Welcome to Belper

Things to do in Belper in the Peak District

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 this market town 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 delis 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-crafted 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.

The town has a Vibrant Belper Food & Real Ale Festival each summer, a Farmers' Market and the second Saturday of each month.

Belper History & Heritage

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.

The Derwent Valley 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.