Winster Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Winster Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Winster sits in the southern Peak District, making it perfect for exploring Derbyshire's best bits. The village itself deserves a good wander - look for the quirky wooden figures above the Old Bowling Green pub and the secret garden paths between houses.

Chatsworth House (DE45 1PP) opens 10am-5pm daily and ranks as the Peak District's top attraction (9.8/10 on TripAdvisor). The 105-acre gardens alone justify the visit, but the house interior with its Painted Hall will make your jaw drop. Book tickets online to save queuing.

Bakewell (DE45 1DS) is just 5 miles away. I recommend going early (before 10am) to beat coach parties. The Original Bakewell Pudding Shop scores 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor - their puddings are nothing like the cherry-topped tarts you buy in supermarkets!

Heights of Abraham (DE4 3NT) in Matlock Bath offers cable car rides up the hillside with cave tours included in the ticket price. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and opens 10am-4:30pm (later in summer). The views from the top are worth every penny.

Pet Friendly

Many Winster cottages welcome dogs, but always check specific hot tub properties as policies vary. The Miners Standard pub in the village is properly dog-friendly - they even have dog treats behind the bar and water bowls outside.

The Limestone Way footpath runs right through Winster, offering miles of walks without needing to drive anywhere. We've found the section heading north toward Elton particularly good for dogs as there are fewer stiles.

Chatsworth Estate allows dogs on leads throughout the parkland and in designated garden areas. Their farm shop (DE45 1PN) has outdoor seating where dogs can join you for coffee.

For rainy days, The Whitworth Centre in Darley Dale (DE4 2EQ) has a covered area where you can grab coffee while your dog shakes off. Their park has a dedicated dog exercise area too.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Winster

The Market House (DE4 2DA) stands as Winster's most distinctive building. This two-story stone structure dates from the 1600s when lead mining brought wealth to the village. The National Trust now owns it but doesn't open the interior regularly. However, the exterior with its arched lower level tells the story of Winster's past prosperity. Walk around it at different times of day - the stonework changes color dramatically in evening light.

Winster Secret Gardens weekend (usually late June) transforms the village when 20+ private gardens open to visitors. Tickets cost around £5 and let you explore behind the stone facades where terraced gardens climb impossibly steep slopes. Gardens range from tiny cottage plots to ambitious horticultural projects. One visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: "Never seen anything like the engineering that's gone into these hillside gardens - and the tea and cake was brilliant too!"

The Limestone Way access point at the top of Winster provides the best starting point for walks. Head north toward Elton for easier terrain or south toward Bonsall for more challenging hills. The path passing Ryder Point Mine offers views across five counties on clear days. A recent walker commented: "We could see the cooling towers at Ratcliffe power station from here - must be 30 miles away!"

What's the best time to visit Winster?

June brings Wakes Week carnival and Secret Gardens, while September offers quieter roads but still-reliable weather. Winter stays let you experience the village at its most authentic, with hot tub cottages particularly magical when there's frost or snow on the hills.

Are there any shops in Winster?

Yes! Winster has a community-owned village shop (DE4 2DH) selling essentials, local produce and freshly baked bread. It opens 8am-6pm weekdays, 8am-4pm Saturdays and 8am-2pm Sundays. For bigger shops, Matlock's Sainsbury's is 6 miles away.

How accessible is Winster for people with mobility issues?

The village has steep hills and narrow pavements making wheelchair access challenging. Several cottages offer ground-floor bedrooms and bathrooms, but check specific access details when booking your hot tub property.

Can I get to Winster without a car?

It's tricky but possible. The 172 bus runs from Matlock (nearest train station) to Winster but only operates Monday-Saturday with limited services. A taxi from Matlock costs around £15-20.

Is there mobile phone reception in Winster?

Reception varies dramatically. O2 and EE generally work in the village center, while Vodafone struggles. Most hot tub cottages now offer WiFi, but speeds average just 24Mbps - enough for basic browsing but not reliable for work video calls.

Where's the nearest hospital to Winster?

Whitworth Hospital in Darley Dale (DE4 2JD) has a minor injuries unit open 8am-8pm. For emergencies, Chesterfield Royal Hospital (S44 5BL) is 14 miles away. The village shop keeps a public defibrillator outside its entrance.

Helpful links:

1. Peak District National Park official visitor guide
2. Chatsworth House visitor information
3. Heights of Abraham opening times and prices
4. Winster Village website with local events
5. Walking routes from Winster