Explore the streets of the factory community created by the Strutts for their mill workers from the 1780s. Long Row, with its cobbled road (over the A6 from the mills) is a great place to start. Then, take a stroll around Belper town centre to discover many independent and traditional shops, and a range of eateries.

While in Belper, pop into De Bradelei Mill on Chapel Street, now a small Shopping Village. This impressive building, however, was once used by hosiery producer George Brettle and Company. Brettles provided stockings for Queen Victoria and King George III, as well as the vest worn by Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar.

A truly amazing high street experience!

It’s no wonder that Belper was selected as the Winner of the Market Town Category and the ‘Winner of Winners’ in the first Great British High Street Awards in 2014. This was a well-deserved achievement, and a contributing factor was the World Heritage Site’s Ambassador Scheme. The scheme is an opportunity for businesses to learn more about the area, so they can let their customers know what a great destination Belper is. If you’re new to the area, look out for our vinyl logos in shop windows  and pop in to talk to staff.

The judges again selected Belper as ‘Best High Street in England’ in the Great British High Street Awards in 2019, recognising its continued improvements.

Find out more about the history of the community in Belper here.