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
(2011 times)
For the Discovery Centre:
Summer 10.00am - 5.00pm
Winter 10.00am - 4.00pm

Open every day except Christmas Day.

Admission Charges
(2011 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

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