Given the shape and orientation of this deep hollow on the northeastern edge of the extensive plateau of Winsford Hill and the nature of some of the deposits within it, it has been suggested that it was the site of what may have been the only glacier on Exmoor and indeed in southwest England during the Pleistocene ice ages. It was a meeting point for the Tiverton hounds and Dulverton harriers. The subsoil of Winsford consists of rock shillet, whereas the topsoil has more of a clay-like and loamy character. Iron ore can be found in the mineral deposits of the village, and the mining of this was formerly important to Winsford's economy. Garratts Wood covers a total area of . It is owned and managed by the Woodland Trust. The parish church is dedicated to St Mary Magdalene and was partly restored in 1858. The tower, which is high, was constructed in three stages. There are six bells; the four heaviest were made by Thomas Bilbie in Cullompton in 1765. Within the church is a fine painted panel created in 1609 during the reign of King James I. The ironwork on the inner doors of the church is thought to date from the 13th century, originating from the priory of St Nicholas in Barlynch, and the font is from the Norman period. The organ was installed c. 1900, being delivered by horse-drawn wagon from nearby Dulverton. The church register dates back to 1660. The church has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building. In 1881 the village was the birthplace of the Labour politician and Lord Privy Seal, Ernest Bevin. In 1946 leading English psychologist Charles Samuel Myers died at his home in Winsford Glebe.