Belper, Derbyshire

Just 15 minutes from Dannah Cottages Belper is a picturesque market town nestled in the Amber Valley between Derby and Matlock. With roots dating back to Norman times, Belper flourished during the Industrial Revolution, becoming a key center for nail-making and textile production. The town’s transformation began with Jedediah Strutt’s pioneering cotton mills along the River Derwent, which played a vital role in shaping Britain’s industrial landscape. Today, Belper retains its historical charm while embracing a vibrant, creative spirit that makes it a captivating destination for visitors.

Among Belper’s standout attractions is Strutt’s North Mill, a museum housed in one of the world’s oldest industrial buildings (part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site), offering fascinating insights into the town’s textile heritage. The Belper River Gardens, with their colourful flowerbeds, ironwork shelters, and boating lake, provide a tranquil escape along the riverside. The town also boasts a thriving arts scene, with events like the Belper Arts Trail and Belper Music Festival.

Belper’s town centre is a lively hub of independent shops, cafés, and pubs. The Belper Market Place hosts regular farmers’ markets and craft fairs. For a nostalgic experience, visitors can enjoy a film at the vintage Ritz Cinema, or explore nearby attractions such as Heage Windmill, the only working six-sailed stone tower windmill in England, and Crich Tramway Village, a living museum of vintage trams. Belper is a delightful destination for couples, families, and solo travellers alike.