An aerial view of Strutt’s North Mill, capturing the historic heart of Belper with the town and St. Peter’s Church in the background. Photo by Ashley Franklin Photography.
5. De Bradelei Shopping Village: A Quirky Shopping Experience
Within this delightful mill, you’ll find a cosy café, a shoe shop, an independent clothes retailer, some boutique cupcakes and shops filled with a variety of quirky antiques. In fact, if you’re even remotely interested in antique and vintage items, you’ll be spoiled for choice with two well-loved antique shops, the Antiques and Collectables Centre and Larkin’s. There are a seemingly endless range of items bundled up there, from collectable figurines to jewellery to vinyls. See if you can find a rare gem for yourself. However, even if you’re just looking for a casual shopping experience, you won’t be disappointed.
Explore the charm of Belper’s De Bradelei Shopping Mill, a unique spot for vintage finds and boutique shopping. Photo by Ashley Franklin Photography.
4. Belper Market Place & High Street: A Vibrant Historic Local Atmosphere
Belper has an endearing market town vibe to it. Part of that is the charming King Street and Market Place, which are home to a variety of independent shops, quaint cafés and quality restaurants, making it a lively spot for sightseers and locals alike. It is perfect for those seeking things to do in Belper.
If you’re looking to bag some of Derbyshire’s finest produce and experience a traditional marketplace atmosphere, did you know that a Farmer’s Market is held in Belper every second Saturday of each month? Likewise, every summer and winter, you can experience the vibrant Belper Food Festival. What’s more, there are plenty of cultural events throughout the year, making it a vibrant destination for those looking for what’s on in Belper this weekend.
Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at Belper Market, where local vendors and blooming flowers create a lively, colorful scene. Photo by Ashley Franklin Photography.
3. Belper Heritage Walks: Immerse Yourself Back Through Time
For people interested in the history of Belper, the Belper Heritage Walks we run will allow you to journey into the town’s industrial past. Each walk we run is themed and led by an enthusiastic volunteer. Why not join us on a popular Ghost Walk or learn about Belper’s history during wartime? You can also discover the town’s role in the development of the Industrial Revolution and its evolution from a village with a population of just five hundred to an industrial stronghold of more than 8000 after the arrival of Jedediah Strutt.
Explore key landmarks at the forefront of this transformation, including Strutt’s North Mill, historic millworker houses on Long Row and the school built by the Strutt’s. These walks provide the perfect opportunity to discover places of interest, not only to Belper, but to Derbyshire, and the world more generally. Why not book one on of our exciting walks here today?
2. Belper River Gardens: A Tranquil Escape
Just a short distance from Strutt’s North Mill is Belper River Gardens, which offer pretty views and is the perfect spot to relax while on a lovely day out whether with family or as a lone nature lover, especially in the warmer seasons. Originally gifted to the town by the Strutt family, the gardens are beautifully maintained with manicured flower beds, scenic riverside paths and picturesque view of the Derwent River.
Why not learn about industrial revolution history with a ‘Strutt Around the Mill’ tour that we offer and then stop by the River Gardens for a self-guided tour, just a short walk away? If you’re feeling peckish, you could also stop by the Park Life Café at The Swiss Tea Rooms or enjoy a refreshing picnic in the tranquil atmosphere (weather permitting!)
Experience the beauty of Belper River Gardens in summer. Photo by Ashley Franklin Photography.
1. Strutt’s North Mill: The Birthplace of The Industrial Revolution
At the very heart of Belper’s history is Strutt’s North Mill, the embodiment of industrial innovation during the height of the Victorian period. This is an absolute must-visit for anyone interested in what happened at the start of the Industrial Revolution. First built by Jedediah Strutt in the late 18th century, the mills here played a pivotal role in shaping the history of Belper and Derbyshire through the time of the Industrial Revolution and beyond. It wasn’t just any old factory but one of the world’s first fireproof cotton mills; a pivotal moment in engineering history too, showing just how machines in the Industrial Revolution were central to shifting global industry at the time.
On your visit here, you can explore the rich history of the mills, discovering how factories like this revolutionised textile production. See how water powered the Mills, the foundations of the fireproof technology as we take you down into the basement and hear fascinating stories about the workers and the entrepreneurs alike, who were foundational to the history of industrialisation itself.
Join us for a ‘Strutt Around the Mills’, a guided tour that happens every Wednesday and Saturday during the open season, where we’ll show you the power of both fire and water at work in Belper’s Mills. We’ll show you both the water-powered technology still in use today as well as the famous fireproof cast iron technology.
In fact, Strutt’s North Mill was so significant to Industrial Revolution history that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the rest of the Derwent Valley Mills, stretching from Derby to Matlock Bath, making it one of the best places to go in Derbyshire. So, if you’re in the area, just stopping by or are local, don’t miss your chance to book on one of our popular guided walks to learn about this pivotal period in history.
Admire the groundbreaking design of Strutt’s North Mill, an architectural icon of the Industrial Revolution. Photo by Ashley Franklin Photography.