Travelling to Brugge - how to go?

[Ray Singh]

The family holiday this year is to be a little dumbed down as we plan to go and see friends in New Jersey next year.

Brugge is coming up as very good value and i am a little confused at how to get there.

I don't want to take my car and for that reason Eurostar looks quite good. Unfortunately i live very far from St Pancras station and will be traveling with children. There is no way i could travel by train from Swindon to St Pancras for the early train.

Options are to drive to either Ebbsfleet or Ashford and stay the night in Travelodge or similar and then go early via the Eurostar.

Is parking at Ashford/Ebbsfleet costly? and is it secure?

Edited by Ray Singh on Tuesday 29th June 15:13

[XJSJohn]

why not the car, it is an easy drive and most hotels have complimentary parking!

Also gives you an easy option to go visiting other places in the area.

[DavesFlaps]

Why don't you travel into London the day before, spend the night and then get the early train?

[Ray Singh]

From my basic understanding Brugge is 'do able' on foot.

My car is taking some mileages just now, i cant face sitting at the wheel on holiday.

I agree i could see more, but really dont want to drive.

[XJSJohn]

Brugge is doable on foot, you will have done most of it in 3 days.

Recomendation - try http://www.mariavanbourgondie.be/ for a dinner. my favourite in Brugge anyway.

[chard]

You can do Brugge on foot (best way actually) but as for getting their DRIVE.
a) This is piston heads
b) It's quicker
c) It's cheaper
d) No messing about changing trains @ Lille or Brussels

Tried to park @ Ashford and catch the train a couple of years ago. Got as far as the ticket office (10am ish) realised this was an expensive way to do it, hopped in car, in Brugge for lunch

[Amateurish]

Why do you need to take a very early train from Swindon? Just take the first comfortable train to Paddington, taxi to St Pancras, Eurostar to Brussels, local train to Bruges.

[optimax sniffer]

Ray Singh said:

From my basic understanding Brugge is 'do able' on foot.

My car is taking some mileages just now, i cant face sitting at the wheel on holiday.

I agree i could see more, but really dont want to drive.

4 Days in Brugge is enough. You will have covered the complete area in 2 or 3 days, day 4 just go back to the bits you liked best.

Brugge is easy by car. Drove from bristol to the tunnel in 3 hours, then tunnel to brugge in 1 1/4 hours. Going by train will take you longer as you have to transfer stations across london, then go to Brussels and then an hour plus back to Brugge.

Car everytime.

[KenBlocksPants]

Amateurish said:

Why do you need to take a very early train from Swindon? Just take the first comfortable train to Paddington, taxi to St Pancras, Eurostar to Brussels, local train to Bruges.

If you really dont want to take the car this is the best option.

However the car is by far and away the easiest way to get there.

If you park at the railway station you can then walk into the town.

[Dr Imran T]

we drove there. Dover to calais then a short drive to Brugge. I believe dunkerque is the better option as it is that little bit closer. Ferry ride is about 2hrs and very child friendly too

Lovely place Brugge!