What to do when it rains in Blankenberge and Bruges?
Art, stories and time for yourself
Rain forecast during your stay at the coast? Even on a grey day, Blankenberge and Bruges are worth exploring. Choose a museum that suits you, take time for a break along the way and then return to Guesthouse Polderlicht in Blankenberge. That way, a day outside summer has a pleasant rhythm too.
A rainy day without rushing
You don’t need to visit both towns in one day. Choose Blankenberge or Bruges below and leave room to look around at your leisure.
Choose one museum
Before you set off, check the current opening days and tickets. Plan the rest of your day around them.
Take time for a break
After your visit, find somewhere to eat or drink. Allow for the journeys between indoor places.
End the day quietly at Polderlicht
Return to your room or the shared living space. An afternoon with a book can be part of your stay too.
Blankenberge: the Belle Epoque Centrum
To get to know another side of Blankenberge, plan a visit to the Belle Epoque Centrum. It tells the story of the seaside resort during the Belle Époque, the period from 1870 to 1914. It offers a different view of the coast: behind the beach and the promenade lies a history of tourism and architecture.
According to the centre, a visit takes about an hour on average. That makes it a manageable part of your day, with room left for a break and time at Polderlicht. Plan an individual visit in the afternoon and check the opening on your date in advance.
- Address
- Elisabethstraat 24, 8370 Blankenberge
Bruges: art at the St John’s Hospital museum
At the St John’s Hospital museum (Sint-Janshospitaal) you step into a former twelfth-century hospital. Works by Hans Memling, the history of the hospital and contemporary art come together here. A place for anyone who enjoys looking at art as well as at the stories of a building.
Take your time for what speaks to you. You don’t have to see everything to leave with a fresh impression. Combine your museum visit with a break in Bruges and plan your return to Blankenberge at your own pace.
- Address
- Mariastraat 38, 8000 Brugge
- Official visitor information
- St John’s Hospital museum: visitor information and tickets (opens in a new tab)
Back at Polderlicht
After your outing, there’s no need to fill the rest of the day. Guesthouse Polderlicht is in Uitkerke, Blankenberge. In your room or the shared living space you can sit quietly, read or talk about what you have seen.
You share the communal space with other guests. There is a large table and a seating area: a place to linger, even on a grey afternoon. When choosing your room, see which space and private bathroom suit you best.
Rather make something yourself?
A painting afternoon with Carine is another way to spend a day indoors. No painting experience is needed and you can also take part without staying overnight. The workshop is on request: arrange a date with Carine in advance. Set aside a whole afternoon so you have enough time to paint.
Discover the painting workshops with Carine
Good to know before you go
- Both museums are usually closed on Mondays. Check the current opening days, public holidays and any exceptions via the official links.
- On the museum website, also check tickets, accessibility and how to get there for your visit.
- Bring a raincoat or umbrella: the journeys between your accommodation, transport and the museums are not fully covered.
Getting away outside summer too
A museum visit and time for yourself give an autumn or winter stay its own character too. Would you like to stay overnight in Blankenberge? Discover the three rooms at Guesthouse Polderlicht and choose the one that suits you.
Discover our rooms