Western Flanders: Ypres, Bruges and Flanders Fields

Discover an area steeped in WWI history, where iconic wartime poems, such as John McCrae’s 1915 “In Flanders Fields,” were written. This cycling holiday takes you through some of the most historically significant sites in Belgium, combining the beauty of the landscape with rich cultural heritage. A highlight of the tour is the medieval town of Bruges, renowned for its perfectly preserved and beautifully renovated architecture. Its cobbled streets and serene swan-filled lake create a magical, fairy-tale ambience that enchants visitors.

Cycling through Belgium’s countryside, you’ll also explore the cobblestones that have made Belgium famous among cycling enthusiasts. The route connects key WWI locations, such as Ypres, which was meticulously restored after the war. Ypres not only tells the poignant story of the Great War but also celebrates its past as a hub of cloth production in the 13th and 14th centuries. Cycling through this region offers a unique way to reflect on history while enjoying the scenic landscapes.

Most WWI landmarks, including battlefields, museums, cemeteries, and memorials, are located within the Bruges–Panne–Ypres triangle. Days 6 and 7 of the tour are dedicated to visiting these significant sites, allowing time for reflection and exploration.

This cycling holiday is not just about history—it also showcases the natural beauty of Belgium. The route follows the “cycling-by-numbers” system, making navigation easy and stress-free. You’ll ride along peaceful country lanes, towpaths, forest trails, and coastal paths, passing meandering brooks, straight canals, rolling meadows, and vast crop fields. Whether you’re drawn by the region’s historical significance or its picturesque landscapes, this cycling tour offers an unforgettable experience for cyclists of all levels.

2027 launch offer: £50 per person off all 2027 departure dates!

8 days

Difficulty: Leisurely

From £969 P/P

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Itinerary

Route overview

What’s included

Photos

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Itinerary

Make your way to Ypres and take time to explore the charming town centre, where you can admire the Lakenhalle (Cloth Market Hall). Visit the ‘In Flanders Fields’ Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the memory of those who served in the Great War.

As evening approaches, head to the Menin Gate to participate in the daily ceremony honouring the fallen soldiers. At 8:00 pm, buglers sound the ‘Last Post’, followed by a minute of silence in remembrance.

History enthusiasts will be captivated by Lijssenthoek, once the site of large wartime hospitals and now the final resting place for 11,000 soldiers from thirty different nationalities. Take a moment to visit the excellent, ever-evolving visitors’ centre.

Continuing your cycle tour to Poperinge, art lovers will be treated to a masterclass in Gothic architecture, while foodies can stop by the Hop Museum, where lively characters introduce Belgian beer and the art of hop cultivation. At St. Sixtus Abbey in Westvleteren, Cistercian monks follow a life of prayer, reading, and brewing in their famous brewery.

The scenic roads of West Flanders will lead you past shimmering streams, charming villages, and expansive farmlands as you cycle back to Veurne, completing your journey.

Set off on your bike along the North Sea coast, where art lovers may want to stop at the museum dedicated to the renowned painter Paul Delvaux (1897-1994). The popular beach resort of Koksijde features the highest dune in the area, once serving as a natural “beacon” for sailors.

Continue your journey to Nieuwpoort, a town rich in history, recalling both the Dutch-Spanish Battle of 1600 and its strategic role on the Western Front during 1914-1918. End your day in the seaside resort of Oostende (Ostend), and take a moment to relax as you watch the sunset over the sea.

Set off on a short cycling route that allows plenty of time to explore the beautiful city of Bruges. Along the way, stop in Stalhille at a workshop beneath the church tower, where master craftsman Antonie Demonie showcases his skills as a glass-blower, basket weaver, and beekeeper.

Take a moment to relax and “ponder the polder” while enjoying a cup of honey tea or a glass of honey beer. Continue your ride through the tranquil nature reserve of Meetkerkse Moeren, where open wetlands and flower-filled meadows provide a haven for bats and birds among the poplar trees. Finally, be sure to admire the enchanting town of Bruges, both by day and by night—it’s a sight not to be missed.

Set out on a delightful, longer ride through the wooded landscapes of Houtland, where country estates and castles with exotic names are scattered throughout.

