Escape to the continent as we head to the fabulous seaside city of Ostend!
With a fascinating history, excellent shopping, enticing bars & restaurants and a stunning coastline, Belgium.s favourite resort awaits...
Day One
We depart South Wales early in the morning (all pick ups will take place between 3am and 6am) and head to Folkestone for our lunchtime LeShuttle to Northern France. From here it’s just a 90 minute drive to our base for the weekend, Ostend!
Staying at the Ostend Hotel in the heart of the city and including three nights with continental breakfast included.
Ostend itself is a fantastic place to stay, and our hotel is just over the road from the gorgeous sandy beach and huge promenade. Here you can hire no end of carts and bikes to keep the family entertained or just kick back and watch the sea roll in from an endless choice of beach front cafe bars and restaurants.
Head into town for some excellent city centre shopping with brands you know , exclusive shops and if you like a little nostalgia then pop to C&A! ( yes that C&A!)
Sint-Petrus-en-Pauluskerk church is a neo gothic building and sits close to the city marina. Open to the public most days. Ostend is famed for it’s food, the marina is lined with fresh fish stalls and the dozens of restaurants have never failed to impress our regular visitors or indeed our family ( it’s a firm favourite of the Jones the bus clan!) With restaurants such as Den Artist … around the corner from our hotel.. to steak houses such as La Stalla and the ever bizarre but brilliant Koekoek…serving almost nothing but chicken and bread for around €10 … it has to be done!
If all you want to do is relax then why not grab a seat in the sunshine (hopefully….) and get the perfect cup of coffee from one of the many cafe bars. Most also serve ice cold beer, the champagne of the country. And with bars such as La Bouteilles serving around 400 varieties…you should be in for a good night!
Day Two – Brugge (optional excursion, no extra charge)
It’s the jewel in the crown of the Flanders region..Brugge!
A must see medieval city, lined with cobbled streets and canals … hop on a boat and take in the breathtaking views or maybe a horse and cart..complete with commentary from a local!
The belfry stands proud in the Markt square, you can climb to the top and see miles around or sit and grab a coffee and take in the sights. Decent shopping, churches, lace shops...Belgian waffles…chocolate…(you may need to cut back when you get home…) and there are many beer shops too…one housing over 1200 varieties! Make sure you know the way back to the coach…And to remind you that it it’s just a tad quirky…there’s even a museum to chips…yes chips!!!
That afternoon it’s back to Ostend to unwind before enjoying your Saturday night.
Day Three – Free in Ostend
As we’ve mentioned the city has so much to offer but if you need pointing in the right direction then just ask our driver who’ll be more than happy to help.
Day Four
Not too early a start as we take you back through Northern France before we board our LeShuttle crossing back to the UK. Arriving home late evening.
We have a number of pick up points available for this break as shown below...
Located in the heart of Ostend, just set back from the historic harbour and beach, the Ostend Hotel is just a 5 minute walk to the main shopping areas. All 110 comfortable bedrooms are simply furnished and equipped with a TV and hairdryer. The restaurant is modern and stylish and there is a cosy, modern bar. There is also a sauna and gym. The hotel has a lift to all floors and offers free WIFI.
The following room types are available at the hotel:
