Belgium

Due to the recent terrorist incidents in Belgium we urge schools to check with their insurers and confer with parents and students regarding trips which are planned to Belgium or are routed through Belgium in order to come to a decision about how to continue. Please do check the updated Foreign Office advice, the link for which can be found at the foot of this page.

Types of trips: Active, Attraction and Culture, Family and Fun, Food and Drink, Action and Adventure, Shopping, Recreation and Sports

Best known for: Waffles, Chocolate, Beer, Capital of the European Union, Flanders Fields, Manneken Pis statue, Brussels Sprouts, Mussels, Eddie Merckx, The Smurfs, Tintin

Why Go?: Right in the middle of Central Europe, Belgium has a richly varied culture; bordering the Netherlands, Germany, France and Luxembourg, it's a country steeped in history, but is also equally attractive for the current day goings-on. The ancient Gothic style of the buildings in the main cities host a wide variety of things to do - whatever your interests, Belgium will have something for you.

Fact File

Population: 11,000,000

Capital: Brussels

Language(s): Flemish/Dutch, French and German

Ties to the UK?: Physically quite close by, Good tourism links, Popular travel destination for culture and holidays

Landscape: Mainly flat with dry coastal plains, many natural waterways in the countryside and lots of canals in the cities, beaches

Climate/Seasons: Warmest from April to September, but no real extremes in weather; not too hot, cold or wet

When to Go: July and August would be the warmest months, but decent destination at any time with many festivals and events spread throughout the year

Reasons to Visit: Many cities and towns to visit, each with their own interesting histories and things to do - cultural and historical points of interest you would not find in the UK

How to Get There: Several good airports, but Eurostar links from London make it possible to get there in a matter of hours via other means. Good public transport in the major towns and cities once you are there

Places to Go: Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, Menin Gate, Ghent

Famous People: Poirot, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Georges Lemaitre, James Ensor, Justine Henin-Hardenne, Kim Clijsters

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Han-Sur-Lesse limestone caves, Coo waterfalls, Forests with a rich wildlife such as deer, wild boar, wild cats and wolves

History: WWI, WWII and the Holocaust, Founding of the EU

Architecture: Royal Palace of Brussels, Brussels Cathedral, Theatre Royal de la Monnaie, Musical Instrument Musuem, Church of our Lady

Culture: Fine art (many collections in Bruges), Specialist Belgian cuisine, Year-round festivals and celebrations

Sport: Football, Cycling, Tennis, Belgian Grand Prix as part of the F1 World Championship

Events: Brussels Fair, Springtime Carnivals, Christmas Markets, Jazz and Film Festivals

Watch Out For: Pickpockets in busy areas, Cobblestone streets in the cities can be trip hazards

Medical Issues: No current vaccinations required