Autumnal Ostend in October
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Blankenberge Pier ©Tourist Office Blankenberge
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Winter shopping in Bruges ©VisitBruges, JanDHondt, Toerisme Brugge
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Blankenberge Marina, Belgium ©Tourism office Blankenberge
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Begijnhof, Bruges ©VisitBruges, JanDHondt
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Markt Bruges © Toerisme Brugge / Jan Darthet
Ostend has been a favourite for groups for many, many years and one can see why. Its cosmopolitan centre and beautiful parks are just the tip of the iceberg. Its location on the Belgian coast, of course, opens the doors to a number of culinary delights, so why not head to a seafood restaurant to sample them?
Whether your interests lie in food, drink or history, there is something for everyone in Ostend!
Additionally, Blankenberge is only a short journey away from your base in Ostend. Enjoy its bustle and stroll along the beach on Belgium’s beautiful coast. From here, Bruges is also easily accessible. Spend a day exploring the bewitchingly beautiful town of Bruges. This medieval town known for its winding streets of charming buildings, guaranteed to enchant those stroll along them. Why not discover Bruges from the water? By enjoying a canal cruise, you can glide around the town, under the bridges and past the higgledy-piggledy buildings.
Dates
October 2023 - dates subject to availability
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Belgium
Commence your journey, travelling to Dover for your ferry crossing. Arriving in Calais, continue through France to Belgium. Check in to your hotel in Ostend, a cosmopolitan town with sandy beaches.
Day 2
Itinerary Suggestions
Bruges
Belgium’s beauty is owed partly to its size and that so many fabulous towns and cities are a mere 30 minute drive away from Ostend. The famous medieval town of Bruges is within this radius, and is well worth a visit. Often dubbed ‘the Venice of the North’, why not enjoy the crow-stepped gabled buildings from another perspective, and take a sightseeing cruise on the famous canals?
Blankenberge
Blankenberge is a destination often overlooked or even ignored by the average traveller to Belgium, however it really is quite a surprise. Aside from its prime location along the Belgian coast, it also boasts the only pier in Belgium! Take a stroll down its brimming shopping streets and admire the Art-Nouveau architecture around the town.
Day 3
Itinerary Suggestions
Explore Ostend
Today, perhaps explore your base of Ostend. If you’ve been before, why not visit your favourite hotspots or if you’re new to this coastal town, why not head to the Maritime Quarter and visit the Mercator – a museumship with National Heritage status!
For others looking for a more culinary experience, perhaps head to a local tea room and watch passers-by with a coffee and a Belgian waffle.
Over the border to Sluis!
Sluis is a small town just over the Dutch border, and around a 40-minute drive from Ostend. For an afternoon, perhaps drive over to experience some Dutch specialities? Although it is only over the border, one knows they’re in the Netherlands! The town is peppered with quirky shops, cafés and restaurants offering everything from homemade perfume to modern art pieces. After browsing in the shops, perhaps find a spot by the Damme Canal and watch the world go by.
Day 4
Return to the UK
It’s time to leave Belgium and return to the UK. Retrace your steps to the Channel ports and, arriving back in the UK, continue to your local area.
Suggested hotel
Hotel Glenmore, Ostend*** – Visited by Greatdays Staff in October 2019
The Hotel Glenmore is ideally situated a stone’s throw away from the promenade, home to a bustling seafront filled with restaurants and bars. The train station is also approximately 10 minutes away by foot. Many of the rooms have been newly renovated, and due to the historic nature of the building, no two rooms are the same! The hotel also has an extensive number of leisure facilities, including a jacuzzi and sauna. If the weather allows, why not enjoy a cup of coffee on the roof terrace, which offers lovely views over the city’s skyline.
NB. Coaches may pick-up and drop-off outside of the hotel, however there is coach parking on Mercatorlaan.
You may also be interested in:
The 3 B’s of Belgium – Blankenberge, Battlefields and Bruges
| 4 days | Hotel | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| October 2023 | Hotel Glenmore, Ostend | From £159.00 per person | From £75.00 per person |
Prices are available on request for travel by overnight North Sea crossings or by air.
