Gem Rock Museum

About the museum

The Gem Rock Museum in Creetown grew from a private passion for minerals into one of the largest collections of gemstones, crystals, rocks and fossils in Britain. It has been owned and run by the Stephenson family, and Wikidata gives 1971 as the year the museum was founded.

Visitors walk through exhibition halls where minerals from many parts of the world are displayed, including a walk-through Crystal Cave and the Professor's Study, where an audio-visual presentation explains how minerals form and what they are. A tearoom and a gift shop are part of the visit, and the museum also sells specimens through an online shop.

The owners announced that they are retiring. Local news reports say that the building, with the collection, has been offered for sale, and the museum's own website states that its last day of opening is Saturday 31 October 2026. Until then it stays open every day.

Highlights

• Crystal Cave with large mineral and crystal specimens
• The Professor's Study with an audio-visual presentation on minerals
• Collection of gemstones, fossils and rocks from around the world
• Prospector's Pantry Tearoom

Permanent exhibitions

• The Crystal Cave – A walk-through display of large crystal and mineral specimens.
• The Professor's Study – A learning area on minerals with an audio-visual presentation.

Founded

1971

Operated by

Stephenson family (private)

Admission & discounts

Admission is £8 per ticket. No separate concession or family prices are published.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum describes itself as family and wheelchair friendly but publishes no further access details. Dogs are not allowed in the building, except assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The museum describes itself as family friendly.

Getting there & parking

Creetown lies directly off the A75 (Carlisle to Stranraer road), 7 miles from Newton Stewart and 11 miles from Gatehouse of Fleet. Follow the signs when entering the village. The museum publishes no public transport information.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Prospector's Pantry Tearoom and a gift shop on site; minerals can also be bought through an online shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit