Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and the Belgian Coast

Despite its relatively small size, Belgium is one of the most interesting and picturesque countries in Europe, and, with a wide range of possibilities, is an excellent destination for your next school trip.

Brussels

This, the capital city of Belgium and first city of Europe, is the obvious choice for politics and history students alike, and presents visitors with an intensely cosmopolitan atmosphere in which the many facets of European identity come to life. At the heart of the city sits the impressive Grand’Place, the historic market square with its splendid guild houses and Gothic Town Hall, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe. Also not to be missed is the world famous statue, the Manneken Pis, which can be seen day or night at the corner of Eikstraat/Stroofstraat very near to the Grand’Place. The city is furthermore home to the iconic Atomium, an exhibition space suspended inside a unique space-age frame, and the Parlamentarium, a museum which explores the origins and practicalities of the European Union. Please click here to visit the Atomium’s website, and here for the Parlamentarium.

Bruges and Ghent

Bruges, ‘the Venice of the North’ is a truly breathtaking destination for school trips, and is the best preserved mediaeval city in Belgium. This makes it the ideal choice for those studying the history of the middle ages, as well as those with a focus on art and architecture. This picturesque city is perhaps best viewed by boat, a poignant reminder of the city’s rich heritage as an important trading centre. With a plethora of churches and museums, this enchanting city is a splendid destination in its own right, or an essential component of a longer tour of Belgium. Ghent is also a fascinating mix of heritage, culture and history, and its picturesque waterways and UNESCO recognised architecture give the city a charm not dissimilar to Bruges, characteristic of the old world beauty which this part of Belgium exudes.

The Belgian Coast

The Belgian Coast is a delightful destination for younger pupils, offering a safe yet exciting experience which is not too far from home. With its lovely sandy beaches and excellent choice of hotels and restaurants, the Belgian coast offers visitors a nostalgic glimpse back to the golden age of sea-side holidays, and a unique cultural experience which is at once warm and welcoming. Dotted along the coast are the charming resort towns of Nieuwpoort Bad, Oostende and Blankenberge, and visitors are sure to leave with a sense of well-being and joie de vivre. Although a lovely destination in its own right, its proximity to the other towns of Belgium and the First World War Battlefields also makes the Belgian Coast a natural and relaxing conclusion to a more subject-specific tour.

Bellewaerde Theme Park

Located near to Ypres, Bellewaerde Theme Park is one of Belgium’s most popular theme parks, and has a variety of rides for thrill-seekers and theme park goers of all ages and limits. This is an excellent way to round off a more intellectually and emotionally stimulating tour and will give your pupils an opportunity to let off steam before returning home! Please click here to visit their website.

We can cater to any requirements which you may have, and we work with a number of hotels in Belgium, including:

Hotel Restaurant Cosmopolite

Ideally located in the pleasant seaside resort of Nieuwpoort, this friendly hotel has many years of experience at welcoming school groups and is a perfect base for your time on the Belgian Coast. The hotel boasts over 100 rooms, all with en-suite facilities, and several are specially adapted for those who require special mobility provision. Meals are served in the hotel restaurant and it is possible to reserve a meeting room for study time or evening activities. Please click here to visit their website.

Hotel Sabot d’Or

This cosy family-run hotel is located in the pretty coastal town of Blankenberge, just half an hour’s drive from Bruges, and an hour’s drive from Ypres. All rooms have en-suite facilities, a television and radio, and students are generally accommodated in rooms which sleep two to four people, with adults in twin and single rooms. The hotel also has two bedrooms adapted for people with reduced mobility, and has two lounges which can be booked for evening use. In Blankenberge itself, groups that have some free time can take a walk to the seafront to spend time at the beach, explore the pier and marina. Please click here to visit their website.