An attractive and bustling market town in the Amber Valley, Ripley is ideally placed within easy access of cities and countryside.
MORNING
Why not head to the popular and independent COCOA CAFE just off King Street in the heart of the town which serves up lovingly-made artisan chocolates and home-made food in cosy surroundings. Try one of their delicious hot chocolates to get your day off to the perfect start.
If you’re wanting to walk off breakfast, there’s nowhere better than Belper’s RIVERSIDE GARDENS.
Rowing boats, flower displays, a playground, wildlife and a pond are all waiting to be explored, as they have been here for over 100 years – all against the magnificent backdrop of Stutt’s magnificent NORTH MILL.
AFTERNOON
If a trip to the Riverside Gardens has seen you work up an appetite, THE DEVONSHIRE, easily located nearby on Bridge Street, is an award-winning gastro pub which was named ‘Best Contemporary Gastro Pub of the Year in 2019.
This period travel inn welcomes all visitors – from cyclists, dog walkers to young families.
During the afternoon, why not indulge in some retail therapy on Belper’s famed and award-winning HIGH STREET.
Here, you’ll find independent stores and boutiques aplenty, whilst Belper has also become a haven for talented local artists over the years who display their beautiful work here.
If there’s time – and you’re not weighed down by shopping bags – you can take advantage of Belper’s numerous DEDICATED WALKS which take in some of the best around the town. Visit belperwalks.co.uk for more information.
EVENING
After a long day, it’s time to check in for a relaxing overnight stay. THE LION HOTEL on Bridge Street offers food, drink and accommodation and is conveniently placed, whilst if you’re looking for something more private, SWINNEY WOOD LOG CABINS, on Crich Lane, offers a stunning location to unwind.
There’s just time for a sumptuous meal – try award-winning restaurant ARTHUR’S, café/bistro NOURISH 44 or PRAAN for traditional Indian cuisine – before heading to THE RITZ, a hugely popular independent cinema where you can take your pick of comfy sofas or seats and take your drink in with you – a wonderful way to enjoy a trip to the flickers.
Not done yet? Why not catch last orders at one of Belper’s numerous bars for a night cap, such as the nostalgia-filled RUMOURS RETRO BAR where you can grab a cocktail and enjoy hits from the seventies, eighties and nineties.
READ MORE: The best things to see and do in the Amber Valley, Derbyshire