Be sure to stop and explore the estates near Oostkamp, including Pecsteen, Raepenburgh, and Lakebos. Take time to visit the charming towns of Torhout, Gitsberg, and Hooglede along the way. As the day comes to a close, head towards Roeselare to complete your journey.

In 1995, efforts began to transform farmland into the Rhodesgoed Woods, initially with the planting of poplars and willows, followed by slow-growing oak, ash, cherry, and beech trees. Twenty-five years later, the area has flourished into a rich habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species, supported by numerous ponds and the meandering Rhodebeek stream.

For a change of pace, visit Izegem, Belgium’s shoe capital, where you can explore the Eperon d’Or Museum and delve into the town’s industrial heritage.

Follow the River Leie to the border town of Menen (Menin), where thousands of German soldiers are laid to rest in the War Cemetery. Continue your journey to the Passchendaele 1917 Memorial in Beselare/Zonnebeke, then take a 3-km walk to the solemn Tyne Cot Cemetery. Visit Polygon Wood, once the site of intense fighting, now home to two British war cemeteries and memorials dedicated to soldiers from Australia and New Zealand. Don’t miss Canadian Hill 62, one of the few remaining locations where WWI trenches have been preserved.

For those exploring the Ypres region, a free app helps guide visitors to the various historical sites, while the town’s impressive Lakenhalle houses the fascinating “In Flanders Fields” museum. Each evening, the poignant ‘Last Post’ ceremony is performed by buglers at the Menin Gate in remembrance of the fallen.

Departure from Ypres or spend extra nights in the city or the surrounding area.

Arrival: Ypres

Departure: Ypres

Nearest arrival airport(s): Brussels or Brussels Charleroi

Nearest departure airport(s): Brussels or Brussels Charleroi

We also recommend travelling by train to all of our cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Ypres by rail.

Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request. Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the cycling holiday.

Route overview

Starting point: Ypres

End point: Ypres

Distance: approx. 275 km

Route information

The route is signposted according to the cycling-by-numbers system. You will cycle along country lanes, towpaths, forest paths and cycling paths; past meandering brooks and dead-straight canals; behind the dunes and along the sea; through rolling meadows and endless crop fields.

Bike hire options

This cycling holiday benefits from high-quality bike hire options that have been carefully selected for the tour. Each well-maintained bike has modern V-brakes, 27 Shimano gears, aluminium wheels and puncture-proof tyres based around a frame selected by the Dutch bike rental specialist, Juijn. Each bike has lights, small panniers, repair accessories, a map holder and a comfortable saddle to ensure that you have everything you need for an enjoyable cycle tour in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Standard Unisex Bike 27-gears
Sizes: XS/ S / M / L

Standard Men’s Bike 27-gears
Sizes: XS/ S / M / L

Unisex E-Bike
Models may vary between the Freebike Harlem or similar. The bikes have a small electric engine and battery. Each bike has 8 Shimano Nexus gears, disc brakes, Continental tyres and a Velo Comfort saddle. The battery has a range of 100 km (with normal use) and weighs approximately. 25 kg.
Sizes: S / M / L

Route Map

What’s included

Accommodation in 3 and 4* hotels
Breakfast
Luggage Transfers
Service Hotline
GPX files on request
Route descriptions and maps
Tourist information for places of interest

Not included

Travel to/from the start and finish (Flights/Trains)
Evening meals (unless stated)
Local daily taxes (Payable at the hotel)
Helmets (Please bring your own cycle helmet with you)
Water bottles
Rental bike
Travel insurance
Bike insurance (unless stated)
Welcome meetings (unless stated)
Transfers (unless stated)
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: £419 PER PERSON

Check Availability

2026/27 Self-Guided cycling holidays

All prices shown are per person, based on sharing a double or twin room, and exclude flights and bike hire.

Special Offer: £50 per person off all 2027 departure dates!

NEW FOR 2027

To make a booking, simply use the filter to select the day of the week on which the tour operates. You’ll then see all available tour dates and prices. No payment is taken at this stage.

For all bookings, we require a 20% deposit, with the final balance due 56 days before arrival. An invoice and online payment link will be generated once the tour has been confirmed.

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