Hire a bike from Bruges station for the day (you'll need a passport as ID) and head for the village of Damme.

Cycle along quiet tree-lined canals and stop in Damme for a coffee or lunch. Then continue along more traffic-free tree-lined canals, popping into the odd village along the way.

Bike hire is very reasonable at about 15 euros for the day.

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After our 180 mph train ride we slowed down to two-wheel speed on a guided cycle tour. Bruges is such a bike-friendly place but if you lack confidence like us, the Quasimundo cycle tour is a perfect introduction.

We had a such a laugh, meeting fellow ‘bike virgins’ and cycling the wrong way up one-way streets (it’s legal here!). They even provided a tag-along for our seven year-old, who kept hopping off to take photos.

The 2½ hour tours operate daily and we recommend it’s the first thing you do when you arrive.

www.quasimundo.com

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You cannot go to Bruges without trying out a few of the best Belgium beers at 't Brugs Beertje (Little Bear) bar - there are hundreds to choose from and they go very well with their "nibbling plate" of cheese, salami and pickles.

The bar staff can help you pick a suitable brew and they have fruit beers to try too. The morning after could include the hiring of a bike and a brisk cycle to Damme a few miles distant along the river, where a decent coffee or hot chocolate boosts you for the home leg.

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