Unmissable attractions to visit on a Belgian boating holiday
If you're looking for the ideal European short break where you can absorb plenty of culture and have lots to see and do, consider a getaway in Belgium. The nation is comprised of picturesque landscapes, ancient towns and pretty waterways, making it ideal for exploring by boat.
A boating break allows you to see much more of a destination than you perhaps could on a more traditional type of holiday, affording you the freedom to really explore rather than being based in just one location for the duration of your trip.
Whatever you enjoy doing on holiday - whether it's sunbathing on the sand, visiting cultural attractions or going for a leisurely bike ride - you'll find all sorts of attractions to visit and activities to try out.
Begin your break in the seaside town of Nieuwpoort, where beach bums will be right at home on the golden sands. Of course, if you enjoy being a little more active, you could venture into the sea for a swim or have a go at some water sports.
There's a 2 km promenade here popular with walkers and cyclists, so you might decide to hire a bicycle and take in the glorious views as you pedal along.
As well as the beach, there are other attractions to call in at, including Elf Juliwijk, which children are sure to love as they can get close to a variety of animals. Meanwhile, you could stop off at Prince Mauritspark for a healthy walk through the 18 show gardens, all of which are connected by footpaths.
In the town centre, you can catch sight of the belfry - a UNESCO World Heritage - and visit the Onze-Lieve-Vroukerk, which was rebuilt in its original Gothic style after being destroyed during both world wars.
From Nieuwpoort, head to Ypres - an ancient town where you can take in a variety of war memorials established to commemorate Belgian and British forces that took part in World War I and II. In particular you might like to view the Menin Gate, a memorial set up to honour the soldiers missing after the first world war.
It's also worth heading to the museum, called 'In Flanders Fields', to learn more about the events of this battle. For something a little more lighthearted, however, the children might relish the chance to call in at Bellewaerde Park, where they can see pelicans, flamingos and dwarf goats, as well as have a go on some thrilling rides.
From here, you could travel to Diksmuide during your boating holiday to learn more about the first world war, as the location is home to the 85 m-high IJzer Tower - inside which is a museum charting the war. The museum is owned by the United Nations and gives visitors the chance to experience the odour of mustard gas during a visit.
Alternatively, you might decide to continue on to Bruges, the former capital of the Flanders region. This medieval settlement is a UNESCO World Heritage site as a result of its excellently-preserved architecture and is ideal for exploring on foot, by canal or in a horse-drawn carriage.
In the market square you can admire the 83 m-high belfry, which is around 750 years old and affords some amazing views from the top if you can manage the 366-stair climb! In the nearby Burg Square is the Church of Our Lady, which is well worth a visit to take in Michelangelo's Madonna and Child, as well as the tallest spire in Belgium.
The country is famous for its lace-making and, if you call in at the Brangwyn Museum, you can view a collection of old mixed lace, needlepoint and bobbin. The country is also known for its beer, and there are more than 300 different varieties to try on a boating holiday in Belgium.
Call in at the Straffe Hendrik Brewery - the last remaining family brewers in the city - and enjoy a guided tour as well as a taste session. There are plenty of chocolate shops in the vicinity too, if you fancy sinking your teeth into another renowned Belgian export.
Lastly, you might just have time to stop in Gothic Gent, where you should be sure to moor up and explore the historic centre. Despite only having a radius of about 1 km, the settlement has more listed monuments than any other city is Belgium!
Among the attractions is the castle of Gravensteen and its many instruments of torture, the beautiful Cathedral St Bavo - which is home to the Van Eyck brothers' Adoration of the Mystique Lamb - and the restored medieval castle of Chateau des Comtes de Flandre.
Book your boating break in Belgium to see all these wonderful landmarks firsthand.
