Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>The kind of place that makes you catch your breath when you turn onto the pretty main street, Winster is brimming with charm and character. Lined with stunning stone cottages, many of which date back to the 17<sup>th</sup> century, the village has to be one of the prettiest (and most community-minded) in the Peak District. People look out for each other here and there is a palpable sense of pride. Young families will love the calendar of wholesome village events laid on throughout the year. Yes, it’s somewhat in the sticks and that’s part of the allure. But bustling Matlock and its indie shops and eateries is only four miles away and the best of the Peak District is on the doorstep.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1351" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/10/558306250_1664088691639999_829430227333313910_n.jpg" alt="The Remarkable Hare WINSTER DERBYSHIRE" class="wp-image-15336" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/10/558306250_1664088691639999_829430227333313910_n.jpg 1080w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/10/558306250_1664088691639999_829430227333313910_n-240x300.jpg 240w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/10/558306250_1664088691639999_829430227333313910_n-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/10/558306250_1664088691639999_829430227333313910_n-768x961.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Remarkable Hare</figcaption></figure>



<p>In the village itself, the quaint <a href="https://peakparkpub.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Old Bowling Green</a> pub dates back to 1472 and is a lovely local, dishing up good street food in dog friendly and child friendly surrounds. Proper chips, stunning views and a friendly welcome awaits at <a href="https://minerswinster.wixsite.com/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Miners Standard</a>. It&#8217;s also a good if you need overnight options for visitors, with a few guest rooms, plus glamping and &#8216;vlamping&#8217; (fusing van life and glamping).</p>



<p>Over in Matlock <a href="https://coolrivercafe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cool River Café</a>&nbsp;serves beautiful barista coffee and excellent lunches. Off for a picnic in Hall Leys Park? Pop across the road to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/matlocksandwichshop/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mrs Tiggy Winkles</a>&nbsp;and grab a sarnie first.&nbsp;<a href="https://maazi.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maazi Indian Restaurant</a>&nbsp;has a good local rep for curries,&nbsp;<a href="https://thailandnumber1.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thailand No1</a>&nbsp;is popular for Thai eats,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRemarkablehare/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Remarkable Hare</a>&nbsp;does scrummy Sunday lunches,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/buddys.joint/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buddy’s</a>&nbsp;is a sensational smokehouse that’s great for BBQ dishes, art deco&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bodcafebars.co.uk/matlock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bod Café and Bar</a>&nbsp;serves a great range of Titanic beers and does all day dining, dog-friendly café/bar&nbsp;<a href="https://thelounges.co.uk/ostello/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ostello</a>&nbsp;is all William Morris wallpapers, funky tiles and wooden floors. For pubs,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thorntreeinnmatlock/?locale=en-GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Thorn Tree</a>&nbsp;has stunning views from its outdoor terrace and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theredlionmatlock.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Lion</a>&nbsp;pub does reliable pub grub (plus a brilliant Sunday carvery) and has its own microbrewery. For fuss-free fine dining head to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stones-restaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stones</a>&nbsp;for delicious à la carte and tasting menus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/winster-shop-x.jpg" alt="winster village shop derbyshire" class="wp-image-14177" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/winster-shop-x.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/winster-shop-x-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/winster-shop-x-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/winster-shop-x-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/winster-shop-x-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Proudly owned by the local community, <a href="http://www.winstervillageshop.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winster Village Shop </a>is a traditional village shop selling fresh, local produce, along with a newsagents, off licence and Post Office.</p>



