Zeebrugge, seaside resort and port of Bruges, lies just 12km (7.5 miles) west of the city, and is easily reached by bus or train. Attractions here include a maritime theme park, whose centrepiece is a Russian Foxtrot submarine, open to visitors. The story of the port and its fishing industry is told in the Old Fish Market building (Seafront Zeebrugge, tel: (050) 551 415; website: www.seafront.be).

WW1 battlefield minibus tours are another alternative for a day out from Bruges - Quasimodo Tours (tel: (050) 370 470; website: www.quasimodo.be) operates trips to Paschendale, Ypres and other important sites three times weekly from February to December.