If you missed it, it was my birthday last week. The ripe old age of 31. And what better way to celebrate than to head off on a trip with my family. We had an existing commitment the following day just south of Amsterdam, so decided to make a bit of a road trip out of it, and head to Bruges to break up the journey.
First of all, I’ve got to talk about how magical the Eurotunnel is with children. It was the first time we had been on it with them and they couldn’t believe their eyes that we were going on a train, in the car. My eldest said it reminded him of the movie ‘Cars’ as that is what it looked like. They found it so funny. The whole process is quite and simple, though; I don’t know why we haven’t used it more.
From Calais, Bruges is well under and hour and a half to drive, so it was just the right amount of time to break up the journey. We found a car park to drive to, and at €1.10 an hour, it was pretty reasonable for such a tourist spot. Then we headed out for a mooch and to grab some lunch. And of course waffles. I mean, it was my birthday. And we were in Belgium. Duh.
Classy Burger King for the kids, because they are just oh so adventurous when we go away. Sometimes they are, sometimes they’re really, really not.
I just love all of the architecture of the city. There is nothing else quite like mainland Europe for stunning buildings.
We have a bit of a tradition of going on boat trips when we go anywhere. Even when we’ve been to Wales in the past, it has always involved a boat trip. The canal tour of Bruges is pretty cheap compared to many we have been on, with it only being €8 for adults and €4 for children. it is just under an hour, but it a good way to see what the city has to offer.
I had no idea what this building is. But with gold embellishment, a lion, and a bear on it, the kids were sold.
We got two waffles between the four of us to share. Strawberries and chocolate sauce on one, and caramel and whipped cream on the other. And do you know what the Flemish word for ‘whipped cream’ or ‘cream’ is ‘slagroom’. Pretty much my favourite word ever. So juvenile – who would think I’m in my thirties, ha!
Seriosuly, all the heart eyes with these buildings.
Though the weather wasn’t the greatest, it was a fun way to spend the day. After a few hours we headed back into the car, off to the Hotel NH Waalwijk, ready for our southern Amsterdam adventure. More to follow on that.
That looks lovely though I am terrified of drowning so would eat waffles and miss the boat trip!
Waffles were delicious, you wouldn’t be disappointed!
Happy late birthday! Looks like an amazing place. Those waffles look absolutely delicious! Yummy!
Thank you!
It looks beautiful, I hope you all had an amazing time.
Happy belated birthday ☺️
Thank you!
I love Bruges but my husband has banned me from visiting as we’ve been so often!
Haha aw!
Oh wow this looks absolutely fantastic, what a great birthday treat. I love waffles and Bruges on my travel wish list. Glad you had a great time.
Hope you get an opportunity to go!
Happy belated birthday! I’ve always wanted to visit Bruges & the architecture looks stunning there!
Thank you it’s gorgeous!
Bruges looks like an adult version of Disney, specially with all those beautiful buildings and cobbled streets. It sounds like you have a brilliant birthday get away. The canal boat ride seems like a great price as well.
Haha, it was a great trip 🙂
I would love exploring all there is to see in Bruges – but I would especially enjoy eating ALL the food! The waffles have always appealed to me.
The waffles are so yummy!
Family holidays are always fantastic! I really enjoy traveling with family and have recently been to Bruges too. The weather at that time was extremely cold and it was really difficult for me to take out my hands from the gloves to take photos from my mobile.
Ah yes, tricky!