Learn the traditional art of Well Dressing

From May to September, towns and villages across the Peak District National Park come together to create natural art installations known as Well Dressings. Well Dressings are pictures made from natural materials such as wool, bark, flower petals, berries, leaves and seeds secured on a bed of soft clay spread over a wooden board, that’s then erected at the site of the spring or well. Themes are often biblical, but can depict historic scenes and even Disney characters. 

Dressing a well can take a team of skilled local people up to a week, and the finished well lasts a week or so before the flowers fade and the clay dries out. The Peak District communities welcome visitors who fancy trying Well Dressing for themselves, and the activity is typically accompanied by a party atmosphere, with carnivals, fetes and flower festivals. The Peak District is a 3-hour drive north of London.

Content provided by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire