Surroundings, Bruges

Reptile house and dolphinarium, roller-skating and go-karting rink.A popular theme park with giant wheel, horror castle, and dolfinarium with dolphin and sea-lion shows.

Jabbeke (11km/7miles west of Bruges) was for 20 years the home of the painter and sculptor Constant Permeke (1868-1952). His house and studio in Bruggerstraat, designed by the artist himself, have been turned into a museum containing fine examples of his work from various creative periods. These include sculptures in the garden studio.

Assebroek is a suburb of Bruges with a local church, convent and 19th century village core. Annually thousands of pilgrims honor the miraculous figurine of The Madonna at Ver-Assebroek, the local church.

Bruges offers several opportunities for boat trips. Excursion launches run to Ghent.

Bruges offers several opportunities for boat trips. Excursion launches run to Ostende.

Bruges offers several opportunities for boat trips. All are a delight, particularly the excursion aboard the "Lamme Goedzak" along the Brugge-Sluis-Kanaal between Bruges and Damme.

The Tillegembos estate 2km/1.25mi south of the city center in the suburb of Sint-Michiels comprises a 83ha/205 acre woodland park with footpaths and bridleways, a lake with a mill and a 14th C. moated château.

The church in Zedelgem, 8km/5mi southwest, is justifiably proud of its extremely rare 11th-12th C. Romanesque font in the style of the Tournai school with reliefs illustrating the legend of St Nicholas of Myra.

A rectangular maze is the primary interest of this castle garden.