Strutt's North Mill Belper
Explore the world's first fireproof building and a cornerstone of the Industrial Revolution, brought to life by passionate guides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Strutt's North Mill Belper
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the world's first fireproof building and a cornerstone of the Industrial Revolution, brought to life by passionate guides.
"The guides make the history of the Mills entertaining and explained the impact on the world."
⏳ Visit Before September!
The mill faces closure soon. Plan your visit ASAP to experience this vital piece of history!
🗣️ Engage with Guides
The volunteer guides are incredibly knowledgeable and make the history come alive. Ask them questions!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
World's First Fireproof Building
Main Mill
Explore the revolutionary architecture of the world's first fireproof building, a testament to Industrial Revolution ingenuity.
Costumed Volunteer Guides
Throughout the Mill
Meet passionate volunteers in period costume who share captivating stories of mill life and industrial innovation.
Industrial Engineering & Waterways
Mill Exterior & Waterways
Discover the fascinating engineering behind the mill's power systems and waterways, crucial for its operation.
Ghost Walk Experience
Mill Exterior & Surrounding Areas
Embark on an eerie and informative ghost walk, uncovering hidden histories and local legends.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Visit Before It's Too Late
Engaging Tours for All
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Visit Before September!
The mill faces closure soon. Plan your visit ASAP to experience this vital piece of history!
🗣️ Engage with Guides
The volunteer guides are incredibly knowledgeable and make the history come alive. Ask them questions!
🎟️ Affordable Annual Pass
Your £5 admission grants a year-long pass and discounts for Derbyshire days out. Great value!
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Mill
Tours include river gardens, Long Row, and Joseph Street. Don't miss these historic areas!
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Visit Before September!
The mill faces closure soon. Plan your visit ASAP to experience this vital piece of history!
🗣️ Engage with Guides
The volunteer guides are incredibly knowledgeable and make the history come alive. Ask them questions!
🎟️ Affordable Annual Pass
Your £5 admission grants a year-long pass and discounts for Derbyshire days out. Great value!
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Mill
Tours include river gardens, Long Row, and Joseph Street. Don't miss these historic areas!
👻 Book the Ghost Walk
Highly recommended for a unique, informative, and slightly spooky experience of local history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the passionate and knowledgeable volunteer guides who make the history of Strutt's North Mill incredibly engaging. The site's significance as the world's first fireproof building and its rich industrial heritage are major draws. However, the looming threat of closure in September is a significant concern for many, urging immediate visits.
"Enjoyed a guided tour of the world's first fire proof building. Unfortunately this piece of history will be closing down thanks to the council. I would recommend a visit asap it really is interesting and made informative by the guides. Hopefully all the movable artifacts and machinery will find a new home and carry on being displayed elsewhere.
The walks and tours include inside and outside the mills, the river gardens, long row, nail shop and Joseph street.
We spent an hour on the mill tour and a further hour browsing the artifacts and information. Drinks are available in the foyer along with souvenirs, books, information leaflets. Free car park. Admission is £5 which gives a year pass, and Derbyshire day out discounts."
Dave Holland
"We went of the tour of the Mill. It was very interesting and covered the history of the industry and the facinating innovations around the engineering of the buildings and waterways to power the plant. Our guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We enjoyed the tour and learned a lot. The tour is not too long …… just right."
Jean Sutherland
"I came with my boyfriend. Tony gave us a tour. He made the whole history of the Mills entertaining, and explained to us how the Mills had an impact on the area and the world. He made the visit very interesting for two young adults.
I highly recommend."
Fanny Affolter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Strutt's North Mill is located in Belper, Derbyshire. It has a free car park available for visitors. Public transport options include local bus services that stop in Belper town centre, which is a short walk from the mill.
Yes, there is a free car park available for visitors to Strutt's North Mill, making it convenient for those traveling by car.
Belper is served by local bus routes. From the town centre, it's a manageable walk to the mill. Check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information.
