Location
Welcome to Belper
Visit the charming market town of Belper to discover the rich industrial heritage at the centre of the Valley that Changed the World.
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 the High 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. Seek out for the hidden corners and independent quarters such as Strutt Street, Campbell Street or Market Place and the antiques and reclamation offer of Bridge Street and Derwent Street
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 Festival each summer and winter, a Farmers' Market on the second Saturday of each month and a multitude of music and cultural events throughout the year.
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.
Featured Businesses
Featured
Business
Great British Car Journey
Boasting a collection of 130+ modern British classics, Great British Car Journey tells the story of the rise and fall of the British motoring…
Open today: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Featured
Business
White Peak Distillery
Established in 2016, White Peak Distillery is the first full-scale, craft distillery in the Peak District region.
Open today: 10:00am - 5:00pm
In The Area
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Featured
Business
Great British Car Journey
Boasting a collection of 130+ modern British classics, Great British Car Journey tells the story of the rise and fall of the British motoring…
Featured
Business
White Peak Distillery
Established in 2016, White Peak Distillery is the first full-scale, craft distillery in the Peak District region.
Business
Belper River Gardens
Located within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site adjacent to Strutt's historic North Mill the riverside promenade allows flat easy access…
Business
Drive Dads Car at Great British Car Journey
Boasting a collection of 150+ modern British classics, Great British Car Journey tells the story of the rise and fall of the British motoring…
Business
Angelo's at The Kings head
Fresh, authenic and relaxing Italian dining in the heart of Duffield. Offering a range of pasta, meat and vegetarian/vegan dishes all freshly…
Business
The White Hart
The White Hart is a place to have a good time. From upbeat live music nights, alfresco dining, local ales, our famous carvery and authentic wood…
Business
Denby Pottery Village
Open all year round, Denby Pottery Village is next to the working Denby Pottery, set in a cobbled courtyard with award winning Home, Garden, Cookery…
Business
The Bottle Kiln
The Bottle Kiln stocks a beautiful array of gifts and homewares, and has a fabulous café serving home cooked food.
Business
Heage Windmill
Built in 1797 and restored in 2002, Heage Windmill, a Grade II* listed building, is the only working six-sailed stone tower windmill in England.
Business
The Joiners Arms
Homely pub serving a huge range of craft beers and gins and wood-fired pizza in old-timey surrounds.
Business
The Dog at Pentrich
Stone pub with rural views, serving Modern British cuisine and pub classics/sandwiches in the bar.
Our Great Itineraries
Car-free guide: 48 hours in the Derwent Valley
Connecting charming towns and villages with an amazing industrial past, the Derwent Valley Line runs from Derby to Matlock.
Events in Belper
Events
Great British Car Journey, The 'Almost' New Year…
All makes and models welcome (classic cars, vintage cars or modern cars)…with their owners!
Events
Amber Valley Vineyard Wine & Cheese Evening
Join us for an exclusive evening of indulgence at the newly restored South Wingfield Railway Station, Derbyshire.
Events
ST. Agnes Fountain in Concert at St Peter's…
Christmas begins with the best Christmas band in the world : St. Agnes Fountain
Trails nearby
Belper Heritage Walk
Learn more about this industrial community and how it has changed in the past 200 years.
Villages nearby
Brackenfield
Surrounded by beautiful countryside, this pretty village is close to Ogston Reservoir.
Heage
Heage is a scattered village lying between the larger towns of Ripley and Belper. The village ls in two main parts, Heage itself, and Nether Heage. Neither village has a centre with Heage Windmill being the most notable attraction
Milford
Once a quiet hamlet situated in the large deer forest, from Duffield to Wirksworth, until Jedediah Strutt set up a water powered cotton mill here and built housing for his workforce. Some of the housing still remains in Hopping Hill.
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