Top Things to do in West Flanders Province
Top Restaurants in West Flanders Province
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What to do and see in West Flanders Province, Flanders: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in West Flanders Province, Belgium including Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, For Freedom Museum, Folklore Museum, Adornesdomein & Jeruzalemkerk, Begijnhof St Elisabeth (St. Elisabeth House), Museum Paul Delvaux, Raversyde, Abdijmuseum Ten Duinen, Atlantikwall Raversyde, Vladslo German War Cemetery.
Restaurants in West Flanders Province
1. Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 996 reviews
The Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 presents the historic story of the First World War in a poignant and vivid way, with a particular emphasis on the Battle of Passchendaele. This battle in 1917 is known as one of the most horrific battles from the First World War, with more than half-a-million casualties for a territorial gain of merely eight kilometres. ‘Passchendaele’ not only became a concept in the history of the First World War, it also became a symbol of the great futility of the violence of war in all its horror. The Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 combines the interactive design of a modern museum with the exceptional aspect of experiencing the Dugouts & Trenches. Last admission at 16:30.
Reviewed By earlro - London, United Kingdom
Amazingly well presented experience including realistic reconstructions of deep underground bunkers and then both British and German trenches outside. A must and very good value.
2. For Freedom Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 271 reviews
Our Mission No inhabitant of the "Zwinstreek" and West Zeeland Flanders was spared repression and hardship between 1940 and 1944. This dark period in our history is the museum’s main theme. It is precisely this phase of our local past that we want to pass on to our children and grandchildren, in the hope that such war violence will not be repeated. Young people need to know that freedom has a price, a price our ancestors paid with hard currency. We must cherish freedom. This important message of peace and tolerance is given daily in the For Freedom Museum.
Reviewed By margotv310
One of the best WWII museums we ever visited! Very extended collection of military relics, beautiful real life stories, great audioguide and friendly staff. 100% recommended!
3. Folklore Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 444 reviews
These renovated 17th century, singleroom dwellings accommodate, amongst other things, a classroom, a millinery, a pharmacy, a confectionery shop, a grocery shop and an authentic bedroom interior. You can also admire a beautiful lace collection on the upper floor. Every first and third Thursday of the month (except for public holidays), those with a sweet tooth can attend a demonstration given by the 'spekkenbakker' (sweetmaker). You can relax in the museum inn, 'De Zwarte Kat' (The Black Cat) or in the garden, where you can try out traditional folk games on the terrace.
Reviewed By Liefhebber19 - Breda, The Netherlands
Very nice visit for young and old! The museum is located in renovated workers’ houses where you will discover more about daily life in Bruges during the 19th and early 20th centuries. There is a classroom, a tailor’s workshop, a pharmacy, a confectionary and a grocery store. The top floor is reserved for temporary exhibitions. Entrancefee is € 6,00. We visited Bruges several times, this was pre Covid.
4. Adornesdomein & Jeruzalemkerk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
The Adornes Domain is an authentic medieval estate, a unique religious site and a fascinating cultural heritage dating back to the Middle Ages. Having been in the hands of the same family for nearly 600 years, the history of the domain is not only truly remarkable but the site is also extremely well preserved. A visit takes about 45 minutes and includes a twelve minute film and historical explanations in the Adornes Museum (situated in the almshouses), the extraordinary Jerusalem Chapel (loosely inspired by the Holy Sepulchre Church of Jerusalem), and the Pieter's Gallery. The visit ends in the cosy and elegant Scottish Lounge were one can relax with coffee, tea, cake and soft drinks. There is also a well-stocked gift, souvenir and book shop. The domain also organises regular events including temporary contemporary art exhibitions, evening nocturnes and concerts (see website for info). Private guided tours of the estate and of the family house can be arranged by appointment only.
Reviewed By Golfing-Steve - Lewes, United Kingdom
A car in Bruges is a liability. There are two ways to see the city properly, either on foot or by bike so ditch the car in the nearest garage for the duration, as you will only get lost in the medieval street layout, and set off to explore with a decent map. And do try to get away from the crowds that pack the Market and Burg areas. One place that is an absolute belter is in the quiet St.Anne’s district of the city due northeast of the Market. The whole site is known as the Andornesdomain estate and includes an impressive mansion, gardens and almshouses but what we are here to see is known locally as the Jeruzalemkerk. Incredibly this small chapel is still in the same family hands as it was in the early 15th century when the powerful Adorno clan from Genoa founded it. Bruges, like Genoa, was a great trading city back then so it was only natural that there would be powerful family connections. The Adorno contributed six doges to the Republic of Genoa but it was Obizzo Adorno, a crusader in the forces of Guy de Dampierre, Count of Flanders, who first established the family in Bruges. His grandsons, Giacomo and Pietro Adorno, founded the Church of Jerusalem, a replica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem in 1427, including Christ’s tomb, including a life-size naked body of the Saviour, having returned from a pilgrimage. The chapel is every bit as spooky and quirky as it is impressive. The main star of the show that we learn about on the video film and exhibits laid out in the alms houses is Anselmo, son of the second Pietro, who became treasurer of Bruges, and also travelled on a pilgrimage to Syria and Africa. His work load was huge being also ambassador to Iran for Charles the Bold, duke of Burgundy, and as counselor to King James III of Scotland when governor of the guild of Scottish wool traders. He was also knighted by the King of Scotland. The interactive model of his pilgrimage is something to marvel at taking so many months to travel by land and sea to the Holy Land whilst avoiding warlike natives in Africa and areas of plague that included Venice as well as crossing mountains and deserts. Sadly Anselmo’s pilgrimage did not bring him any blessings from the Almighty for, despite having moved to Scotland, King James’s enemies murdered him in 1483. His body lies there still in St Michael’s Church, Linthlithgow in West Lothian. His heart, however was brought back to Bruges, and was placed in the black marble tomb we see today alongside his wife, Margaretha. The effigy has a sword hilt in his ribs to show the violent death he suffered, although at his feet lay a lion and a dog signifying courage and devotion. As well the Adornes’ tomb there is a fragment of the Holy Cross in a gilded, silver cross and a macabre altar with carvings of the skulls of Golgotha and three tall and imposing crosses. After all this darkness and proximity to death, stepping outside into the daylight comes as welcome relief as does an excellent small café and a souvenir shop, staffed by an extremely helpful lady. For somewhere off the main tourist drag this is a splendid way to spend an hour or more and learn about both the city and the Adorno family, who still own the property, although their name has become Adornes in Flemish, some 17 generations after the founding of the estate. Unspoilt and virtually unchanged this is a compelling venue in a marvellous city.
