Day trips to Belgium

It only takes 35 minutes to get from Folkestone to Calais, and from there, there are myriad little towns and cities in Belgium, within easy driving distance, that you can explore in a day.

Day trip to Belgium from London

You could easily do a day trip to Belgium from London with LeShuttle, if you really wanted to. If you fancied bringing back some exquisite Belgian beer, or chocolates, in time for Christmas, or being at a Remembrance Day or Somme memorial at Ypres, or a quick summer hop to Poperinge, you could definitely do it. Here’s an idea of your schedule: 

What are the best day trips to Belgium from Calais?

Belgium is filled to the brim with picturesque medieval towns, castles, Renaissance architecture and historical landmarks. Why not take a day trip to Bruges? Or take a weekend to explore Ghent? Read on to learn more about some of the beautiful places in Belgium you can visit with LeShuttle.

Bruges day trip - medieval charm and canals

Driving distance from Calais terminal: 72 miles, 1 hr 30 mins

Bruges day trip itinerary – What to do in Bruges in a day?

Bruges has been called "The Venice of the North" due to its canal-lined streets and stunning architecture, and with good reason.

With something to see at every turn, Bruges is filled with some of Europe's finest surviving medieval buildings. This includes the Church of Our Lady, the tower of which is the highest structure in the city, and inside can be found a highly treasured statue of Madonna and Child by Michaelangelo.

Not to be missed is the Groeningemuseum, which houses a huge collection of art spanning more than 600 years, including works by the Flemish master Jan Van Eyck. You can also climb the Belfort, the 83-metre tall bell tower, for stunning views of the city. A canal tour is also an essential day trip thing to do – they take around 45 minutes, and you get to see all the major sites. Bruges is also home to some wonderful breweries. 

Mixing history, culture and entertainment, Bruges makes a great day trip for those willing to venture further afield than France.

Ghent day trip itinerary – What to do in Ghent in a day?

As a city, Ghent is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, so once you’ve parked up, explore the city on foot or hire a bicycle and join the locals on the cycle paths.

There are a number of bicycle tours you can do, such as Bike Ghent which offers an ‘insider’s tour’, but if you’d rather explore the city on your own, there are a couple of highlights that you simply can’t miss. The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb in Saint Bavo's Cathedral attracts art enthusiasts the world over. The altarpiece is one of the earliest known oil paintings, dating from 1432, with an illustrious history. It has almost been destroyed by fire, both accidentally and intentionally, and is the most-stolen piece of art in history – in fact, one panel stolen in 1934 is still missing.

Ghent is also famous for its medieval architecture, and there’s no finer example of this than the 12th century castle Gravensteen, which means ‘castle of the counts’ in Dutch. To look at, Gravensteen is very much what you’d imagine a castle to be, with its turrets, crenellated parapets, and surrounding moat. The castle was once used as a mill, but has been lovingly restored since, and there’s a great video tour you can take round with you that tells a fun story to teach the history of the place.

How long does it take to drive to Ghent from Calais?

Again, Ghent is an easy drive from our terminal in Calais. It takes just 1 hour 40 minutes for the 96 mile journey. You stay on the E40 motorway almost the whole way.

Ostend day trip – Beaches and seaside atmosphere

Driving distance from Calais terminal: 62 miles, 1 hr 20 mins 

Ostend day trip itinerary – What to do in Ostend in a day?  

If you’re craving a day by the sea, this pretty harbour and seaside town is perfect. Known in Belgium as the ‘queen’ of seaside resorts, Ostend’s strategic position on the North Sea coast is part of its rich history. It was occupied by German forces (along with the rest of the country) and used as an access point to the sea for submarines and other light naval forces for much of World War I.

After your short drive from Calais you will discover over 9 kilometres of sandy beaches that invite you to sunbathe (if the weather allows for it!) plus a beautiful promenade to stroll along. For the hardier individuals you could take a dip in the North Sea. It’s sure to be bracing!

Ostend’s attractions include The Mercator, a floating ship museum that undertook scientific expeditions all over the world. Tickets cost €8 for adults and €6 for children under 14. 

How long does it take to drive to Ostend from Calais?

Ostend is only 62 miles from our terminal, and it’s a straightforward drive of just an hour and 20 minutes, along the A16 autoroute and E40 (the same road, but in Belgium) via Dunkirk.

Ypres day trip – WWI battlefields and history

Driving distance from Calais terminal: 59 miles, 1 hr 10 mins 

Ypres day trip itinerary – What to do in Ypres in a day?

During World War l, Ypres stood in the path of Germany's planned sweep across the rest of Belgium and into France from the north, known as the Schlieffen Plan. The German army surrounded the city on three sides, bombarding it through much of the war. Although reduced to ruins, the town was eventually fully rebuilt, including its impressive Cloth Hall (Lakenhalle) and cathedral.

The Last Post is the act of remembrance that takes place at the Menin Gate in Ypres every day at 8pm. This ceremony marks the passing of the soldiers who died in battle during both world wars. The Menin Gate was designed by Reginald Blomfield and lists the names of 54,389 men who have no known grave. It might be a little too late on your day trip, but if you’re in Ypres on a longer break make sure you catch it. 

The Cloth Hall houses the museum In Flanders Fields. This moving museum is a multisensory experience, combining soundscapes, videos, exhibits and interactive learning stations. Ypres’ restored Lakenhalle is one of Belgium's most spectacular buildings, thanks to its 70m-high belfry - the original dating from 1304.