Eurostar to Ostend

Ostend is a gorgeous town in Belgium, which is best known for its beautiful beaches and peaceful atmosphere. It has an interesting history, as it was a town that was once a very popular destination among royalty and the upper classes. Many English kings and queens have holidayed here, as well as a tzar of Russia. This interest was mainly due to Leopold II’s influence on the town. These days, it’s a great place to visit for a bit of rest and relaxation along the long and winding Flemish coastline. Ostend is only seventeen kilometres away from Bruges, and is one of the destinations available on the Eurostar’s connection service, so it’s never been easier to reach.

About Ostend

The first thing to do when you arrive is to head straight down to the town’s port. It is here you’ll really get a taste of Ostend – literally! If you are a big fish fan, look no further than the Vistrap market. Head straight into the hustle and bustle, and you’ll be able to buy fish, shrimps, mussels and other creatures directly from the fishermen. It’s the only market along the coastline where you can buy fish straight off the boat! If you can’t bear to buy and cook the local delights yourself, don’t worry. Fish is a big part of the cuisine in Ostend, and almost every restaurant in the town will have a catch of the day on offer. Try the snails cooked in a traditionally Ostend way!

For an injection of culture during your stay, head to the PMMK Museum of Modern Art. Ostend is filled with great example of works of art, and here you’ll find the best pieces of styles from the last one-hundred years. And only fifteen minutes away from town, you can visit the Raversijde Domaint. Here you’ll find a great exhibition on the life and work of Constant Permeke, the German expressionist.

For art that is specific to Ostend, head over to the James Ensor House. He is Ostend’s most famous artist. His work is heavily influenced by the nautical nature of Ostend itself, so you’ll see a number of items made out of shells. During the yearly carnival in Ostend, there is a customary dance known as the Dance of the Dead Rat, which was instigated by Ensor himself!

Ostend is very much an outdoorsy town, with plenty to keep you busy. There are sailing excursions, bikes to hire, fishing trips, and a number of walks to fill your time.

Ostend by Eurostar Trains

Getting to Ostend is easy, especially by train. You can get to Ostend on one of the Eurostar’s connection services. Eurostar trains depart from St Pancras International, a very easy-to-get-to destination in London. Your simplest option of connection services is to change at Gare de Bruxelles Midi. All you have to do when you arrive is change platforms. From here, there are a number of SNCB services going directly to Ostend. All in all, if you travel from London, you can expect the journey time to be about four hours.

Visit the official Eurostar web site to book your train tickets to Ostend.