Have trawled through this questions asked a million times before but wondering if there might be a gem were missing out on? Husband and I getting away for 4 nights late March, Eurostar London-Brussels is booked.

Thinking we’ll spend 2-3 nights in Ghent and visit Bruges on a day trip, maybe one night in Brussels but I’m wondering if there are actually some lovely little towns or somewhere a bit different in Belgium anyone would recommend for a night? We like hiking, eating, beer. Love a city break but like to get outside too. Reasonably fit and healthy in our 40’s

For 4 nights there is plenty to do in Gent and Brugge. As you are changing trains in Brussels anyway, maybe take an early train there on the way back and see the Grand Place? Depending on your Eurostar to London timing - although you can always change to a later train. If you like being outdoors, rent bicycles and cycle from Brugge to Damme along the canal, have lunch there. There's a boat that does that trip too, De Lamme Goedzak. You could cycle one way and take the boat back, there is limited space for bicycles. There are some great restaurants in Damme, it's a pretty and historic town. Better to do an overnight in Brugge if you want to do this. Brugge is nice in the evenings too, once day-trippers leave.
Obviously, you are missing out on Antwerp, but save it for another trip.

From Bruges you could also get out to the Belgian coast, or go south and do Ypres (Ieper) and some of the battlefields. Lots to do in that part of the country. Rural Flanders is not as exciting as the Ardennes but that takes you in a completely different direction, and you would likely want more days for that.

Enjoy!

Lavandula

From Brussels, it's an easy train ride to Leuven, another nice town in the Ghent-Bruges vein, but with fewer tourists.

However, if you're in Brussels and want to do something definitely off the tourist radar, consider taking the local 366 bus (from Flagey, near the Ixelles ponds) to Chateau de la Hulpe (get off at the Etangs Solvay stop, it's about a 30 minute bus ride). A Loire Valley style chateau was built there, reigning over the 500+ acres of grounds. Lots of easy hiking trails. Plus a museum (actually a foundation, but potato-potahto) dedicated to the Belgian artist Folon. There is also a pleasant restaurant serving light meals across from the foundation (Taverne de l'Homme Bleu) open Tuesday-Sunday (we stopped there often for crepes and coffee or a beer). If you want something more substantial, you can dine at the well-regarded and modestly priced Ernest Restaurant right outside the park/chateau.

We went to La Hulpe regularly to let our English cocker spaniel enjoy her absolute favorite place to run off-leash and follow the wildlife scent trails. There are woods, meadows, paved pathways etc. You'll see plenty of horses, water fowl, and bunnies.

Lots of info about the park, chateau, restaurants etc can be found quickly with a google search.

If you enjoy bike riding there are some nice rides to be had for a few hours.
https://www.visitflanders.com/en/dis...l-cycle-routes gives some helpful links. No need for lycra, or drop handlebars.

I love good food (who does not) and I spend a large chunk of my travel budget on it (way too much). I was in Bruges for a couple nights and 1 restaurant was really good and another out of this world amazing.

Let me know if interested but a bit pricy.

From Brussels, we took a day trip to Luxembourg. It was really lovely. It was a tour, but we blew off the tour as soon as we arrived and did our own thing and met back up with them for a ride back.

We loved Ghent. We spent 3 days wondering around all the churches and had a private tour. And there is something that I have learned to appreciate while traveling, libraries. Some of them are quite beautiful. Ghent has a lovely library with a restaurant inside. And I'm sure you are aware of the altarpiece in St Bavos. We're glad we paid a little extra to view it.

Travel_to_Eat, I would be interested in the restaurants in Bruges. Also, what you mean by pricy, since what one person considers pricy may be different than another. Thanks!