About us

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

Telling the story of stone

The National Stone Centre is a 40-acre site on the edge of the Peak District featuring 330 million-year-old geological formations. These geological features mean that it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

It is an educational charity that seeks to engage and inform visitors about the importance and history of stone and its allied industries.

In 2021, the National Stone Centre was acquired by the Institute of Quarrying and is supported by the organisation, who's headquarters are based on site. Further information can be found here: www.quarrying.org

 

Volunteer led

The success of the National Stone Centre is heavily dependent upon volunteers in a number of roles including site maintenance, conservation, supporting events, guiding walks, working in the Rock Shop, and curating exhibitions. 

If you are looking to develop your own skills, meet new people or support your local community please email nsc@nationalstonecentre.org.uk or call 01629 824833 to find out more.

Make a donation

As a charity, we depend on donations from the public. We use this money to reinvest in the site, improving the facilities for everyone. If you can, please support us in our work by making a donation today.

What's on site

Outdoor and indoor places of interest and activities for visitors to enjoy across the National Stone Centre site.

Whatever the weather, there's always something to explore...

NSC Geotrail

Outdoor Site Trails

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

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

Millenium Wall

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.

NSC Geosteps

Geosteps

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

Centre 1 (1)

Discovery Centre

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

Meet the team.

2

Anna
- Operations Manager

Fun Fact: When Anna is not looking after the centre, she is also a Reiki Practitioner and Crystal Therapist.
1

Martin
- Commercial Manager

Fun Fact: When Martin is not doing all things NSC, he loves to write, play the guitar and eat all things Indian food, the hotter and spicier the better!
NSC Staff (3)

Joe
- Team Leader

Fun Fact: As well as being our Cafe Team Leader, Joe is also a secret limbo dancing champion.
6

Alyssia
- Cook & Barista

Fun Fact: Cooking delicious food is one of Alyssia’s strengths but she is also our very own NSC Forensic Scientist.
4

Alice
- Barista

Fun Fact: Along with being a brilliant all rounder in the café, Alice can tie a falconer’s knot in under 5 seconds!
9

Monty
- Barista

Fun Fact: Monty is our resident Christiano Ronaldo…or so he thinks…
5

Emily
- Barista

Fun Fact: As well as being a very fast worker, Emily has a love for chickens but does not like eating them!
NSC Staff (1)

Beth
- Ranger

Fun Fact: Beth has a love for cats, rats and animals in general. She even volunteered at a wildlife hospital for 3 years.
7

Sophie
- Cook & Barista

Fun fact: Along with making homemade yummy soup for the cafe, Sophie is very passionate about her dogs and has won several trophies in Husky racing.
Charlotte - NSC Staff

Charlotte
- Barista

Fun Fact: Charlotte is studying to be a lawyer and keeps us all in check. Charlotte’s food obsession at work is sausage cobs!

Visit Us

Opening Hours

The Discovery Centre, Quarry Café and Rock Shop are open year-round except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The centre is currently open from 10.00am until 4.00pm.

The cafe time are as follows:

Our current café times are:

• Food from the menu served 10.00am - 2.45pm
• Drinks, cakes and snacks only from 2.45pm – 4.00pm
• Takeaway service only will apply from 3.30pm until closing
• Centre closure at 4.00pm

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

 

We are located at 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)

On site Parking

 

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