3 family outings

3 family outings

Discover the assets of the Flemish Ardennes with the whole family

When you think of the Flemish Ardennes, you probably think of sweaty cyclists with muscular calves, long walks and traditional pubs. That image is entirely accurate, but the region has much more to offer than just that. It’s also the perfect holiday destination for families. The youngest members of the family can indulge in many challenging, original and fun activities to their hearts’ content. Playing in nature, swimming in the open air or being a daredevil on a ropes course - it’s all possible. Grandpa and grandma can enjoy authentic cafés and restaurants and unwind in extensive forests or nature reserves.  You can stay in one of the many cosy and quietly situated holiday homes or B&Bs.

As you can see, the Flemish Ardennes are the place to be if you want to have a beneficial, memorable and relaxing holiday with your family and/or with other families! Here are three attractions that are worth visiting on your trip. Young or old, no one will be bored for a second!

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De Ghellinck estate: imagine yourself a knight or princess in this green oasis

A castle estate without a castle, it sounds as disappointing as a pub without beer, but nothing could be further from the truth. Even though the castle on De Ghellinck estate was demolished after a devastating fire in 1973 – the exact cause was never found – the place still has many assets. It’s wonderful to walk past the many water features in the landscape park, which is a 28 ha green oasis. The paths are easily accessible by wheelchair or buggy. The surroundings are so magical, it’s as if you’ve walked into a fairy tale. Children can pretend to be a knight or princess and enjoy themselves in one of the many playgrounds scattered around the park. Or would you like to play a round of pétanque with the whole family? It’s all possible!

Another eye-catcher is the restored farmhouse from 1893. The former orangery is now an auditorium and where the library used to be, you can now say ‘I do’ in style. The terrace offers a wonderful view of the entire region. The coach house with stables was also given a makeover. It’s now home to the delicious restaurant Domein De Ghellinck. Whether you choose a quick snack or an extensive menu, you’ll enjoy fresh products, carefully prepared dishes and friendly and professional service.

If you are curious about the history of the park and the beautiful buildings, you can book a guided tour. You can choose between a short or long tour or one of the three themed walks. The options include fauna and flora, World War I or the authentic Bibliotheca Elseghemensis on the grounds.

Plan your visit now!

Provinciaal Domein De Gavers: zee aan activiteiten voor jong én oud

Want to relax on the beach and get a tan in the Flemish Ardennes? It’s possible! Provincial Domain De Gavers in Geraardsbergen is the place to be on sunny days. You can cool down in the swimming pond, build sandcastles with your kids or get in shape with a round of beach volleyball.

Even when the weather is less good, the Provincial Domain guarantees a day to remember. You can go to the covered swimming pool Het Gaversbad for a refreshing splash. Young swimmers can have fun on the water slide. Toddlers can take their first steps in the water in a playful paddling pool.

The Provincial Domain also has countless activities that will keep your offspring, young and old, busy for days on end. How about a go-kart contest? Or fooling around on the mini-bikes? There is also a large playground and you can bounce up and down on the big trampolines or whizz through the forest on a scooter. Would you prefer something more active? Then head for the laser shooting range and battle it out to see who is the master at home: the kids or the parents.  You still have some energy? You can have fun paddling on the pond in a pedal boat, conquer a climbing wall, and enjoy a game of miniature golf.

Of course, you can also take lovely walks on the immense domain. All paths around the pond are paved, so buggies and wheelchairs can also come along. And true sports enthusiasts are in for a treat here. From a challenging mountain bike course to training one’s arm muscles on a kayak or rowing adventure – it’s all possible. Do you want to exercise together with your family? You can choose to play basketball, volleyball, football, badminton or tennis. Does that cover everything? No, because you can also try archery, surfing or some relaxing fishing. Did all those activities leave you ravenously hungry? In Restoga De Gavers you can order small snacks as well as extensive lunches and dinners.

As you can see, a visit to De Gavers will certainly fill your day. There is so much to do that it’s worth spending the night here. You can easily pitch your own tent at the campsite. If you prefer to spend the night under a roof, you can rent a bungalow or opt for an affordable and comfortable room in the on-site youth hostel.

