Belgium


	Belgium

Belgium is easy to get to by boat, train or air. It has a range of attractions including historic cities such as Brugge, Gent and Antwerp, seaside resorts including Ostend, and a vibrant capital city in Brussels.

Belgium has a Flemish (Dutch speaking) population in the north and a Walloon (French speaking) population in the south. Most visitors concentrate on the historic cities or resorts of Flanders. Travel within Belgium is easy by road or rail, so we suggest that you consider visiting Brussels and the southern area including the battlefield at Waterloo.

Good food and drink and a relaxed atmosphere in the restaurants are a feature of Belgium

Brugge (Bruges) is the best preserved Medieval city in western Europe. It’s main attractions are close to the Market Place and include the castel, the C13th Hall and the Belfort bell tower.

Bruges has numerious canals and a boat trip is not to be missed


	With P&O ferries:

The battle of Waterloo, fought in 1815, was one of the most significant battles in European history. The battlefield was a site of pilgrimage during the lifetime of those who took part.

The Lion Mount commemorates the battle and is on the spot at which the Duke of Orange was wounded. There are 226 steps to the top, which offers a view of the battlefield. Other attractions at Waterloo include a waxworks museum by the mound.

Before visiting the battlefield itself we suggest a visit to the Wellington Museum at Waterloo, which is in the former coaching inn used by the Duke of Wellington as his headquarters.It tells the story of the battle. Exhibits include maps, documents, weapons and uniforms. and remains the best preserved battlefield in Europe.

A combined ticket allows entry to all of the attractions. These include a waxworks museum and a 110m x 12m life size panorama of the battle. All attractions are open daily except for Christmas Day and New Years Day.. For information about deals at good quality accommodation contact us

In a country noted for Medieval architecture the Grand Place at Brussels is worthy of the capital. Architectural highlights include the Town Hall, the Maison du Roi (Kings House - now the City Museum) and the houses of the various Guilds.

The Manneken Pis is among the most visited sights of Brussels. It is a small (about 2 ft high) statue of a small boy relieving himself.


	In the Walloon area Namur is the site of one of the largest strongholds in Europe. From the fifth century onwards fortifications were added to strengthen the castles defences as the complex grew along a narrow spur of land. The citadel includes parkland and walks which are open all year round. Another great medieval castle is to be found at Bouillon in the Ardennes. There are about 400 Belgian castles and chateaux open to the public, including some which have been converted into hotels or which offer accommodation. Most are in the Walloon part of the country. Some are difficult to reach by public transport. For information and bookings click here