Bruges, Ghent and Brussels all have attractive mediaeval centres. Bruges, or Ostend on the coast, would be better if you’re taking the ferry back from Calais to Dover, Dunkirk to Dover or Zeebrugge to Hull.
Bruges is smaller but well worth a two/three day visit. Climb the belltower or take a boat trip on the canals. Most people in Flanders – the northern half of Belgium – speak English. Many watch BBC TV.
Belgium offers a fantastic variety of draft and bottled beer – the Pro League is sponsored by Jupiler lager. Bars close when the customers have gone home.
Cycling; Bradley Wiggins lives near Wigan but was born in Ghent. The 2013 Championship of Flanders (Kampioenschap van Vlaanderen) takes place on Friday 20 September 2013 at Koolskamp.