Visiting 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 spectacular site made up of 6 former limestone quarries. What has been created after years of dormancy is a unique environment to explore the natural landscape as well as our industrial heritage.

Operated as an educational charity, the site seeks to engage and inform visitors about the importance and history of stone and its allied industries.

Visiting 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 10:00am. Modest car parking charges apply which helps to maintain the site.

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.

STORY OF STONE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Discover how stone is formed and it’s different uses. Explore the industrial heritage and modern techniques of how stone is extracted and processed, and the many ways the materials produced support our everyday lives. Free for all visitors to the NSC to explore.

Accessibility

Disabled parking; changing and toilets.

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*

*Please note, if using a sat nav, enter National Stone Centre as some sat navs can be misleading.

what3words coordinates: ///advantage.harnessed.doing

ROAD: Entrance on B5035 Cromford to Carsington

WALKING OR RIDING: High Peak Trail runs across the NSC Site; plus many local paths