Flight free travel inspiration: London to Bruges weekend itinerary

Outbound travel: We travelled on the 09:45 P&O ferry from Dover which arrived in Calais at 12:15 (Thursday 19 March). We then drove to Bruges, a short 1 hour, 15 minute journey.

Accommodation:  Hotel Dukes’ Arches - A 19^th century aristocratic house converted into a 50 bedroom hotel in the heart of Bruges.  

Thursday itinerary: 

1. Passchendaele Museum (1pm-4pm) - On the way we took a worthwhile detour to the Passchendaele Museum which is dedicated to the First World War and the Battle of Passchendaele. This immersive museum encourages visitors to "Experience. Reflect. Remember".

2. Dinner: We went to Quatre Vins which serves delicious small plates made with seasonal produce and interesting natural wines.  

   
   

   

Friday itinerary:  

1. Breakfast: We ate at the hotel (included in our stay). A huge breakfast buffet to suit all tastes. 

   
   

2. The Sights: First stop was the Markt and the 13^th century Unesco-listed Belfort where we climbed the 366 steps to see the 47 bell carillon. You can hear the bells chime throughout the day. Next, we visited, for free, the Provincial Hof (Provincial Palace), an impressive neo-Gothic building and seat of the West Flanders government.  

   
   

3. Coffee Break: We needed to refuel and the Café Brazilia serves the most delicious coffees. It’s been roasting coffee beans since the 1930s and it really was ‘next level’ for coffee.  

   
   

4. Refreshed, we strolled to the Burg, a square dominated by the Stadhuis (townhall). Inside, the Gotische Zaal (a vast hall with vaults and murals depicting historical scenes) is well worth the visit. At 3pm we stepped into the Basilica of the Holy Blood, renowned for a holy phial believed to contain the blood of Christ. It is brought out reverentially each day from 12-4pm for viewing. 

   
   

5. Dinner: Diligence Restaurant – this restaurant features in the 2008 film ‘In Bruges’! Staff were great, very knowledgeable about the beers on offer. The signature dish of Flemish stew was delicious as were the mussels.   

Saturday itinerary: 

1. Breakfast:  At hotel.

   
   

2. Canal tour at 11am. Yes, it’s touristy but it is worth it. You get a completely different perspective of Bruges from the canal. Afterwards, we immersed ourselves in six centuries of Flemish art at the Groeningemuseum, followed by a walking tour of some of Bruges’ parks – Konigin Astridpark, Minnewater Park and Hof Arents.

   
   

   Bruges is a great city for walking – there are so many squares, canal paths and cafes, shops and restaurants to browse in. Famed for its chocolates, beer, waffles and lace, Bruges has an abundance of shops to tempt you. And if music is more your love, then do visit Rombaux for its great selection of jazz and classical vinyls. 

   
   

3. Dinner: A beer at the very welcoming Rose Red bar followed by a meal at Pietje Pek. We discovered this family-run restaurant by chance when we were trying to find a jazz and blues club called 27b flat.  The club was closed, reopening soon, but the restaurant nearby was a great find. One slightly eccentric owner and delicious Belgian food! 

Return travel: We travelled on the 13:20 P&O ferry to Dover which arrived at 13.50 (Sunday 22 March). 

Top Tip: If you plan to visit several sights, invest in the Musea Brugge card which gives you 72 hour access to museums, galleries and monuments for the bargain price of 33 Euros.  

Reading material for the boat: The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb. 

By Julie Vouillemin ©