5. Begijnhof St Elisabeth (St. Elisabeth House)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 354 reviews
6. Museum Paul Delvaux
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By Sixtine96 - London, United Kingdom
We were fortunate to have one of the ladies working for the museum giving us insights on the frescoes Paul Delvaux created for the Périer House. Reproductions are part of a temporary exhibition. Fascinating story about the vision of an art lover, Mr Périer, immortalised with his wife and daughter on the frescoes. The Périer House is still in private hands. The museum gives you a good idea how the house looked after Delvaux finished his master piece. The permanent collection shows the artist’works from his early beginnings until 1989 when he stopped painting following the death of his wife and declining vision. Beautiful love story. Love defying time and old promises. Well laid out museum.
7. Raversyde
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
In accordance with the instructions of the National Security Council, you must book your visit in advance. You can do so by means of the online ticket system. See www.raversyde.be Raversyde has developed a circulation plan for both its sites, making sure visitors virtually always go in one direction and do not cross the path of other visitors. At the ANNO 1465 site, you can enter two of the four cottages; you can look inside through the windows of the other two. The rest of the museum is fully accessible save for a few minor elements. The audio guides are currently unavailable. At the Atlantikwall site, we have developed a completely new route avoiding any covered and narrow spaces. You cannot enter most of the bunkers. You can look inside several bunkers and large photo panels showing the interior of the closed spaces have been installed. Additional information panels have been installed to replace the audio guides, which are not handed out.
Reviewed By Bubbles73uk - Weedon Bec, United Kingdom
There are several things to see at Raversyde Domein: the Atlantic Wall which is an open-air military museum , the nearby Raversyde Anno 1465 which is a recreation of a medieval fishing village, and a big nature park which is lovely to walk in. Not forgetting the impressive sea views! From Ostend there's a coastal tram which you get off at the Raversijde Domein stop, just outside the Atlantic Wall. You then walk up the steps and over the dunes (it is not a very long walk). The Atlantic Wall was previously a fortification used by the Germans in both WWI and WWII, with gun emplacements and a museum. Walking through the 2km of trenches is absolutely fascinating. You can also combine your visit with a trip to Raversyde Anno 1465. This is a reconstructed medieval fishing village. The houses are very nicely done and full of authentic-looking artefacts showing the way of life of more and less affluent village members. A reduced combi ticket is available should you choose to visit both attractions but please note Raversyde Anno is only open for three hours from 2:00 - 5:00 in the afternoon, so plan on visiting the Atlantic Wall late morning/early afternoon & then visit Raversyde Anno. You can retuen to Ostend either on foot or by the coastal tram. An enjoyable day out in peaceful surroundings.
8. Abdijmuseum Ten Duinen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Hendrik3078 - Leuven, Belgium
In the visitor site you see information about the history of this important abbey in the middle ages, his impact and decline. The live in an abbey, ... also artefacts found in the ruins, a huge Lego model of the abbey, ... Afterwards you can visit the ruins and get an impression of the size of this abbey.
9. Atlantikwall Raversyde
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,054 reviews
In accordance with the instructions of the National Security Council, you must book your visit in advance. You can do so by means of the online ticket system. See www.raversyde.be Raversyde has developed a circulation plan for both its sites, making sure visitors virtually always go in one direction and do not cross the path of other visitors. At the ANNO 1465 site, you can enter two of the four cottages; you can look inside through the windows of the other two. The rest of the museum is fully accessible save for a few minor elements. The audio guides are currently unavailable. At the Atlantikwall site, we have developed a completely new route avoiding any covered and narrow spaces. You cannot enter most of the bunkers. You can look inside several bunkers and large photo panels showing the interior of the closed spaces have been installed. Additional information panels have been installed to replace the audio guides, which are not handed out. Dogs are not allowed
Reviewed By account2018 - Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The combined ticket with ANNO 1465 (only €8 with the free Coast discount card) made excellent value. I was there for over 4 hours over both sites, excluding lunch. The WWII battery is very well presented, both gunnery and daily life, with detailed displays and dressed rooms. The newly WW1 section has a lot less to play with, and while some touches are lovely (the horizon of shipwrecks expand in the audio guide), it feels a bit thin. If you wonder where items 15-19 on the WW2 battery are, they are in the tunnel from the WW1 battery, which they assume you will visit first. park well inland and walk round ANNO 1465 to get there.
10. Vladslo German War Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By hansv245 - Kwadendamme, The Netherlands
We wanted to have a look at the statues made by Kathe Kollwitz which are so impressive. They symbolize the grief of parents for their sons who died in battle. Her son Peter is burried just in front of the statues. The cemeteries also has two graves of British soldiers. There are a lot of allied cemeteries, maybe a good idea to visit one the German ones. They were also just young guys who could have had a future.
