Belper

Visit this attractive market town to discover the rich 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.

 

Belper Visitor Guide 

 

Hidden gems are waiting to be discovered, from great independent friendly little shops, to Artisan bakeries, chocolatier, delicious delis and unique stores the town offers a true high street experience.  

 

Local foods, straight from the producer can be found at the Farmers Market and several award winning cafes, restaurants and deli's provide a wide range of eateries and speciality foods to tempt your taste buds. 

 

For evening entertainment the town offers a relaxed atmosphere with restaurants, real ale and art deco cinema.

 

Discover Belper here

 

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 Hosted July.
  • Discovery Day Festival Celebrate the World Heritage Site, October
  • Belper Farmers Market Second Saturday of each month

 

Belper Market Town

 

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.

 

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address logoTourism: Amber Valley Borough Council, Town Hall, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3BT
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