National Stone Centre

About the museum

The National Stone Centre is an educational charity on a 40-acre site on the edge of the Peak District near Wirksworth. The land contains disused quarries with rock formations about 330 million years old and is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The centre aims to explain the importance and history of stone and the industries connected with it, and it describes itself as a place to learn how the world around us was formed.

Visitors can follow geo-trails, look for fossils, try gem panning and walk or cycle on the High Peak Trail, which runs through the grounds. The Discovery Centre houses the Quarry Café, a Rock Shop selling minerals, crystals and fossils, and an exhibition on the story of stone. Volunteers maintain the site, guide walks and help to curate displays, and the centre runs courses in dry stone walling and stone carving as well as hands-on programmes for school groups.

The charity holds planning permission for a larger visitor centre that would tell the story of stone and how it underpins modern life. It intends to develop this together with partners including the Institute of Quarrying, the Peak District Mining Museum and the Peak District Mines Historical Society, so that the visitor experience suits all ages and abilities.

Highlights

• 40-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest with 330-million-year-old rock formations
• Weekly family fossil trails led by a volunteer guide on Fridays
• Gem panning and children's playground
• Discovery Centre with an exhibition on the story of stone
• Rock Shop and Quarry Café
• Courses in dry stone walling and stone carving

Permanent exhibition

• Story of Stone – An exhibition in the Discovery Centre about stone, quarrying and the geology of the site.

Operated by

National Stone Centre (educational charity)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry to the site is free. Car parking charges apply and are payable by contactless card only at the meter; schools on booked visits do not pay for parking. Gem panning is bought in the Rock Shop.

Accessibility

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

Disabled parking, changing facilities and toilets are next to the National Stone Centre building, reached by turning left at the bottom of the drive and going under the stone arch. The site trails follow natural contours; the main path around the site has a flat surface, but some areas may be hard to use in wet or muddy conditions.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

The site offers geo-trails for finding fossils, gem panning and a children's playground, and the café has a children's menu. Family fossil trails run on Fridays.

Getting there & parking

The National Stone Centre is on the B5035 Cromford to Carsington road in Porter Lane, Wirksworth. When using satnav, enter National Stone Centre before the postcode DE4 4LS.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Quarry Café inside the Discovery Centre serves breakfasts, baguettes, bakes, soup and children's lunch deals; dogs are welcome, but the small kitchen cannot safely cater for allergen requirements. The Rock Shop sells minerals, crystals, fossils, jewellery, gifts and local food.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Up to 40 guests.

A marquee behind the Discovery Centre can be hired for birthday parties, group bookings of up to 40 people, wakes, workshops and walking or cycling groups.

Plan your visit