Things to Do - Chateau de la Hulpe

Château de La Hulpe stands in the heart of an estate that is a listed Exceptional Heritage Site in Wallonia.

Formerly owned by Count Solvay, this French-inspired castle has such splendor it is well worth a visit and walk in the grounds.

This is a lovely place for a walk, the grounds are vast so there is plenty of space to wander off and explore.

Map; https://www.google.com/.../data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4...

 

Distance from SHAPE; 38 minutes by car

 

Opening Times; 8.00 -18.00

 

Dogs; Allowed on a lead

 

Paths are buggy friendly

 

Cafe; Usually Ice cream vans and waffle to take away vans here. Is a cafe; La Taverne de l’Homme Bleu, we didn't pop in but looks lovely. Website is; https://www.homme-bleu.be/

 

Address; Chaussée de Bruxelles 111, 1310 La Hulpe

 

Website for Chateau is; https://chateaudelahulpe.be/domaine/en/home

 

Recommended walks found HERE

 

For other idea's of things to do, check out shapehiveblog; http://shapehive.blogspot.com/search/label/What%27s%20O

 

 

 

Things to do; Château de Seneffe

Château de Seneffe is an 18th-century château located in the municipality of Seneffe.

The Chateau is currently closed, however the grounds are open to walk around with a lake, statues and fountains. This is a charming place for a lovely Autumn walk only 25 minutes drive from SHAPE

 

There are often exhibitions inside the Chateau and within the gardens. My children love running around and exploring. If you reach the top of the hill it's a great point to shout out and hear an echo!

 

Cost; Grounds are free and currently open

 

Distance from SHAPE; 25 minutes by car

 

Map; https://www.google.com/.../data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4...

 

Where; Rue Lucien Plasman 7, 7180 Seneffe

 

Cafe & Toilets; There are toilets but may not be open. Coffee shop and restaurant are currently closed.

 

Dogs; Not Permitted

 

Open; Grounds are open 10.00 -18.00

 

Website; https://chateaudeseneffe.be/en

 

Chateau prices (when open) Adults -6 euro. Children over 12 -5 euro and children under 12 are free.

 

 

 

Things to do - Domain De Gavers

 Provincial Domain De Gavers (near Harelbeke)

We went here recently for a day out, we took a picnic and set off early. Despite kid's groans about the hours drive, all was forgotten when they saw the amazing playground! The play equipment is fantastic for kids of any age. 

 

The Domaine is large and has something for everyone. There are lots of different wood walks and nature trails depending on your energy levels. (map and details below) 

 

We walked around the lake which was approx 4.5 km. There were things to see and do along the way and smaller play parks dotted about. Equally the paths are good so you can take bikes. 

 

 

 Swimming Beach Area; 

 

In the summer there is a beach and swim area (life guarded) which costs between 1 - 6 euro. For more Information CLICK HERE This opens on the 26th June 2023.

 

The lake has pedalos, boats, Kayak's and other water activities which you can book either before hand or there. These incur a cost.

 

There is a also a climbing wall and High Ropes course. 

We had a great day out at Domaine de Gavers, it is an hours

drive but well worth it. Top tip - Get there early!

 

Cost; Free (extra activities there is a fee for)

 

Distance from SHAPE; 1 hour by car

 

Map (this is to the west carpark nearest the playground) 

 

Cafe & Toilets; Yes to both. Toilets are open. Cafe, Restaurant and Visitors Centre open.

 

Open; From Sunrise - Sunset

 

Website; https://www.west-vlaanderen.be/domeinen/gavers

Dogs; Are welcome and there are two unique dog walking area's where dogs can run without a leash.

 

Address; Provinciaal Recreatie- en Natuurcentrum De Gavers, Eikenstraat 131, 8530, Harelbeke, Wegbeschrijving

 

Map of the park can be found here;

 

 

Christmas Shopping - Online Safety

 

To view this helpful leaflet online please click HERE
 

Anti-Bullying Helpline For Defence Personnel

A confidential helpline launched to provide support for defence personnel experiencing or witnessing bullying, harassment or discrimination.

Set up by the Ministry of Defence and employee support organisation Health Assured, the helpline is staffed 24/7 by trained bullying, harassment and discrimination advisers and qualified counsellors. The advisors, who are independent from the chain of command, can provide emotional support, information and guidance to callers.

Individuals will be able to anonymously report incidents to independent advisers and seek help on how to take issues forward, including through local support networks or the service complaints system, where necessary.

 For more information CLICK HERE

Things to do - Park d'Enghein

The medieval city of Enghien, at the edge of the Eastern part of the Hainaut region, is home to a superb 182 hectares park, considered major cultural heritage of Wallonia. It's themed gardens, water structures, historical buildings are enjoyed by all.

We often head over to Einghein Park, it is a lovely way to spend the afternoon. My children love going to the lake in the middle and spotting the gold fish (picture below) There are lots of different parts to walk about and things to see in the grounds.

There are often exhibitions or show at the park. 

Cost; Grounds are free.

Distance from SHAPE; 30 mins by car

Where; Avenue Elisabeth, 7850 Enghein

Cafe & Toilets; Yes a small cafe in the park and lots of cafes and restaurants in the town. Toilets sometimes open.  

Park: There is a small children's park out side the main entrance to the left near the car park.

Dogs; Permitted on a lead

Open; Grounds are open 8.00- 18.00

The small town is lovely and also worth a little wander round. Great to grab a refreshing drink after a long walk.

 

 

Feeling Anxious, Fearful or Stressed

 

 

  

For more information please click HERE

Things to do; Provincie Domein Huizingen

Domaine Huizingen is a great place to visit for all. A substantial wooded area for play and woodland walks, a lake, two large playgrounds, an small zoo/ animal area, there are also optional extra's you can pay for such as mini golf, pedalo's and trampolines.

 

There is a cafe and several blocks of toilets. 

There is also a little train that goes around the domain. 

 

This is a great park for a day or afternoon out. The children really enjoy it. We often take a picnic and grab ice creams later in the day. Dogs allowed on a lead. 

 

Cost;

Children up to 3 years old: free Young people up to 12 years: 1.50 € Adults Flemish Brabant: 

2.50 € Adults not Flemish Brabant: 4.00 €

 

In Winter Season access is free of charge 

 

Note; Often ask to see Belgium ID at cash desk if paying. Have them with you in case 

 

Distance from SHAPE; 35 minutes by car

Parking; Free parking and plenty of it

 

Where; Torleylaan 100, 1654 Huizingen (Beersel)

 

Map; CLICK HERE

 

Cafe & Toilets; Yes to both. 

Website; https://www.vlaamsbrabant.be/nl/vrije-tijd-en-toerisme/provinciedomein-huizingen

 

Dogs; Permitted on a lead

Open; Open every day all year round. Paid entry: April 1st to September 30th.

April to September: 9am to 8pm,

October: 9am to 6:30pm. 

November to the end of February: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

March: 9 am to 6:30 pm

Swimming pool (paying): 1-05 to 15-09 (Need to book tickets - extra cost) Click to translate to english.