If castles are what are interesting your children at the moment, then a trip to Gravensteen Castle or the Castle of the Counts in Gent is definitely on the “To Do” list.
It’s a fairly small but beautiful castle located right in the city centre. You can visit plenty of rooms, dungeons and cellars, look at displays of medieval artefacts and weapons, and there’s even a fascinating but fairly gruesome torture chamber.
At the top you get superb views over the city of Gent.
A word of warning: it’s not for the very young or the elderly, as some of the spiral staircases are very tight.
The entry fee is 10 euro, and if I understand correctly, free for children. Instructions are available in English. During certain weekends, events take place in the castle grounds, such as medieval displays or markets, so it’s worth keeping an eye open for those for an extra interest.For example, from December 17 to 23 the castle is transformed into a Winter Wonderland.
A day in Gent
And of course Gent itself is ideal for a day trip, and your children may also enjoy a boat trip on the canals around Gent.
Where to eat
My blogging friend over at The Bruges Vegan recommends Restaurant Avalon which is right next to the castle, at Geldmunt 32. According to Trudi: “Everything is vegan (except for milk with coffee). Organic. Only open for lunch. Gastro dinners every first weekend of the month. Plat du jour and other dishes, 15-16€. Nice terrace in the back. Been here dozens of times over the years. Recommended.”
So now you know where to eat!
-
- St. Rumbold’s Mechelen
-
- Gravensteen Castle, Gent
I’d love to climb to the top of the tower but I’d give the torture chamber a miss.
Climbing to the top of the tower is also a kind of torture Carol
Hopefully no blood and guts involved though 😮
That’s a right proper looking castle!
Yes, they don’t build ’em like that anymore!
And right at the foot of the Gravensteen is restaurant Avalon, with delicious vegan dishes 🙂
Thanks for your recommendation Trudi, which I have incorporated into the text above! I will try it myself next time I am in Gent!
I don’t think I even would want to wear the gear of champions. Pretty heavy work! 🙂
I agree Marsha, particularly when there’s an equally clad fellow trying to beat the living daylights out of you! 🙂
Of course if he is coming at you with a spear, that’s another matter! BTW, my name is Marsha. My mom was Martha, and I have a slight lisp, so I get that a lot, but I didn’t think I lisped online! 🙂
Oops! I know that’s your name Marsha, and forgive me for incorrectly spelling it. Martha and Marsha in the same family must have occasionally led to some confusions, yes?
All the time!!!
Heel goede fotoreportage.Fijne informatie en ik bezocht het ooit op geschiedenis uitstap met de school.Vooral knap dat men het zo goed bewaard heeft.
Zeker. Toen ik daar was een groep kinderen waren bezig met een rondleiding. Ik denk dat het Gravensteen een uitstekende plek voor kinderen is. Ze waren natuurlijk vooral geïnteresseerd in de martelkamer!
Pingback: How to spend a day in Gent – Discovering Belgium