Where to Stay in Scotland. Many of us at the moment want to travel. Yet, while we are all craving a break away from home, for many the idea of getting on a plane just doesn’t appeal. Apart from the complex new regulations around air-travel after lockdown, there’s also that risk that a local flareup […]
Ghent : A Belgian Gem
Things to do in Ghent, a Belgian Gem. Ghent is picturesque, quaint and – like many Belgian cities – quirky. It has an enviable skyline of gables and spires each of which comprises parts of its history. Every building seems to tell a story, from the Stadhuis where the treaty of Ghent was signed in […]
OMG! Van Eyck Was Here
Ghent – Van Eyck and More. OMG! Van Eyck was here is the slogan currently displayed all over Ghent on flags, flyers, billboards and even refuse bins. Van Eyck fever is taking hold in the city where throughout 2020, celebrations of this Flemish master will showcase both his work and enduring influence. One of the […]
Discover Ghent – just a train journey away
Exploring Ghent – A Short Break in Belgium: The joy of the Eurostar was apparent as I embarked on a wonderfully stress-free journey via Kings Cross St Pancras to Brussels, coffee and book in hand. The change at Brussels was remarkably effortless on to the local train network with a further 30-minute journey to Ghent. […]
Liège – a Taste of Belgium – Food and Beer
How to eat and drink your way around Liège. Visiting Liège for the first time I discovered a fascinating city, rich in history and culture. However, Belgium also provides a feast for foodies – there are some wonderful restaurants in Liège to discover along with renowned Belgian chocolate, waffles and craft beers. On my recent visit to […]
Mons – A City for All Seasons
Tanks in Town and More in Mons, Wallonia, Belgium. Wallonia, the southern and French-speaking part of Belgium is one of those regions you might chance upon rather than visit by design. But, go once and you’ll want to return. Gentle and slow-paced, Wallonian cities are typically unspoilt and not overly busy. However, as I discovered […]
Namur Belgium – A Citadel, Snails, Perfume and More
In the heart of Wallonia – What to do in Namur, Belgium. Namur, Belgium, is in the heart of the French-speaking part of the country, Wallonia. Today, Namur is a thriving University City, with a charming, friendly and welcoming atmosphere, perfect as a base for exploring Wallonia or travelling further afield in Belgium and equally […]
Wines of Wallonia, Belgium
The Smallest Wine Producing Country in the World, Wallonia, Belgium: The story of modern Belgium Wine production starts in France. And, in the UK and Germany too. Our first stop on the wine and gastronomy tour of Wallonia was at the vineyards of the charming and effervescent 80-year old Philippe Grafé who is, perhaps, at […]
Hotel Les Tanneurs de Namur
Boutique Charm in Namur at Hôtel Les Tanneurs. What is the thing you look for in a hotel when you are travelling? For some people being in the heart of the City is important, for others it’s finding a hotel that is contemporary, with every possible mod con. For me, it’s a hotel with heritage. […]
Visit Antwerp – An Atypical Adventure
A Whistlestop Visit to Antwerp, Belgium. ‘Atypical Antwerp’ is the marketing slogan for a city that is creative, dynamic and vibrant, a small city of half a million people that punches far above its size in art, fashion, architecture and more. I had passed through Antwerp once before en route to Amsterdam and I suspect […]