Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>From its eco-focused <a href="https://www.transitionbelper.org/belper-goes-green/">Belper Goes Green</a> festival to the huge annual <a href="https://www.belperarts.org/">Arts Trail</a>, Belper is a town with a rebellious indie spirit – <em>and</em> with a long history too. Its towering mill buildings date back to 1776 and its central location puts it right at the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Today, with a high street that’s been touted as being one of the best in England, great schools, easy access to the Peaks and cities nearby, it’s no surprise families flock to the town for a slice of the countryside.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/09/Nourish-at-44-Belper.jpg" alt="Nourish at No44 Belper best places to live Derbyshire" class="wp-image-6138" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/09/Nourish-at-44-Belper.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/09/Nourish-at-44-Belper-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/09/Nourish-at-44-Belper-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/09/Nourish-at-44-Belper-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nourish at No44</figcaption></figure>



<p>For a cute date or lunch with friends, <a href="https://www.nourishatno44.co.uk/">Nourish at No44</a> has a lovely bistro menu with brunch, light lunches and sharers. Newbie to Belper’s foodie scene, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Artisanfoodbar/">BangIn Belper</a> has artisan street food classics (and some fancy ales to match). For some unfussy fine dining, nip to <a href="https://www.arthursbelper.co.uk/">Arthur’s</a> and book for their seasonal 10-course tasting menu.&nbsp;An absolute Belper institution, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/veganrevelation">Vegan Revelation</a>’s super-cool approach to vegan food will surprise even the most carnivorous in your gang.<br><br>For some international cuisine, <a href="https://nonnos.co.uk/">Nonno’s Restaurant</a> has a long-standing reputation for great Italian food, or head to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DerbyshireMoroccan/">Olive Moroccan Restaurant </a>for a delicious meze. Belper isn’t short of fantastic pubs, <a href="http://devonshirebelper.co.uk/">The Devonshire</a>’s focus on stunning British produce and it&#8217;s pooch-friendly welcome has seen it voted Best Dog-Friendly Gastropub in Derbyshire by the Restaurant and Bar Awards. <a href="https://www.blackswanbelper.co.uk/food">The Black Swan</a> is great for an off-the-cuff meal after work, and <a href="https://www.thelionhotelbelper.co.uk/">The Lion Hotel</a> offers up some fantastic pizzas and gastro plates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="954" height="1186" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Primsisters-Belper.jpg" alt="Primsisters Belper Derbyshire homeware shop wth autumn leaves and sketon decs" class="wp-image-10685" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Primsisters-Belper.jpg 954w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Primsisters-Belper-241x300.jpg 241w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Primsisters-Belper-824x1024.jpg 824w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Primsisters-Belper-768x955.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 954px) 100vw, 954px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Prijmsisters</figcaption></figure>



<p>The lovely <a href="https://the1924.com/">1924 Arcade Building</a> has recently opened with independent boutiques galore – from jewellers to illustrators to candle-makers. For more browsing, <a href="http://www.derwentsidehomecentre.co.uk/">Derwentside Shopping Mill</a> has oodles of antiques, collectables and vintage clothing. Speaking of clothing. Get your fix at <a href="https://www.belle-la-vie.co.uk/">Belle La Vie</a>, with three floors of chic womenswear, and <a href="https://bluewater-clothing.co.uk/pages/blue-water-black-label">Blue Water Label</a>, which specialises in premium brands. Into your vintage finds? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/washedclothing/photos/a.101406032197494/208425821495514/?paipv=0&amp;eav=AfahiIfkZPKndH9muYO61ycSfxYKaAlDdksUVxBA5STCLZEyc0cXtV6I1Mqlanez7ek&amp;_rdr">Washed</a> specialises in pre-loved designer gear, and <a href="https://thinktwice.shop/">Think Twice</a> has loads of retro classics from sweatshirts to denim.&nbsp;<br><br>For homeware, <a href="https://www.primsisters.net/">Primsisters</a> is super fun for those with an eclectic taste while <a href="https://nordicana.co.uk/">Nordicana</a> brings some Scandi inspo to Derbyshire. And finally, not to forget your furry friends. Nip to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LadybirdBoutiqueBelper/">Ladybird Pet Boutique</a> for super-cute accessories and organic pet snacks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.belperleisurecentre.co.uk/">Belper Leisure Centre</a> is bursting with health and fitness opps, with a pool, stacks of classes, a well-stocked gym and plenty of sporting holiday clubs for kids. Holistic therapies-a-plenty too, with<a href="https://shiatsuhealing.space/about-us"> Shiatsu,</a> <a href="https://www.belpernaturalhealth.co.uk/?page_id=36">osteopathy</a>, <a href="https://www.drstav.com/">chiropractic</a>, <a href="https://www.infinitylotus.com/">reiki</a> and more. Yogis can take their pick from <a href="https://tabitha-yoga.co.uk/">Tabitha Yoga</a>, <a href="https://sageyogastudio.co.uk/">Sage Yoga</a> or </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Lots going on throughout the year, from monthly farmers&#8217; markets to <a href="https://www.belpertowncouncil.gov.uk/food-festivals/">food festivals</a> and gift fairs. But <a href="https://www.belperarts.org/">Belper Arts Trail</a> is the big, beloved highlight of the community calendar, with 170 artists, makers&nbsp;and&nbsp;creatives&nbsp;displaying and demonstrating their art in more than 50 venues across the town.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Heights-of-Abraham.jpg" alt="heights of abraham cable car matlock bath derbyshire" class="wp-image-5125" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Heights-of-Abraham.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Heights-of-Abraham-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Heights-of-Abraham-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Heights-of-Abraham-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Heights of Abraham</figcaption></figure>



