Early July 2018 – Nieuwpoort, Belgium

26th June – Tuesday – Gravelines, France to Nieuwpoort, Belgium.

We left Gravelines at 10:40 after waiting until the lock had opened and the digital depth gauge indicated it was safe for us to leave.  Remember we have a lifting keel, take care as the channel is shallow in parts.

Digital Depth Gauge at Gravelines lock.

The coast here is quite industrial, but I now know they have saved the best bits for the tourists and beaches further along.

The high rise flats on Nieuwpoort seafront and the entrance to the Nieuwpoort channel.  It was quite a bumpy ride into the channel.

Very large crane in the channel which decided to overtake us!!  Talk about timing in an unfamiliar place.

We arrived in Nieuwpoort marina at 16.30 after 30 miles of bouncy seas.  The wind gusted to 20 knots, we had two knots of tide with us and the wind on the nose.  If we had waited for the winds to change direction, for a more comfortable ride, we would still be there.  It is the largest marina on the west coast of Europe which has positives and negatives.

27th June – Wednesday

Big walk today.  The marina is at the end of the channel into town and across from the new and old towns so every trip out involves a big walk.  Bikes are available and free for the first hour.

Old town which is the first area you come to.  Nice shops and lots of restaurants on the harbour-side.

The new town is a good hour further.  We went up the main road which felt like forever.  There is a boardwalk along the side of the channel, which is easier to find on the return journey.

The two streets back from the sea front have lots of good quality shops and cafes.  The promenade is very long and the beach is extensive and well kept.

We then walked all the way back on the boardwalk, which was much more pleasant.

28th June – Wednesday

Short walk to get Diesel and resting while finishing my Rag Hooking Mat, which has taken several weeks.  It was supposed to be a welcome mat, but I need to make another which is bi-directional.

The words are only the right way up when we enter!

30th June – Friday

It has been hot but very windy.  So sitting out has not been that pleasant.

We decided to go back to the new town and beach and were going to take the tram.  The tram terminal is just across the bridge from the marina.

We asked for two tickets and the lady said it was the same price for a day pass.  We looked at each other and asked the lady how far we could go with the ticket.  All the way to the end, she said, which was at the Netherlands border in Knokke.

Well you know us by now.  We hopped onto the next tram and had ourselves an impromptu day out.

The tram goes all the way along the sea front so we went through Middelkerke, Oostende, Bredene, DeHaan and decided to have a coffee in Blankenberge after an hour and a half and seeing several smaller towns too.

Blankenberge is more of a seaside town, very high rise, with extensive beaches, portioned into areas with seats and bars and many restaurants.  It was a hot day and Belgium was sunning itself.  We walked along the promenade and returned to the tram at the Pier terminal.

DeHaan tram stop.  We had noticed DeHaan on our way and it looked much smaller and quaint.

The seaside at DeHaan is low rise and there are lots of nice shops and restaurants in the pretty town and on the promenade. 

My mum and dad used to holiday in camp sites in Bredene and DeHaan, pre me and it was lovely to see these places for myself.  They took our caravan to Blankenberg when I was a child, but I did not recognise anything.

We travelled back to Nieuwpoort beach and then caught the tram back. 

To say we got our monies worth out of our 6 euro tickets is an understatement.  Great Day Out.

2nd July - Monday

Trevor and Vanessa friends from home rang to say they would be staying nearby in their caravan and would pop by to see us.  They came for lunch on the boat and we had a lovely few hours catching up and swopping travel stories.  They are touring for a few weeks now.  They gave us and the trolley a lift to the supermarket, as they were leaving, which was a great help.  Happy travels x.

3rd July – Tuesday

I noticed one sign for an ‘Avond’ market which means Evening.  I looked it up and it was on the evening of my birthday in the new town on the promenade.  After a lazy day we walked the boardwalk to the Beach.  No signs.  We walked about half a mile and faith was justified as the market started and then went on and on and on.

The very long evening market which occurs every Tuesday night in July and August.  I suppose they don’t have to advertise it much, as it was well attended.

Neptune made of flowers as part of a flower display in the old town.

We caught the tram back from the beach after walking the very long market.  Birthday tea, Boudha Chinese.  Not much to look at outside but excellent food.  The Thai I had my eye on was closed.

Sailors Info

Nieuwpoort is a huge marina at the end of the channel and it is a 20 minute walk to the old town.

Alberto the third Memorial is a prominent landmark.

View towards the bridge and memorial from the marina road.

Pyramid which houses a shop and bakery, (bit pricey, but convenient and fresh) open every day in July and August.  The facilities which are free and excellent are located to the rear.

Marina office, restaurant and café.  180 Euros for 8 days.  Easy enough free wifi with password.

The nearest large supermarket is a Carrefour Market on the main harbour-side in the old town, which was not that easy to spot.  Lidl and Aldi on the big main road.  Colyrupt, cash and carry style.

All the facilities of a large marina but due to the size and location the walk to town was a bit tiresome. 

Next Stop Breskens, Netherlands