National Stone Centre

Admission to our dramatic fifty acre site, on the edge of the Peak District National Park, revealing a fossil tropical seascape 330 million years old, is free.

The site is steeped in industrial history with over 120 lead mine shafts, six quarries, four lime kilns and both Ecclesbourne Valley Railway and Steeple Grange Light Railway adjacent to our site.

Visit the Discovery Centre to see the Story of Stone exhibition detailing the history of stone from the Earths' origin to the present day. Refreshments are available in the cafe and marvel at the fossils and stones in the rock and mineral shop.

Activities for the public include self-guided trails, gem panning and fossil rubbing and, for groups by appointment, guided trails, fossil casting, quarry visits, rocks, minerals and soils.

We specialise in hosting educational visits suitable for primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and universities. The centre also runs weekend dry stone walling courses and stone carving courses. Please contact the National Stone Centre office for details of educational visits and dry stone walling and stone carving courses.

See the Millennium Wall, a unique outdoor exhibit of dry stone walling from around Great Britain. The eighteen sections form a continuous wall demonstrating the variety of stone and building techniques used.

The site is suitable for children aged 5 years and upwards.
Disabled facilities are available. Certain parts of the on-site and off-site trails (which follow natural contours) may not be fully accessible at all times.

Dogs on leads are allowed on site.
Opening Times
(2009 times)
For the Discovery Centre:
Summer 10.00am - 5.00pm
Winter 10.00am - 4.00pm

Open every day except Christmas Day.

Admission Charges
(2009 prices)
Access to the site and parking is free.

Story of Stone exhibition:
Adults £1.80, Children £0.90, Concessions £1.20

Directions
By Car:
B5035 (Cromford-Carsington road south of Matlock).

By Bus:
Regular services to Derby, Matlock, Bakewell, Ashbourne.

By Train:
To Cromford or Matlock Bath Station.

Special Parking for disabled visitors gives ready access to the Discovery Building and activity area.

Coach Parties welcome.
Show map of National Stone Centre...

National Stone Centre Postcode for SatNav: DE4 4LS

Nearby Attractions
Wirksworth Heritage Centre (1 Mile)*
The Story of Wirksworth encompasses the history of the town from prehistoric times to the modern day.
Gullivers Kingdom Matlock Bath (2 Miles)*
From the moment you enter Gulliver's you enter another world where your imagination can roam free. Gulliver's Matlock Bath is nestled in a stunning hillside location where much of the magic comes from the amazing scenery and views.
Heights of Abraham Cable Cars Caverns and Country Park (2 Miles)*
The Heights of Abraham is a unique Hilltop Park set on top of a dramatic limestone gorge, amid great natural Beauty. Access is via a Cable Car ride from the valley floor.
more nearby attractions...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Hotels
New Bath Hotel (2 Miles)*
The New Bath Hotel, a Brook Hotel, is a Regency styled hotel which was built in 1802 and is set in 5 acres of grounds, overlooking the breathtaking Derwent Gorge.
Riber Hall Hotel (3 Miles)*
With wonderful walks on its doorstep, this historic country manor house is just 15 minutes from Chatsworth House. In an idyllic location, the hotel boasts a restaurant where you can enjoy memorable cuisine and an impressive wine list.
Whitworth Park Hotel (5 Miles)*
The Whitworth Park Hotel is ideally placed to visit the Peak District's many attractions.This grade 2 listed building has been fully refurbished.
more nearby hotels...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Self Catering
Marmadukes Holiday Cottage (1 Mile)*
Welcome to The Coach House by Marmadukes, the short break specialists. Originally built for the 18th Century Industrialist Sir Richard Arkwright, the Coach House is today a stunning self catering property.
Derwent House (3 Miles)*
Derwent House, luxury self catering holiday accommodation, with 6 bedrooms in Matlock, Derbyshire. Sleeps 12 guests in comfort, ideal for large groups and family holidays. Derwent House is an elegant grade II listed Georgian Home.
Clipshead Farm Cottage (3 Miles)*
Clipshead Farm Cottage is a contemporary idylic barn conversion located in the historic village of Brassington in the Derbyshire Peak District. Clipshead Farm cottage sleeps up to 4 guests and is finished to a high Standard.
Your property could be here
Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
more nearby self catering...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Popular Pages

Tourist Information Centres | Estate Agents

Holiday Cottages in England | Holiday Cottages in Scotland

Alton Towers Hotels | Blackpool Hotels | Travel Lodge | Cardiff Hotels

Brighton Hotels | Marriot Hotels | Newcastle Hotels | Bournemouth Hotels

 Copyright © 1999-2009 Excelsior Information Systems Limited. All rights reserved.
Press Room  Terms of Use  Privacy  Link to Us  Self-Catering Advertising  Index  Site Map