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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belper Goes Green</a> festival to the huge annual <a href="https://www.belperarts.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nourish at No44</a> has a lovely bistro menu with brunch, light lunches and sharers, and a great cocktail terrace for sunny days. It has a new deli/bakery too. <a href="https://reunionbelper.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reunion Deli</a> is another hotspot for lovely wholesome lunches (it also hosts events, talks and workshops). <a href="https://nonnos.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Palfrey at New Inn</a> is a lovely dinner spot and an absolute Belper institution, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/veganrevelation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Olive Moroccan Restaurant </a>for a delicious meze. Belper isn’t short of fantastic pubs, but <a href="http://devonshirebelper.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Devonshire</a>’s focus on stunning British produce and it&#8217;s pooch-friendly welcome make it a top pick . <a href="https://www.blackswanbelper.co.uk/food" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Black Swan</a> is great for an off-the-cuff meal after work, and <a href="https://www.thelionhotelbelper.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/primsisters/?hl=en"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/primsisters-belper.jpg" alt="inside of whimsical gift shop primsisters belper" class="wp-image-14136" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/primsisters-belper.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/primsisters-belper-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/primsisters-belper-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/primsisters-belper-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/07/primsisters-belper-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/primsisters/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@primsisters</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>The lovely <a href="https://the1924.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1924 Arcade Building</a> has independent boutiques galore – from jewellers to illustrators to candle-makers. For more browsing, <a href="http://www.derwentsidehomecentre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belle La Vie</a>, with three floors of chic womenswear, and <a href="https://bluewater-clothing.co.uk/pages/blue-water-black-label" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blue Water Label</a>, which specialises in premium brands. Into your vintage finds? <a href="https://thinktwice.shop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Think Twic</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thinktwicevintagekilo/reel/CrI4AyvMDI6/">e</a> has loads of retro classics from sweatshirts to denim and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecabinbelper/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cabin</a> is a treasure trove of handmade gorgeousness, championing local makers.<br><br>For whimsical homeware, <a href="https://www.primsisters.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Primsisters</a> is super fun for those with an eclectic taste while <a href="https://nordicana.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nordicana</a> brings some Scandi inspo to Derbyshire. Bookworms will adore super cute independent (and non-profit) bookshop <a href="https://www.dormousebooks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dormouse Books.</a> And finally, not to forget your furry friends. Nip to<a href="https://www.instagram.com/trendytailuk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Trendy Tail</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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Shiatsu,</a> <a href="https://www.belpernaturalhealth.co.uk/?page_id=36" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">osteopathy</a>, <a href="https://www.drstav.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chiropractic</a>, <a href="https://www.infinitylotus.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reiki</a> and more. Check out <a href="https://www.belperhealthhub.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belper Health Hub</a> for physio, sports massage, pre and post natal classes and Pilates classes. Yogis can take their pick from <a href="https://tabitha-yoga.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tabitha Yoga</a> or <a href="https://sageyogastudio.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sage Yoga</a>.</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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food festivals</a> and gift fairs. But <a href="https://www.belperarts.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ritz</a>. The stunning <a href="http://www.heagewindmill.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gullivers Kingdom</a> theme park and ride the cable cars up to the <a href="https://www.heightsofabraham.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heights of Abraham</a>. Then just into the Peaks, you’ll find the <a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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>Prices are rising steadily &#8211; 4 per cent up over the past year in Belper, with an overall average price currently sitting at £271,692</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Belper-for-sale-Oct-26.jpg" alt="The Old Stables, Chevin Road, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 2UN" class="wp-image-15117" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Belper-for-sale-Oct-26.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Belper-for-sale-Oct-26-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Belper-for-sale-Oct-26-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Belper-for-sale-Oct-26-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stunning views, oodles of character and flashy contemporary kitchen in this beaut&#8217; of a barn conversion. <a href="https://www.scargillmann.co.uk/property/33924269/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £875,000</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" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Treetops Alton Manor</a> and <a href="https://www.stjohnsbelper.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St John’s C of E Primary School and Nursery</a> are both rated Good by Ofsted.</p>



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



<p>For 4 – 11 yrs, <a href="https://www.stelizabethsbelper.srscmat.co.uk/">St Elizabeth’s Catholic Voluntary Academy</a> has just been rated good in all areas with outstanding personal development. <a href="https://www.longrow.derbyshire.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Long Row Primary School</a> and <a href="https://www.herbertstrutt.derbyshire.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Herbert Strutt Primary School</a> are both rated Good. For young people with SEND, <a href="https://senadgroup.com/alderwasley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belper School and Sixth Form Centre</a> is rated Good by Ofsted. </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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 260 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Belper

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