Bruges
Martin’s Relais Oud Huis Amsterdam – in Bruges.
Monday, April 22nd, 2013
Bruges really does have the best collection of historic hotels, which transfer you back to an era of decadence and drama. After a short walk along the picturesque Spiegelrei Canal, past a road of imposing properties and down cobbled streets, we finally arrived at the Martin’s Relais Oud Huis Amsterdam. The 13th century building was very imposing with large windows facing the opposite street across the canal.
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Belgium – Chocolaty and Mussel-Bound
Friday, April 19th, 2013
Those of you who have seen the film In Bruges know there are two different ways to look at Bruges. You can love it or hate it and it was about time for me to find out to which group I would be in. When thinking about Bruges I can’t help but think of the cliché: Chocolates, waffles, mussels and beer. But could a place really fulfil my expectations without Willy Wonka being involved?
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Footsteps in Flanders
Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013
My first ever Belgian journey began with a snowy Dover – Calais ferry crossing and a coach into Ypres. Ypres, or Ieper to the Flemish, is a lovely little town close to the French border, you definitely wouldn’t think it was the scene of so much destruction almost a hundred years ago. Ypres played host to some of the fiercest battles of the First World War, hence the workshop organised by Flanders Tourism in commemoration of the upcoming centenary. During my two and a half days in Ypres, I learnt about the Great War itself, visited memorials, cemeteries and former battlefields.
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Bruges: the ‘Venice of the North’
Friday, March 1st, 2013
I had been to Bruges before but only briefly and after hearing so much about how lovely a place it is, I was extremely excited about having the opportunity to explore this World Heritage Site for myself. Getting there was so easy and without any of the hassle of flying. Not long after arriving at St Pancras I was in the departure lounge awaiting the call to board my 2pm Eurostar to Brussels.
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Bruges and Ghent – Two Medieval Marvels
Friday, January 25th, 2013
Having visited Belgium many times before but never really venturing out of Brussels, I was excited to be visiting Bruges and Ghent, particularly after watching the film In Bruges.
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A step back in time in Bruges
Monday, April 2nd, 2012
It all started when I boarded a Eurostar service at St Pancras station with my colleague Katerina last Thursday. We were travelling from London to Bruges and were excited by the prospect of exploring a medieval city steeped in history and drenched in old-world charm. The Eurostar reached Brussels Midi station on time, which allowed us plenty of time to transfer onto the SNCB train heading for the Belgian city of Bruges. Our first class carriage was very quiet with only the ticket inspector briefly interrupting our peace.
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Brussels and Bruges
Monday, October 3rd, 2011
I began my trip to Brussels with an early journey on the Eurostar train. Your first introduction to Belgium is the trilingual service announcements, in English, French and Flemish. We made on brief stopover in Lille, and before I knew it I was gazing out at low-lying Belgium, and the handsome town-houses on the outskirts of Brussels.
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Grand Casselbergh Brugge & De Vlaamsche Pot
Tuesday, April 26th, 2011
Grand Casselbergh Brugge
This was my first 4* Deluxe experience and it wasn’t disappointing. The Grand Hotel Casselbergh is a fantastic new hotel which combines old world charm and grandeur with a homely feel and affordable prices.
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Christmas in Bruges
Friday, January 28th, 2011
Our little 3 day bags were packed, Railbookers documentation (complete with maps and timetables) were safe in our hand luggage and the Eurostar was on time-who says the snow and ice always causes delays! My mum and I were on a mini Christmas Market adventure to Bruges.
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Hotel of the Week – De Tuilerieen, Bruges
Tuesday, May 4th, 2010
There is not much the staff at the De Tuilerieen would not do for their customers. Maybe bears riding tricycles is too much to ask, but only just. Still, the service is genuinely friendly, not the typical service one might expect in a top hotel – no fake smiles and bowing heads.
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