Bruges, Ypres and Flanders Fields

Your holiday begins in Roeselare, a lively town in West Flanders. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to stretch your legs with an optional ride to the Basilica of Dadizele, a popular local pilgrimage site set in scenic countryside.

Roeselare itself has plenty to explore. The National Cycling Museum is a real highlight for cycling enthusiasts, tracing the history of the sport in Belgium. You might also visit the Rodenbach Brewery, famous for its distinctive Flemish red-brown beer. A wander through the town reveals the old cemetery, the city park along the River Mandel, and Rumbeke Castle, one of the oldest Renaissance-style castles in Belgium. The town centre is also known for its vibrant shopping streets and relaxed café culture.

In the evening, settle into your hotel and enjoy a welcome meal. It is a gentle start before the cycling begins, giving you a chance to get familiar with the town and the surrounding landscapes. Overnight stay in Roeselare.

Today’s ride takes you from Roeselare to the medieval city of Ypres (Leper), best known for its role in the First World War. The route is not too demanding, allowing time to enjoy the scenery as you cycle through fields and small villages.

Along the way you will pass Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world. This is a moving stop, and it provides a sense of the scale of the Great War in this region. Arriving in Ieper, you will find a city with both medieval charm and deep historical significance. The market square, dominated by the Cloth Hall, is one of the most beautiful in Flanders.

You may wish to visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, which tells the story of WWI through personal accounts and interactive displays. A walk along the city’s ramparts offers another perspective on Ieper. In the evening, many visitors choose to attend the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate, a daily act of remembrance that has taken place since 1928. Overnight stay in Ieper.

Today’s ride brings us to the medieval town of Poperinge, known for the hop fields that shape the landscape and the local brewing tradition. A worthwhile stop is Talbot House, a place where British soldiers found a moment of peace during WWI, a rare refuge from the front.

From here, the route continues to the Trappist abbey of Saint Sixtus, home of the legendary Westvleteren beer, often named the best beer in the world. It’s a quiet, understated place with an incredible brewing heritage.

We then follow the IJzer River towards Diksmuide, where you can visit the IJzertoren, a striking memorial to the Great War. Take time to wander through the historic market square before settling in for the evening.

Today’s journey takes you through the heart of Flanders to Bruges. The route weaves through a surprisingly rural region, dotted with small villages, churches and farmland. Despite the quietness of the landscape, you will find cultural heritage at every turn.

Arriving in Bruges feels like stepping into another world. With its cobbled streets, canals and perfectly preserved medieval buildings, it is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. The UNESCO-listed historic centre is compact and easy to explore. The Markt square, with its towering belfry, is the perfect starting point. You may also want to visit the Beguinage, the Church of Our Lady or one of the city’s many museums.

Bruges is also a city for food lovers. Belgian chocolate shops line the streets, and many breweries offer tours and tastings. In the evening, enjoy dinner in one of the city’s traditional restaurants before taking a stroll along the canals, which are particularly atmospheric when lit up at night. Overnight stay in Bruges.

Today’s circular ride takes you north towards the coast and the seaside town of Knokke. The route passes through classic Flemish polder landscapes, with flat fields, windmills and waterways stretching out in all directions.

On the way you will visit Damme, a small and picturesque town once a bustling medieval port. Today it is known for its quiet charm, bookshops and canal-side setting. Further on, you will enter the Zwin Nature Reserve, a coastal area of dunes, salt marshes and mudflats that is home to a wide variety of birdlife. It is a wonderful spot for nature lovers.

Knokke itself is one of the most fashionable resorts on the Belgian coast, with long sandy beaches and plenty of cafés and restaurants. On a warm day you might take the opportunity to swim in the sea before cycling back to Bruges. Overnight stay in Bruges.

Today you will cycle west towards De Haan, another attractive coastal village. The ride begins with a pleasant journey out of Bruges, following canals and cycle paths towards the coast. De Haan is famous for its Belle Époque architecture, with elegant villas and a relaxed seaside atmosphere.

You may choose to spend some time on the beach, enjoy a leisurely lunch in a coastal café, or simply wander through the streets to admire the buildings. The return route brings you back to Bruges in time to explore more of the city at leisure. You could take a boat trip on the canals, climb the Belfry for panoramic views, or enjoy shopping for Belgian lace and chocolate. Overnight stay in Bruges.

Your final cycling stage takes you back inland to Roeselare. The route is designed to end the trip on a cultural note, with stops at two impressive castles. The first is d’Aertrycke, set in a landscaped park, and the second is Wijnendale Castle, which has a history dating back to the Middle Ages and played an important role in Belgium’s past.

The countryside along this route is peaceful, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the views. Arriving back in Roeselare, you may wish to visit the National Cycling Museum if you missed it at the start of the tour. This is a fitting way to end a holiday focused on cycling and Belgian heritage. Overnight stay in Roeselare.