of different dry stone walling techniques.

A collection of stone walls that showcase how these countryside features add to the unique character of a region according to the local stone available.

GEOSTEPS

Geo-steps are 10 risers made with ascending age of stones to create a unique amphitheatre or performance area.

A special auditorium and performance arena - the ten risers represent the transition of rock ages in ascending order.

THE DISCOVERY CENTRE

Head here for toilets, the cafe, Rock Shop and visitor experience. Free wi-fi available.

CAFÉ

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Friendly staff prepare fresh hot and cold food with locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy coffee and specialty teas that provide the best views in the area from the terrace.

ROCK SHOP

Collection of ammonite fossils available for sale in the Rock Shop at the NSC.

Rocks, minerals, crystals, fossils, attractive jewellery from all over the World and local specialities - gifts from pocket money prices upwards – books, maps, guides, prints also available.