Sponsored Editorial

Nestled between the Netherlands and France, Flanders is the northern part of Belgium. A diverse and fascinating destination with great historical and cultural wealth, it should be a must on your bucket list.

When visiting Flanders, many tourists choose to travel with P&O Ferries. In as little as 90 minutes, you can make the ferry crossing from Dover to Calais, and the Flanders region is just a short drive from the port.

Whilst on board, you can enjoy a great range of facilities. There is plenty of space to relax, a food market and P&O’s Word Duty free shop, which offers savings of up to 50% on high street prices. And for the ultimate crossing, upgrade to the all-inclusive Club Lounge.

Whether you’re looking for exciting, family-friendly activities or want to learn all about the area’s rich history relating to the First World War, there is lots to discover in Flanders. Below are some of the top attractions, according to the P&O Ferries team…

Visit the Chocolate museum in Antwerp

Belgium is synonymous with chocolate. In the centre of Antwerp, you will find Chocolate Nation, a museum offering a journey through time into Belgium chocolate. The tour encompasses chocolate traditions, history, brands, products and innovations that have built its worldwide reputation. You can taste 10 different flavours of chocolate so it’s a big hit with the kids, and if you fancy getting hands-on, there are chocolate-making workshops all across Brussels to enjoy too!

Take a canal tour in Bruges

A visit to Bruges is not complete without a boat trip on the Bruges canals. It’s an amazing way to see the city! During the tour, you will be able to explore some of the most beautiful, interesting spots between Jan van Eyck Square and the Beguinage.

Visit Flanders Field in Ypres

During the First World War, Flanders Fields was a major battle theatre on the Western Front, where a million soldiers from more than 50 different countries were wounded, missing or killed in action. The In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres, Belgium conserves the link with this war past, offering an eye-opening exhibition dedicated to history and remembering the fallen.

Climb the Bruges Belfry Tower

Get your step count up and immerse yourself in history by climbing the Belfry of Bruges. One of the city’s most prominent symbols, this medieval bell tower formerly housed a treasury and the municipal archives, as well as serving as an observation post for spotting fires and other dangers. It’s 366 steep steps to the top but the view is spectacular!

Explore Mini-Europe in Brussels

Fancy seeing a selection of Europe’s biggest, most iconic monuments in the space of one day? It’s possible, thanks to Mini-Europe. This miniature park, located in Bruparck, at the foot of the Atomium in Brussels, has reproductions of monuments from roughly 80 cities and 350 buildings within the continent of Europe and the European Union on display at a scale of 1:25. Live action models such as trains, mills, an erupting Mount Vesuvius and cable cars are all featured – there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Pay your respects at Tyne Cot Cemetery

Across the region, you will find many WW1 memorials, including Tyne Cot Memorial and Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth military cemetery in the world. The cemetery is located in the Ypres Salient, where Commonwealth, French, Belgian and German forces fought almost continuously throughout the First World War.

Visit the Comics Art Museum in Brussels

If you and the kids are comic book fans, you will love the Comics Art Museum, where numerous original drawings and unpublished documents are gathered. Featuring regularly renewed permanent exhibitions and a diversified programme of temporary exhibitions, you will be taken on a journey into the world of European comic strip that honours some of the creators and heroes from the past 30 years.

Go up the Atomium for views of Brussels

Brussels’ Atomium attracts over 600,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. As well as being a symbol of Brussels and Belgium, it is an art centre, with over half of the route dedicated to exhibitions with themes about Belgium and the digital arts.

Discover Hoge Kempen National Park

For nature lovers, Hoge Kempen National Park should be high on the agenda when visiting Flanders. Here, more than 12,000 hectares of forest and heathland are managed and protected. The extensive pine forests, heathland, large ponds and high peaks are home to a variety of wildlife species. Sit back, relax and revel in the beauty or get active by hiking and biking!

To find out more about travelling with P&O Ferries, visit www.poferries.com. Book your crossing today and take advantage of the short break offer from just £99 for a return.

Terms and conditions

Offer applies to Dover to Calais service only. Book by 31st October 2022 for travel by 14th December 2022. Offer subject to restricted space and availability, applies to new bookings only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid for travel for all vehicles and up to 9 passengers or a motorcycle and up to 2 passengers. Excludes foot passengers and bookings made at port. P&O Ferries reserves the right to amend or withdraw all elements of the promotion without prior notice. Subject to Promotional Conditions and P&O Ferries' Terms of Business, both available online at poferries.com.