After GCSE’s. work and generally a hectic couple of months, it’s time for for the adventures to resume and where better to begin than Brugge, a place that we said we would revisit.
We booked a 4 bed, outside cabin with dinner and breakfast included and although not cheap, we feel that it is good value for money and it shaves off a massive 300 miles from the planned trip.
Well stocked with our favourite foods, drink, tech and 2 kids, we set off for what we anticipated to be our best outing yet.
First to arrive for the check in at Hull but better to be early than late.
This was our 1st trip to Europe in Rio and whilst we had done this journey many times before, this time seemed a little extra special – or maybe that was just me!
Security check, a short wait on the terminal and then loading. All went pretty well and I must say that P&O at Hull are very efficient compared to Dover-Calais and well worth paying that little extra for the night on the ship.
OMG! that’s high – I’ve not really got a good head for heights and didn’t hang around the edge for long.
After spending a small fortune in the on board shop on Chanel, Dior and YvesSaintLaurent, we headed for the restaurant for dinner which didn’t disappoint and went down very well indeed especially the chocolate cake (twice)
The cabin was as expected, clean and compact with a shower room and WC, what more could we want?
A good nights sleep followed and after breakfast we arrived in Belgium for phase 1 of our holiday.
A short journey from the port to Brugge and Camping Memling which would be our base for the next 3 days.
Great site and now offering free WiFi (via 1 hour vouchers at the self service point near reception) which kept the boys entertained for a while.
When we planned our holiday, we never thought what impact Euro 2016 may have on our plans and was slightly dismayed when the site appeared to fill up with football fans in tents and hired motor homes but the first night was very quiet and everyone respected the fact that the site was used by families and also in a residential area.
Day 2 saw us take a 30 minute walk from the site into the centre of Brugge. We planned to go up the Belfry Tower ( which always brings a smile to my face when thinking about the scene from the movie “In Brugges” with Colin Farell)
The queue wasn’t that bad so we headed straight for the tower. 366 steps to the top of the tower which also meant 366 steps back down – at this stage the boys didn’t seem too happy!
It was hot and not really the day to be inside a stone tower with tight winding stairs and lots of people, good job there was three floors with plenty of scope for a short rest.
47 bells which sounded whilst we were at the top made the experience even better although not everyone enjoyed the noise.
The view from the top was fantastic and the breeze was very welcome too.
The way down was made difficult by those wanting to get to the top and it was a miracle that none of us actually slipped on the stairs themselves as they were so steep in places.
Lunch was Fries & Mayonnaise from the stands at the base of the tower, very nice despite the price of 4 1/2 euro’s per portion but were on holiday after all.
That night everyone on site was disturbed by the mindless and selfishness of a group of Welsh football fans who were drinking, playing load music and basically showing a total disrespect for anyone else other than themselves – luckily it appears that they were ejected from the site the next day.
Day 3 – Having seen the city by horse drawn carriage and the canal on a previous visit, we decided to take the City bus tour from the town centre – 20 euros each for 50 minutes of guided commentary, not bad at all and much better than trying to find your own way around the city.
A stroll around the Koningin AstridPark was pleasant and highly recommended if you get the chance.
After a great day in the city we headed back to Camping Memling for a well earned rest and believe me, we needed it.
After a good and quiet nights sleep, we were ready for phase 2 of the holiday – Disneyland Paris, a 200 mile drive via Lille and Paris and with my trusty side kick navigating, I knew we would have a good journey.
Our Motorhome Adventures 