Jump in the car and take the whole family to Bruges
Known for its delicious food, pretty cobbled streets and reputation for being pet-friendly, Bruges must be on your list of places to go if you're heading to Belgium.
Not only is Bruges a wonderful place to visit with your partner, it's also perfect to enjoy with your family. There are some great places for you to stay with your dog - we recommend Hotel Prinsenhof, which is right in the centre of town. The large rooms give you and your family plenty of space to relax and the staff here will make you feel really welcome. With fewer cars on the road than many other Belgian cities, you can feel at ease when out walking with your pet!
The centre of town is filled with rich history and friendly locals. It's surrounded by lots of green space, giving you plenty of choice when it comes to walking your dog. Follow the winding trails in Koningin Astrid Park and stop off at the pond to feed the ducks. The park's also got a great play area for the kids to burn off some of their excess energy!
Your dog will love Bruges!
After all that walking you'll be looking for a good restaurant to get some R&R. Brasserie Raymond Restaurant offers just that and much more. This dog-friendly eatery serves great quality, traditional food at a reasonable price - so it won't break the bank!
Bruges is a great place to take your family for a weekend, and we have only scraped the surface when it comes to what you can see and do while you're there. With a journey time across the Channel of just 35 minutes and a drive to Bruges from the Calais terminal of under an hour and a half, it's the ideal place if you're after an unforgettable last-minute trip with the family.
About the author: Rachel Ifans
I am a journalist and editor, covering a wide range of lifestyle and travel subjects but always returning to my first love, France. Born unfortunately to non-French parents, I have spent my life trying to make up for it by spending as much time as I can in France or writing about it, studying the language, tirelessly dragging my children round all six sides of l'Hexagone, and endlessly chuntering to my husband about moving there.