Belper is accessible by road via the A6. The nearest major train station is Derby, from where you can take a local train or bus to Belper.
The mill tours themselves often include walks around the river gardens and historic streets like Long Row and Joseph Street, offering a broader historical context.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, and it's crucial to check their official website or contact them directly as the mill is facing potential closure.
Admission is £5, which grants you a year-long pass and access to Derbyshire day out discounts. This is considered excellent value by visitors.
It's advisable to check their website for the most current ticketing information. Given the potential closure, booking in advance might be recommended if available.
Yes, Strutt's North Mill is facing closure in September unless a new sponsor is found. Visitors are urged to visit as soon as possible.
The £5 admission typically covers entry and access to the mill's exhibits. Special events like the Ghost Walk may have separate ticketing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can take guided tours of the world's first fireproof building, learn about Industrial Revolution innovations, explore the waterways, and even join a Ghost Walk.
Absolutely! Volunteer guides, often in costume, make the history entertaining and informative, even for younger adults.
Most visitors spend about an hour on the mill tour and another hour browsing artifacts and information, totaling around two hours.
While the historical content is rich, the engaging guides can make it interesting for older children. The Ghost Walk might be more suitable for teens.
There are drinks available in the foyer, along with souvenirs and books. Free car parking is also provided.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with staff upon arrival, but generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is often permitted.
The unique architecture of the fireproof building, the historic machinery, and the surrounding river gardens offer great photographic opportunities.
Flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect artifacts. Always be mindful of other visitors and any posted signage.
Visitors often capture the industrial heritage, the historical machinery, and the atmospheric exteriors, especially during events like the Ghost Walk.
Tripod usage might be restricted, especially during busy periods. It's advisable to inquire with the staff beforehand if you plan to use one.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds, allowing for a more relaxed pace. The £5 annual pass is excellent value if you plan on visiting other attractions in Derbyshire. While there isn't a dedicated children's play area, the historical narrative and the unique setting of the world's first fireproof building can be a memorable educational outing.
🏛️ History Buffs & Enthusiasts
The opportunity to interact with knowledgeable volunteer guides, many of whom are deeply invested in preserving this history, adds immense value. The £5 annual pass is a fantastic way to support the site and revisit its exhibits. Don't miss the chance to explore the surrounding historic areas included in some tours, offering a comprehensive view of Belper's industrial past.
👻 Ghost Walk Aficionados
Attendees consistently praise the walk for its informative content and spooky ambiance. It's an excellent opportunity to see the mill and its surroundings in a new light, perfect for those who enjoy historical mysteries and a good scare. Be sure to check for upcoming dates and book in advance, as these walks are popular.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Strutt's North Mill
Beyond its architectural significance, the mill played a crucial role in the textile industry, housing advanced machinery and employing a large workforce. The guided tours, led by passionate volunteers in period costume, bring this history to life, detailing the engineering innovations, the daily lives of the workers, and the mill's contribution to the global economy. Visitors often praise the guides for their enthusiasm and ability to make the complex history accessible and engaging.
Unfortunately, Strutt's North Mill is currently facing an uncertain future, with plans for closure in September unless a new sponsor can be found. This potential loss highlights the ongoing challenge of preserving industrial heritage. The mill's unique story, from its revolutionary construction to its current plight, makes a visit not just educational but also a poignant experience, urging visitors to appreciate and support such vital historical sites.
Experiencing the Ghost Walk
Participants often describe the walk as both informative and genuinely chilling, with guides sharing stories that have been passed down through generations. It's a fantastic way to connect with the history of Belper in a more immersive and memorable way, especially for those who enjoy a good ghost story. The experience is designed to be engaging for adults and older teens, offering a different facet of the mill's historical narrative.
Given its popularity and the limited nature of such events, booking in advance for the Ghost Walk is a wise decision. It's a testament to the mill's ability to offer diverse historical experiences, from the purely industrial to the supernatural, making it a multifaceted attraction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit