Well Dressings

Well Dressing in the Peak District and Derbyshire 

What better way to enjoy a visit to the Peak District and Derbyshire than by marvelling at the hundreds of well dressings that are lovingly – and painstakingly - created by hand each year from May to September? Be inspired by this incredible art form being kept alive by groups of dedicated volunteers.  

Mystery surrounds the exact source of this ancient tradition – believed to have been brought to the area by the Romans or the Celts, to give thanks for the county’s fresh water springs. Well Dressing is unique to the area, and more than 80 towns and villages proudly display their floral masterpieces next to wells and water features throughout the spring and summer.

Teams of villagers create intricate mosaics using natural materials such as leaves, moss, flower petals and even coffee beans, on a bed of rich, moist clay. Each one can take anything up to a week to make, needless to say, well dressers have the patience of saints! Some well dressings can be viewed ‘in the making’ before they go on show. Watching a well dressing being created is an intriguing and relaxing experience - as well as a great excuse to explore our fascinating towns and pretty villages. 

The process begins by building a large a wooden frame upon which to create the image and position over the well or spring.

Using fresh clay, ‘Puddle’, or knead so it’s squishy and soft and pack into the frame, smoothing out until it looks freshly plastered.

The image can then be ‘drawn’ into the clay and then create an outline.

Begin to ‘colour in’ the design as if painting by numbers using natural materials. Neat rows are created, rather like roof tiling, with the row above slightly overlapping the one below to allow rainwater to run off without damaging. 

Finally, all the boards are pieced together to create one amazing design to be admired! 

All that’s left to do is throw a party! Most towns and villages hold a blessing ceremony followed by a carnival or festival, bringing out the entire community. Go along and experience for yourself a true piece of Derbyshire tradition. Be quick though, well dressings will only last around a week before the clay starts to dry and crack!

Well Dressings can be found in most towns and villages in the Peak District and Derbyshire between the months of May to September. Below you'll find a list of dates of the Wells Dressing week, but also dates and details of when you can go along an watch these extraordinary pieces of art being constructed, you might even be able to lend a hand too! This list will continually update as we receive new dates from the organisers, so keep checking back, or contact one of the Tourist Information Centres to ask for a leaflet.