'Like stepping back in time': The quaint Derbyshire village that is loved by visitors
Winster has a close-knit community spirit which upholds ancient traditions such as Winster Wakes which goes back centuries.
Derbyshire is easily one of the country’s most vibrant spaces today, but did you know it has been a popular place since the 11th century?
It is reported ‘Derbyshire’ first appeared in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle nearly a century ago.
That places the county among some of the UK’s most heritage-rich places with links going back to 1048.
Today Derbyshire is home to many quaint market towns, serene villages and hamlets remain traditional and unchanged.
One such place where time appears to have stood still is Winster.
This picturesque village was once Derbyshire’s most prolific centre for lead mining, a badge of honour it had held harking back to Roman times.
As mines shuttered in the earlier part of this century, lead mining popularity started to peter off. The final working mine at Mill Close closed in 1939.
Where is Winster?
The ancient village of Winster is situated near the prehistoric tracks of Derbyshire Portway, an 18th century conduit road which carried travellers between Nottingham and the Derbyshire hamlet of Newhaven.
Places of historical interest include the 16th century Market House which is now owned by the National Trust.
Winster Market House was the first property to be acquired by the National Trust in the Peak District in 1906 when it was bought for £50.
The charming brick listed building stands tall and proud in the centre of the main street and is one of the key features of Winster.
By keeping a hold old traditions such as Morris dancers and customs - it is said that the curfew bell in the village still rings out loud at 8pm every day, and the 160-year old Winster Wakes Festival continues to thrive - Winster remains one of Derbyshire’s ancient villages that has stood the test of time.
If you are looking for things to do in the spring months such as serene strolls around quiet villages and towns, you could be pleasantly surprised by a trip to Winster in 2026.
One visitor said the building was “unusual and off the beaten track”, while another described the wider village as “beautiful and idyllic”.