Welcome to Belper, England
In addition to the compact between Amber Valley and Rhode Island's Blackstone Valley, the communities of Belper, England and Pawtucket, Rhode Island have entered into a twinning agreement. Both communities attract many visitors based in part on their rich, fascinating histories including their important roles in their country's industrial revolutions.
Belper, part of Amber Valley and Derbyshire County, was the world’s first real mill town, beginning with some of the world's earliest water-powered cotton spinning mills built from 1776 by Jedediah Stutt. The area flourished as the pioneering Strutt family transformed a small village of nailmakers into a busy and industrious community. More history: Belper Wikipedia | Peak District Online Belper History
Belper offers many attractions and recreational facilities for visitors and residents alike.
Whether you enjoy browsing around market stalls or want to be the first to enjoy new designs at our specialty shops, the town offers a range of independent and specialty shops waiting to be discovered.
Hidden gems nestle in the streets and offer a range of great independent little shops, from Artisan bakeries, a hand made chocolatier to delicious delis: the unique stores which the town has to offer create a true high street experience. Local foods, seasonal and straight from the producers can be found at the monthly Farmers Market and several award winning cafes and gastro pubs provide specialty foods to tempt you. For evening enjoyment the town offers a relaxed atmosphere with restaurants, real ale, live music and a delightfully restored Art Deco Cinema at the Ritz.
Derbyshire Life: How Belper Became a Major Tourist Destination in Derbyshire
Belper’s progress since the turn of the millennium has been nothing short of miraculous. Today, it’s a cultured, cosmopolitan, proactive and prosperous place.
Visit as we spring into summer and the town has never looked so good, especially if you visit the River Gardens, a haven of calm, charm and horticultural splendour. Since town councillor John Nelson spearheaded Belper in Bloom 25 years ago, Belper has won Gold in East Midlands in Bloom for the last eight years and Best Large Town in Britain in Bloom in 2012. More than benefiting Belper’s environment in terms of cleanliness, colour and conservation, it also galvanised the community.
This has gone hand in hand with the promotion of Belper at the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Although the cotton industry established by Jedidiah Strutt has long gone, its heritage has helped to reinvigorate the town.