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in the county of Lancashire

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in the county of Northumberland

Pictures of Winster

in the county of Derbyshire

About Winster

This fine Derbyshire village occupies a commanding position about 800 feet above sea level close to the spectacular limestone and rich grit-stone moorland of the Peak District National Park.

The village owes it existence to the riches garnered from lead-mining. Many of the picturesque pale limestone and creamy sandstone cottages were built during the 17th-century when the mining industry was in its hey-day. The larger, handsome houses to be seen in Winster were the homes of the mine owners. The styles of the properties reflect the faded glory of an industry that continued into the 20th-century when the last mine closed down.

In the main village street the most noticeable building is the Market House which quite possibly dates back to the 15th-century. It has a pitched roof and beautiful arches which are now closed in. It was the first building in Derbyshire to be acquired by the National Trust and is now a tourist information centre. Winster Hall is a large, elegant three-storey house built entirely of gritstone and dates from the 17th-century. The hall was once the home of a noted local historian and is said to be haunted. It is now converted to provide luxurious hotel accommodation. Of the twenty or so public houses used by miners of centuries, a few still remain, but some, like the house with 'Shoulder of Mutton' carved above the door, have been converted to dwelling houses.

The village still holds dear to traditions established hundreds of years ago. It celebrates wakes week in time-honoured fashion with a procession led by a king and queen attended by a jester and a troupe of Winster Morris men - one of the oldest in the country. The scene is preceded by a good natured witch who makes play of sweeping the path clean for their majesties triumphal progress. Just as with the annual Pancake Race on Shrove Tuesday, it is all good fun and everyone has everyone has a jolly time. Another tradition is the ringing of the village curfew bell which still chimes at 8 p.m. each evening.

In a lovely hillside setting you can find the church dedicated to St.John the Baptist. The building has fine stained glass windows and a tower dating from 1721. Inside there is a cast-iron relief of Leonardo's painting - The Last Supper, which dates from the 19th-century. In the shaded churchyard lie the graves and tombstones of centuries.

Today, this graceful village with its sweeping main street and quiet little alleyways is a tourist destination of character and charm. As such, it makes an interesting base from which to tour the wonderful Peak District National Park where you can experience breathtaking views of towering pinnacles, luminous caves and caverns, and magnificent waterways.

Recommended towns & villages near Winster

Matlock Bath

Matlock Bath (96 Pictures) in the county of Derbyshire

(3.8 miles, 6.1 km, direction SE of Winster)

Matlock Bath lies amongst some of the most beautiful river-valley country in England...

Bakewell Cottage

Bakewell (202 Pictures) a Historic Market Town in the county of Derbyshire

(5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction N of Winster)

Bakewell is the largest town in the Peak District National Park. It is an old town full of glowing stone houses and buildings that lend an air of ambience and overall warmth...

St Peters Church

Edensor (20 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of Derbyshire

(6.0 miles, 9.6 km, direction N of Winster)

It was the 6th Duke of Devonshire who looked out of his window one day from Chatsworth House, and realised that the magnificent view of the park in front of him was blocked by a.....

One of the streets in Ashford

Ashford in the Water (80 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of Derbyshire

(6.2 miles, 10.0 km, direction N of Winster)

The village was a centre for candle making, noted for lead mining and made famous by the discovery of Ashford marble which was first quarried by Henry Watson in 1748...

Tissington Trail

Hartington (34 Pictures) in the county of Derbyshire

(6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction W of Winster)

Hartington is a small village centred around a medieval market place, with attractive 18th and 19th century buildings...

All towns & villages in Derbyshire
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Nearby attractions..

Robin Hood's Stride, Derbyshire.

Robin Hood's Stride (8 Pictures)

(1.3 miles, 2.1 km, direction NW)

Robin Hood's Stride is a rocky outcrop overlooking the pretty village of Elton, in Derbyshire. By tradition the sole province of.....

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Nine Ladies Stone Circle, Stanton Moor (4 Pictures)

(1.7 miles, 2.7 km, direction N)

This wild eyrie stretch of moorland has an invigorating, yet gloomy feel to it and looking around at the barrows left from the.....

The central courtyard, Haddon Hall, Derbyshire

Haddon Hall (48 Pictures)

(3.5 miles, 5.6 km, direction N)

Perched in a picturesque position above the Derbyshire River Wye, the grey stone walls of Haddon House tempt invitingly, and you.....

Heights of Abraham

The Heights of Abraham (20 Pictures)

(3.6 miles, 5.8 km, direction SE)

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(3.7 miles, 6.0 km, direction SE)

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Derilect Riber Castle, Matlock, Derbyshire

Riber Castle (2 Pictures)

(4.5 miles, 7.3 km, direction E)

The Matlocks between them form some of the most outstanding countryside in the Peak District. Here you can find Riber Castle.....

Batemans House, Lathkill Dale, near Alport, Derbyshire Peak District

Lathkill Dale (7 Pictures)

(4.6 miles, 7.4 km, direction NW)

This is one of the Peak Districts hidden gems, not only is the scenery highly picturesque but the region is full of interesting.....


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