<p>Sitting on the A6 corridor from Derby to the Peaks, Belper is surrounded by things to do and see. First, in Belper itself, get some old-school silver screen magic at <a href="https://ritz-belper.co.uk/">The Ritz</a> – family membership is £60 a year with money off tickets and special treats. The stunning <a href="http://www.heagewindmill.org.uk/">Heage Windmill</a> is just outside of Belper with tours and fun themed days. Just down the road, nip to Derby’s fantastic <a href="https://www.derbymuseums.org/museum-of-making/">Museum of Making</a> for a packed programme of exhibitions and events for kids, teens and grown-ups.&nbsp;Stop off in Matlock Bath for <a href="https://www.gulliverskingdomresort.co.uk/">Gullivers Kingdom</a> theme park and ride the cable cars up to the <a href="https://www.heightsofabraham.com/">Heights of Abraham</a>. Then just into the Peaks, you’ll find the <a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/">Chatsworth House</a> estate in all its glory – just a 40 min drive away from Belper.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>The overall average price is £270,432. This is up 8% up on the previous year, and 21% up on the 2020 peak of £223,048.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/BelperHP-1024x683.jpg" alt="rural stone cottage with green views belper" class="wp-image-10536" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/BelperHP-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/BelperHP-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/BelperHP-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/BelperHP.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stunning views in every direction from this beautiful stone cottage that dates back to the 1700s. <a href="https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/152484419#/?channel=RES_BUY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £745,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>For little ones, <a href="https://www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/nursery/altonmanor">Busy Bees Alton Manor</a> was rated Outstanding in 2018. And <a href="https://www.stjohnsbelper.co.uk/">St John’s C of E Primary School and Nursery</a> was rated good in 2023.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>For 4 – 11 yrs, <a href="https://www.locrating.com/schools-St-Elizabeth%E2%80%99s-Catholic-Voluntary-Academy-0urn146119.aspx">St Elizabeth’s Catholic Voluntary Academy</a> was rated Outstanding before becoming an academy. <a href="https://www.longrow.derbyshire.sch.uk/">Long Row Primary School</a> and <a href="https://www.herbertstrutt.derbyshire.sch.uk/">Herbert Strutt Primary School</a> were both given Good in a 2018 inspection. For young people with SEND, <a href="https://senadgroup.com/alderwasley/">Alderwasley Hall School</a> is a specialist boarding and day school for ages 5 – 19 yrs. And for private education, <a href="https://www.oldvicarageschool.co.uk/">Old Vicarage School</a> was rated Excellent by the ISI in 2022. It takes children from ages 3 – 11 yrs. For secondaries, <a href="https://www.belperschool.co.uk/">Belper School and Sixth Form Centre</a> was marked overall as Requires Improvement in 2022, but has many aspects rated Good. Further afield Well-respected prep school <a href="https://www.msmcollege.com/prep" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barlborough Hall</a> and all-rounder <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/review-mount-st-marys-college-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mount St Mary&#8217;s</a> are within shooting distance too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>There are 20 poetry plaques hidden across the town as part of <a href="http://bethspoetrytrail.co.uk/">Beth’s Poetry Trail</a> (Beth was an evacuee to Belper during the war and passionate about the town and poetry). It’s a lovely trail and takes in some of the best spots.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Your closest city is Derby which is a 21 min drive away. You can also hop on a bus for a similar time, or the hourly train which will get you there in 12 mins.&nbsp;It’s a hefty three hour drive to London, or ride the rails to London in just over two hours. There’s one direct train to London a day, otherwise you change at Derby.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Best Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Belper

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