<p>Beyond the village, Matlock is the closest spot for indie boutiques. <a href="https://zinchomeandgift.co.uk/">Zinc</a>&nbsp;sells pretty homewares and gifts and has a gorgeous little garden where you can scoff its tempting cakes in summer. Quirky, creative and a little bit magical, kids and magpies alike will love&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/punnydukes/about/?paipv=0&amp;eav=AfaNn9wsxGuGzdReItPtXanErZnKcRMveG7aKkNIrORa4bkIP2Qom7lPcXwbwByW51Y&amp;_rdr">Punnydukes</a>&nbsp;gift shop. Indie clothes boutique&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperdollmatlock/?hl=en-gb">Paper Doll</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.littleshabbyhen.com/">Little Shabby Hen</a>&nbsp;is an Aladdin’s Cave of vintage and new interiors gems.&nbsp;Dinner party to plan for? <a href="https://frenchwinepeople.co.uk/">The French Wine People</a>&nbsp;is a family-run independent wine specialist. High street faves like M&amp;S Food, Boots and Superdrug are all here too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>You&#8217;re spoilt for choice for <a href="http://winster.org/pages/walking-and-cycling.htm">walks </a>and bike rides from your doorstep. It&#8217;s a gorgeous spot for outdoor exercise and a big reason most people move here. <a href="https://www.peakepedals.net/">PeakEPedals </a>has a hub at The Miners Standard where you can sign up for cycle tours and the village helps organise a raft of races each summer. </p>



<p>There&#8217;s a <a href="https://www.darleydalesurgery.co.uk/">medical centre</a> and GP in the village. For kids, there are swings on the common and seesaw and swings at the bottom of Woodhouse Lane, along with a small adventure play setup at the playing fields (where you&#8217;ll also find a multi-use pitch for tennis and 5-a-side footie).  Hall Leys Park in Matlock has tennis courts, a skate park, a putting green, boating lake and playground. There&#8217;s a pool, sports hall, classes and gym at nearby&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/arc-leisure-matlock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arc Leisure Centre</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://parksidefitness-matlock.co.uk/">Parkside Fitness</a>&nbsp;is a family-run independent gym, or you could join&nbsp;<a href="https://www.evolutionhf.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evolution</a>&nbsp;up at the idyllic woodland&nbsp;<a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/self-catering/muddy-reviews-darwin-forest-lodges-peak-district-derbyshire/">Darwin Forest</a>&nbsp;for a more intimate swim/gym experience. Love an outdoor swim? There’s a lovely lido at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.evolutionhf.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Bath Hotel</a>&nbsp;in Matlock Bath open to members and non-members.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Community spirit in Winster is off the scale, with stacks of ancient traditions, loads of annual events and a lots of sharing and support. It’s rare to see such a welcoming community to newcomers (how many villages offer a <a href="http://winster.org/pages/moving-to-winster.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Welcome guide</a> to those moving in?). Planning to work from home? Check out the very useful info on <a href="http://winster.org/pages/broadband.htm">mobile signal and broadband</a>.</p>



<p>Winster enjoys pancake races down the main street on Shrove Tuesday, there are annual Well Dressings and a week-long event called Winster Wakes which culminates in a vibrant carnival. This year’s event had pickleball &amp; Pimms, orienteering, a hill race (plus a cycle climb), a downhill ball race, rounders, family pet show, and live music. The annual <a href="http://winster.org/pages/secret-gardens-of-winster.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Secret Gardens</a> is very popular, with about 20 residents opening their gardens&nbsp;and laying on cream teas for visitors.</p>



<p>There’s a strong tradition of sharing here – the village even has it’s own <a href="http://winster.org/pages/Photocopier.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">village photocopier</a> accessed by a code lock and a community orchard if you fancy sharing the harvest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/03/chatsworth-sheep-cathy.jpg" alt="chatsworth house and sheep grazing" class="wp-image-12447" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/03/chatsworth-sheep-cathy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/03/chatsworth-sheep-cathy-265x300.jpg 265w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/03/chatsworth-sheep-cathy-904x1024.jpg 904w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/03/chatsworth-sheep-cathy-768x870.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/03/chatsworth-sheep-cathy-1355x1536.jpg 1355w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Taking up pride of place at the end of Main Street, National Trust owned <a href="https://www.accessable.co.uk/national-trust/access-guides/winster-market-house-house-national-trust#:~:text=Public%20Transport,-There%20is%20a&amp;text=The%20nearest%20train%20station%20is,is%20approximately%205%20miles%20away.">Winster Market </a><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/winster-market-house">House</a> is free to enter and fascinating. It&#8217;s chocka with interesting exhibits about the village’s history.&nbsp;The Peak District is on your doorstep, with Chatsworth House eight miles away and <a href="https://peakvillage.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peak Shopping Village </a>just up the A6. Plus there are some beautiful walks along riverside and wooded hillside paths around Matlock –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/winster-market-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lumsdale Waterfall walk</a>&nbsp;is especially gorgeous. </p>



