Belper

About

Visit the charming market town of Belper to discover the rich industrial heritage at the centre of the Valley that Changed the World. Belper is the only market town located at the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

The town offers a true high street experience, discover why Belper was acclaimed the Winner of the 2019 Great British High Street Awards with some retail therapy. Browse from friendly independent local shops, to Artisan bakeries, delicious delis, and unique stores. Find foods sourced straight from the producer at the farmer’s markets held on the 2nd Sunday of the month and food fairs held twice a year, in summer and December. The markets are placed on Belper’s 200-year-old marketplace surrounded by historic buildings and structures.

Take a walk down King Street to uncover several award-winning cafes, restaurants and deli's which provide a wide range of eateries and speciality foods to tempt your taste buds. You will discover lots of quality of shops which will make your trip worthwhile, from hand created jewellery to beautiful leather products there is something for everybody.

For evening entertainment, the town offers a relaxed atmosphere with restaurants, cocktail bars, micropubs, and an award-winning independent art deco cinema.

 

Special Places not to be missed:

Belper River Gardens – Picturesque riverside gardens offering peace and tranquillity. Features a children’s playground and rowing boats that may be hired throughout the summer months

Belper North Mill – Visit the visitors centre that opens a window into the secrets of the Valley that changed the world.

True High Street Experience – Ranging from fashion, jewellery, furnishings, gifts, butchers, and bakers.

Vibrant Belper Food & Real Ale Festival - July

Discovery Day Festival - Celebrate the World Heritage Site, October

Belper Farmers Market - Second Saturday of each month

 

Belper Heritage

Belper was once a remote Anglo-Saxon settlement. It's mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1087 as 'Bradelei'. The Normans renamed it 'Beaureparie' meaning beautiful retreat. The introduction of cotton mills by Jedediah Strutt, at the beginning of the 19th Century were to change Belper's landscape, turning this small village into a thriving market town.

Strutts North Mill the Home of the Derwent Valley Visitor Centre allows you to discover the secrets of the Strutt's and their work to create one of the most technologically advanced mills of their time. Belper and the Derwent Valley, which is universally recognised as the Cradle of the Industrial Revolution, now holds World Heritage Status. 

Close by the North Mill are the beautiful River Gardens, there are outdoor concerts during the summer months.

At the top of the town, you will find St Johns Chapel Heritage Centre.  The chapel dates back to about 1250 and contains an interesting collection of old photographs of Belper and memorabilia, it's open weekdays 9.00-12.30 and the last Saturday of every month.