Budget break to Bruges

With the pollution from the aviation industry hitting the headlines, travelling to closer destinations in Europe by coach can be a greener, cheaper option.

Bruges in Brussels is one of Europe's best cities for sampling delicious Belgian beers, but there are lots of other things on offer in the historic capital of the West Flanders province.

Bruges is famed for being an easy-going city packed with medieval charm which includes canals, bridges and beautiful Flemish buildings.

If you are on a budget, then you can soak up the picturesque buildings, visit the reasonably-priced museums and unwind by the water without much damage to your wallet.

Historically, Bruges is the oldest European trading centre in diamonds, so if you are interested in the precious gems up close, then a trip to the diamond museum is ideal. Entrance is six euros.

Another museum linked to the history of Belgium is the chocolate museum, which is also six euros for entry.

The Belgians have been making beer for centuries, and a tour of one of their breweries will give you a great chance to taste some of their top brews. The De Halve Maan brewery tour costs €4.50.

When a city is has as much water running through it as Bruges, then if you do not travel by boat you could quite literally miss an entire side of the city. Boat tours start from ten euros.

The ancient Flemish craft of lace-making is also well represented in Bruges, with intricate examples for sale at the lace centre. Entry costs €2.50.

Similarly, the medieval tradition of archery has its own centre in Bruges. The archers’ guild has examples of crossbows over the ages and costs just €1.25 to enter.

A quick history lesson can be had at the Folk Museum, which is based in a series of 17th-century almshouses.

The museum has various reconstructed settings including a classroom, a cobbler’s workshop, a hatter’s workshop, a Flemish living room, a clothes shop and an authentic bedroom interior. Entry is three euros.

Eurolines has four services a week to Bruges from Victoria Coach Station, London and many more services to nearby cities including Ghent and Brussels.

For more information and accommodation options see www.eurolines.co.uk