Provinciaal Domein De Gavers: zee aan activiteiten voor jong én oud

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Want to relax on the beach and get a tan in the Flemish Ardennes? It’s possible! Provincial Domain De Gavers in Geraardsbergen is the place to be on sunny days. You can cool down in the swimming pond, build sandcastles with your kids or get in shape with a round of beach volleyball.

Even when the weather is less good, the Provincial Domain guarantees a day to remember. You can go to the covered swimming pool Het Gaversbad for a refreshing splash. Young swimmers can have fun on the water slide. Toddlers can take their first steps in the water in a playful paddling pool.

The Provincial Domain also has countless activities that will keep your offspring, young and old, busy for days on end. How about a go-kart contest? Or fooling around on the mini-bikes? There is also a large playground and you can bounce up and down on the big trampolines or whizz through the forest on a scooter. Would you prefer something more active? Then head for the laser shooting range and battle it out to see who is the master at home: the kids or the parents.  You still have some energy? You can have fun paddling on the pond in a pedal boat, conquer a climbing wall, and enjoy a game of miniature golf.

Of course, you can also take lovely walks on the immense domain. All paths around the pond are paved, so buggies and wheelchairs can also come along. And true sports enthusiasts are in for a treat here. From a challenging mountain bike course to training one’s arm muscles on a kayak or rowing adventure – it’s all possible. Do you want to exercise together with your family? You can choose to play basketball, volleyball, football, badminton or tennis. Does that cover everything? No, because you can also try archery, surfing or some relaxing fishing. Did all those activities leave you ravenously hungry? In Restoga De Gavers you can order small snacks as well as extensive lunches and dinners.

As you can see, a visit to De Gavers will certainly fill your day. There is so much to do that it’s worth spending the night here. You can easily pitch your own tent at the campsite. If you prefer to spend the night under a roof, you can rent a bungalow or opt for an affordable and comfortable room in the on-site youth hostel.

Address
Onkerzelestraat 280
9500 Geraardsbergen
Email
Phone
+32 54 41 63 24
External_link
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Borgwal Estate: an oasis of peace with a mission

An oasis with a mission; that’s the best way to describe Borgwal Estate in Gavere. The 18 ha estate is a leafy oasis where you can stroll for hours around the restored farm buildings of Borgwal Castle. All paths are easily accessible by wheelchair or buggy. The history of the castle dates back to 1538. A succession of different families were proprietors, most of them nobility.

Now, inclusion is the main focus at Borgwal Estate. The farm is the heart of a project run by the Brothers of Charity that aims to integrate people with mental disabilities into society. The Brother Ebergiste ortho-pedagogical centre is home to 150 adults with disabilities. By opening the estate’s doors in 2015, the board hoped that the residents would come into contact with the outside world more often in a relaxed manner. The concept was a success, and since then young and old have been able to relax side by side, without prejudice. An educational programme has also been developed, with several instructive walks.

After a wonderful walk, you can enjoy a snack or drink in the cafeteria. Children can have fun on the playground, climbing net and fitness equipment. You can also get to know the residents, who help out in the cafeteria and the kitchen. Don’t forget to take some goodies home with you. In the shop, you can fill your basket with homemade products that will make your mouth water. You’ll also find original greeting cards. And since animals are the best way to melt the hearts of your children, a visit to the adjoining zoo is a must. You can greet the chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep and donkeys. With a bit of luck, you can take a ride through the estate on the back of a donkey. In short, there’s a lot to do here.

Plan your visit now! 

What to choose?

Your offspring won’t be bored for a second when visiting the Flemish Ardennes. In addition to the aforementioned attractions, the vast region has countless forests – such as Muziekbos in Ronse – where young and old can romp around in a healthy and green environment. The exciting adventure park The Seven Summits around the Donkmeer in Oudenaarde offers adrenaline kicks for young and old: a swamp trail, a barefoot path, death rides, canoe trips, and more. In the Provincial Archaeological Museum in the centre of Ename you can rent a cart to explore beautiful ‘t Ename Forest. With a rucksack full of assignments, your family will be busy for a while. Whichever activities you choose, we predict that your kids will sleep like a log after such a busy day.