Visit Peak District & Derbyshire has welcomed Jonathan Davies, Member of Parliament for Mid Derbyshire, to Belper’s historic mills as part of thecelebrations for English Tourism Week (13-22 March 2026).
Arranged by the area’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership, the visit marked the 250th anniversary of the first water-powered cotton mill opening in Belper and 25 years since the Derwent Valley Mills received World Heritage Site status from UNESCO, reinforcing the global significance of Derbyshire’s rich cultural heritage and its important role within the regional visitor economy.
The national English Tourism Week campaign, led by VisitEngland, champions the diverse, exciting and valuable tourism industry across England, showcasing the exceptional quality of visitor experiences, the benefits they bring to local communities and the vital contribution the sector makes to the economy.
Tourism supports thousands of jobs across the Peak District and Derbyshire and generates around £3.58 billion in visitor spending annually, driving growth across the region.
Reflecting the theme of this year’s English Tourism Week, ‘Local Stories, National Growth’, Mr Davies used the visit to meet with heritage partners and discuss how Derbyshire’s cultural assets continue to build regional pride, drive economic opportunity and attract visitors from across the UK and beyond.
Founded in 1776 by Jedediah Strutt, the Belper Mills are part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, internationally recognised for its pivotal role in the birth of the Industrial Age. Today, the site can be explored through ‘Strutt Around the Mill’ guided tours delivered by the Belper North Mill Trust.
The Strutts’ legacy is being celebrated through Belper 250, a year-long programme featuring more than 100 events, including heritage talks and walks, concerts and community activities, showcasing the area’s heritage, creativity and strong sense of local pride.
Jonathan Davies, MP for Mid Derbyshire, said:
“It was a real honour to visit Belper Mills during English Tourism Week and experience first-hand the incredible history and innovation that Derbyshire has contributed to the world – including being the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
“This could be momentous year for the Mills for several reasons, but the 250th anniversary is not just a milestone for this remarkable site, it’s a reminder of how our cultural heritage continues to inspire visitors, support local businesses, and strengthen communities right across England.”
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, added:
“We were delighted to host Jonathan Davies MP at Belper as part of English Tourism Week – a celebration of the stories, places and people that make Derbyshire such a compelling destination. Tourism is a vital force for our region, supporting local businesses, safeguarding our heritage and driving economic growth right across towns, villages and rural communities. English Tourism Week gives us the chance to shine a spotlight on the incredible value our cultural assets bring to residents and visitors alike, and why investing in the visitor economy matters for everyone.”
Adrian Farmer, Heritage Coordinator for the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, said: “It’s 250 years since Strutt began the transformation of Belper from small village to the world’s first cotton mill town. This year’s events are a chance to tell lots of local stories, and show how the world’s first factories brought growth to the Derwent Valley and Britain, then recognition across the World. There’s lots to uncover and searching ‘Belper 250’ online is a great place to start.”
Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby is the region’s accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), working in partnership with regional and national stakeholders to shape tourism strategy and deliver sustainable visitor economy growth.
