explore the peak district
Well Dressings
The unique art of well dressing in the villages of Derbyshire and some of the adjacent parts of Staffordshire goes back into the mists of time. Wells and springs are decorated with flowers and petals in intricate patterns and designs as a thanksgiving for the continued gift of water and the life it brings.
Well dressings are pictures of biblical scenes, historical events, famous people, natural history or even disney characters. Made from growing things (wood, bark, flower petals, berries, seeds. moss and leaves) pressed into a wet clay base & erected next to the well in the village.
They are works of art and well worth a visit – but be quick as the finished dressing only lasts a week before the clay dries and cracks.
The well dressing calendar runs from May to September – for up to date
information try the following link: https://visitpeakdistrict.com/events/category/well-dressings
Actual dates vary slightly each year but some of the better ones closer to Swainsley Farm usually take place in the following months:
MAY
Tissington, Endon, Monyash, Middleton-by-Youlgreave, Wirksworth
JUNE
Over Haddon, Ashford in the water, Flash, Tideswell, Youlgreave, Litton
JULY
Bakewell, Buxton, Rowsley, Matlock, Plisley
AUGUST
Taddington, Eyam
SEPTEMBER
Longnor, Hartington
EXPLORE SWAINSLEY FARM
Our three holiday cottages
The Coach House
3 BEDROOMS I SLEEPS 6/7 + COT READ MORE
The Haybarn
2 BEDROOMS I SLEEPS 4/5 + COT READ MORE
The Old Byre
1 BEDROOM I SLEEPS 2 + COT READ MORE