<p>Family fun galore in this neck of the woods, so plenty of places for the school hols or to take your guests. Ride the cable cars up to the dizzying&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heightsofabraham.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heights of Abraham</a>&nbsp;or get hands-on at&nbsp;<a href="https://matlockfarmpark.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matlock Farm Park</a>&nbsp;(which also has some fab seasonal events like Halloween spectaculars, Easter extravaganzas and the Peak District Highland Games). In neighbouring Matlock Bath&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gulliverskingdomresort.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gulliver’s Kingdom</a>&nbsp;is a theme park for little kids.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>Saunter down the road to&nbsp;<a href="https://thegrandpavilion.co.uk/gigs-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Grand Pavilion</a>&nbsp;in Matlock Bath for a spot of theatre, comedy or a music gig. For theatre and bigger gigs, the&nbsp;<a href="https://chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/shows/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winding Wheel</a>&nbsp;is less than30 mins away in Chesterfield,&nbsp;<a href="https://derbytheatre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Derby Theatre</a>&nbsp;is 40 mins and Sheffield is less than an hour’s drive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>The average price of a house in Winster was £267,245 over the last year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/10/Wirksworth-property-Oct-25-1.jpg" alt="georgian mansion in winster" class="wp-image-15242" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/10/Wirksworth-property-Oct-25-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/10/Wirksworth-property-Oct-25-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/10/Wirksworth-property-Oct-25-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/10/Wirksworth-property-Oct-25-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Possibly the hottest property in the village, this <a href="https://sallybotham.co.uk/property-for-sale/matlock-matlock/de4-2dj/4311415">stunning 7-bed Georgian mansion</a> is for sale at a cool £1.25m.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>A weekly <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Matlockbathpreschool/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">baby and toddler group</a> in the village. In Matlock, there’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/nursery/matlock" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Busy Bees</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://castleviewnurserymatlock.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castle View</a>&nbsp;has a nursery in the primary school and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.allsaintsfed.derbyshire.sch.uk/nursery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">All Saints C Of E Infant School</a>&nbsp;has a nursery. There’s also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Matlockbathpreschool/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matlock Bath Pre-School</a>&nbsp;just down the road.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.thewhitepeakfederation.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winster Primary School</a> is a lovely little village school rated Good in its last Ofsted inspection in 2024. <a href="https://www.allsaintsfed.derbyshire.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">All Saints C Of E Infant School,&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stjosephsderby.srscmat.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Joseph’s Catholic Academy</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crichcarrprimary.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crich Carr</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.darleydaleprimary.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Darley Dale</a>&nbsp;primary schools are all rated Good. For secondaries,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Highfields School</a>&nbsp;in Matlock was last rated Good as was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.anthonygell.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Gell School</a> in nearby Wirksworth – both have a Sixth Form.</p>



<p>Independent choices include ‘the prep in the peak’ &nbsp;<a href="https://www.sanselms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">S. Anselm’s School</a>&nbsp;in Bakewell,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stpeterpaul.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Peter &amp; St Paul School</a>&nbsp;in Chesterfield and&nbsp;<a href="https://derbyhigh.derby.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Derby High</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST-KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Winster is home to a whopping 70 listed buildings.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>You&#8217;re between the two main road arteries that head through the Peak District, the A6 (which can snarl up a bit during school holidays and sunny weekends) and the A515. Chesterfield (12 miles), Buxton (16 miles), Derby (20 miles), Sheffield (23 miles) and Nottingham (30 miles) are all within shooting distance. There are regular trains to Derby from Matlock, then catch a direct train to London in 1 hr 30 mins from Derby.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 260 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Winster

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