The Wonder of Well Dressings

Well Dressings are artistic creations made by hand using natural materials like petals and seeds, crafted by dedicated volunteers. If you visit the Peak District and Derbyshire between May and September, you'll likely encounter one of the area's most distinctive local traditions.

Details for the Cheddleton Well Dressing

The origins of this ancient custom are shrouded in mystery—believed to have been introduced to the region by the Romans or Celts to express gratitude for the county’s fresh water springs. Well Dressing is exclusive to the Peak District and Derbyshire, with over 80 towns and villages proudly showcasing their floral artworks near wells and water features during the spring and summer.

How are Well Dressings made?

Villagers form teams to craft detailed mosaics using natural materials like leaves, moss, flower petals, and even coffee beans on a base of rich, moist clay. Each mosaic can take up to a week to complete. Some well dressings can be observed while they are being made before they are displayed. Watching the creation of a well dressing is both intriguing and relaxing, providing a wonderful opportunity to explore our charming towns and villages.

The process starts with constructing a large wooden frame to serve as the canvas for the image. Once finished, this frame is placed over the well or spring. Initially, the creators gather fresh clay, knead it until it is soft and pliable, and pack it into the frame, smoothing it out until it resembles freshly applied plaster.

The image is then ‘drawn’ into the clay to form an outline. Following this, the creators ‘color in’ the design as if painting by numbers, using natural materials. Neat rows are arranged, similar to roof tiling, with each row slightly overlapping the one below to allow rainwater to flow off without causing damage. Finally, all the boards are assembled to form one impressive design to be admired!

Where to see Well Dressings in the Peak District & Derbyshire

In most towns and villages, a blessing ceremony is followed by a carnival or festival, bringing the entire community together. Experience a genuine piece of local tradition for yourself. Act quickly, though, as well dressings last only about a week before the clay begins to dry and crack!

Well Dressings can be seen in many towns and villages in the Peak District and Derbyshire from May to September. Below, you'll find a list of the Wells Dressing week dates, along with details on when you can watch these extraordinary artworks being created. You might even have the chance to help out!

When & Where:

Derby St Alkmunds 25 - 30 May

Ashford in the Water 30 May - 7 June

June

Belper Festival 5 - 10 June

Chester Green 5 - 15 June

Cressbrook 7 - 14 June

Flash 13 - 16 June

Edlaston and Wyaston 13 - 19 June

Biddulph Moor 13 - 20 June

Elmton 13 - 20 June

Youlgrave 20 -26 June

Litton 20 - 27 June

Swanwick 20 - 27 June

Over Haddon 20 - 28 June

Tideswell 20 - 28 June

Crosspool 26 June - 4 July

Mellor 27 June - 4 July

Rowsley 27 June - 4 July

Bakewell 27 June - 5 July

Hayfield 27 June - 5 July

Hope 27 June - 5 July

Gee Cross 28 June - 3 July

Derby Arboretum 28 June - 12 July

July

Rowsley School

(on display at Peak Village) 3 - 10 July

Buxton 3 - 12 July 

Aston on Trent 4 - 8 July Coal

Aston 4 - 9 July

Wadshelf 4 - 10 July

Crich 4 - 11 July

Harthill 4 - 11 July

Dore 4 - 12 July

Whaley Bridge 5 - 12 July

Matlock 5 - 18 July

Dronfield Woodhouse 10 -20 July

Belper (Alton Manor) 11 - 18 July

Brown Edge 11 - 18 July

Chapel-en-le-Frith 11 - 18 July

Bamford 11 - 19 July

Charlesworth Village 11 - 19 July

Great Longstone 11 - 19 July

Little Longstone 11 - 19 July

West Hallam 11 - 19 July

Tansley 12 - 18 July

Peak Forest 15 - 25 July

Pilsley (nr Chesterfield) 16 - 19 July

Pilsley (nr Bakewell) 16 - 23 July

Whitwell 18 - 23 July

Cutthorpe 18 - 25 July

Wetton 18 - 25 July

Rowthorne 18 - 26 July

Heath Village 19 - 25 July

Chadkirk Chapel 25 July - 1 Aug

Clowne 25 July - 1 Aug

Bonsall 25 July - 2 Aug

Stoney Middleton 25 July - 3 Aug

August

Bradwell 1 - 8 Aug

Barlow 12 - 16 Aug

Taddington 22 - 28 Aug

Holymoorside 27 Aug - 13 Sep

Chesterfield Crooked Spire 29 Aug - 6 Sep

Eyam 29 Aug - 6 Sep

Wormhill 29 Aug - 6 Sep

Foolow 29 Aug - 7 Sep

September

Longnor 6 - 13 Sep

Hartington 7 - 20 Sep

Chesterfield Spital Cemetary 12 - 20 Sep

Glossop 19 - 25 Sep

You can find the full details for all the Well Dressings at: https://visitpeakdistrict.com/events/category/well-dressings

The Wonder of Well Dressings - created 5th May 2026