Set among the hills of the Derwent Valley, Belper is a town that helped change the world. Its great cotton mills were at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution, and today they form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yet Belper is also a friendly, characterful market town with a lively high street and beautiful countryside on its doorstep.
The Belper colouring book from Britain in Lines celebrates the town's industry, landscape and everyday life.
About Belper
Belper's story took off in the 1770s when Jedediah Strutt began building cotton mills beside the River Derwent. The Strutt family went on to shape almost every part of the town, building mills, workers' cottages, schools and chapels, many of which still stand.
In 2001, the mills of the Derwent Valley, including Belper's, were recognised as a World Heritage Site for their role in the birth of the factory system. Today the town blends that heritage with independent shops, riverside gardens and walks into the hills.
Belper landmarks to colour
The Derwent Valley Mills
Belper's mill buildings are the town's most famous sight, standing tall beside the river and weir. Their long rows of windows and solid brick and stone walls make for wonderfully structured pages.
St Peter's Church
With its tall tower, St Peter's is a landmark on the Belper skyline and a peaceful scene to colour.
Belper Park
Green space, trees and paths offer a gentler change of pace between the town's industrial landmarks.
The Ritz Cinema
A much-loved local cinema that brings a touch of classic entertainment to the town centre.
The railway and streets
Belper's railway runs through a deep stone-lined cutting crossed by a series of bridges, a striking piece of 19th century engineering. Add in the town's hilly streets and terraces, and you have plenty of everyday scenes with real character.
Why Belper is lovely to colour
Belper mixes bold industrial architecture with soft green hills and river views. That combination gives you both crisp, repeating lines to work through and natural scenes where you can relax and play with colour.
Inside the Belper colouring book
There are 20 hand-drawn illustrations of Belper's mills, churches, parks and streets, all with open, uncluttered line work designed for calm colouring. It's printed in the UK on thick 160gsm paper, wire-bound to lie flat, with a soft-touch cover, for £16.99.
It also comes in the Derbyshire Collection with our Buxton colouring book, for £24.99.
A thoughtful Belper gift
Whether it's for a Belper local, a family with mill-town roots, or anyone who has moved away from Derbyshire, this book is a personal way to celebrate the town. 10% of every sale goes to Martin House Children's Hospice.
