Bruges and the Dutch Bulbfields with Shearings – DAY 5

Ghent, easy on the eye but choose good footwear

Babs and I decided that today, our final day, would be coach-free. Our driver Ian had taken the group into Ghent at 9.00 am. We wanted a more leisurely day so we had a lie-in and a later breakfast.

Ghent The hotel is fortunate being at the end of tram line 1. Trams arrive every 10 minutes and whisk you into Ghent in about 15 minutes. Astonishingly cheap too. One Euro 30 each way. But don’t forget to frank your ticket on the tram. The fine is 50 Euro if you fail to do so.

“The Final Countdown” by Europe was playing at the station as the tram arrived. I sincerely hoped it wasn’t going to be – I was quite looking forward to the day.

First impressions of Ghent. More sprawling than Bruges. Much better shops. Modern high street shops. And bikes galore. There were hundreds at Sint-Pieters train station.

Not every city can boast a castle at the end of the High street. But Ghent has the Castle of the Counts built in 1180. Sombre looking but impressive and enormous. There is a great view from the top of the keep. The torture museum brings tears to the eyes. Dungeons and dragons. The dragon is on the Belfry, 95 metres high. It has been protecting the city since the 14th century.

The place to be seen or hang out is down by the river. Gabled guild houses, hotels, bars and restaurants line  the waterside. Take a boat trip from here around the canals and rivers.

Ghent The view from St Michael’s Bridge is the most photographed in the whole of Ghent. Whenever you see Ghent in a travel brochure it’s always this Graslei area that is shown. Many Gentenaars take a drink and sandwich down to the quayside. And no wonder. It’s gorgeous!  We had an amazingly good Flemish stew (Stoverij) at De Witte Leeuw riverside restaurant. Chunks of beef cooked in two sweet beers. Wonderful. Do try it.

Close by is the fabulously named Castle of Gerald the Devil!

Mad Meg. A cast iron cannon weighing 12,500kg  at the end of a cobbled shopping street is a strange sight. Ox- blood red. So easy to spot.

The new city pavilion is striking. Massive. Glass, wood and concrete in harmony. Not from IKEA.

We both had a great day. Ghent is easy on the eye but choose good footwear. The cobbles are heavy on the feet.

As the tram returned to the hotel, the radio played “Together in Electric Dreams” by Sheffield’s Phil Oakey and Giorgio Moroder reminding us of our South Yorkshire birthplace. And tomorrow we will be back there after a lovely short break.

Ghent I had noticed that in Belgium, Ghent becomes Gent on all signs. A bit like a home. Some parts of Yorkshire have been dropping letters in conversation since Adam were but t’lad.

I can see why coach holidays are so popular. All you have to do is keep your side of the bargain. Turn up at the allotted time and let the coach take the strain from then on. Sit back relax and enjoy the countryside, the sights and smells and noises of everyday life as you are driven by. Everything else is taken care for you. No stress, no headaches.

The choice of driver can have a major impact on your enjoyment of a coach trip. Ian’s charm and approach was spot on. Not too intrusive. Professional, knowledgeable and as you would expect superb driving skills. Shearings are very good at organizing these trips. That’s for sure.

We are sorry to advise that the Specialist Leisure Group, which includes Shearings, entered administration on 22 May 2020. If you have booked a holiday with Shearings, or you have any questions please visit the Shearings website.

See also

202 people found this helpful
16838

Share Article:

Dave Harcombe

Travelling pharmacist

Leave a comment

*

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Most Recent Articles

There’s something refreshingly nostalgic about the quintessential British coach holiday….

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.