day trip to belguim

[*lorraine*]

Hi, looking to go on a day trip to belguim to get some cheap fags for the year but I haven't a clue where to start, which will be the cheapest way to get there and how do I go about it all, I am in stevenage herts which isn't too far from London, do have a car, but would trains be easier and just take a suitcase, is it easy to get around when we get there. any help will be greatfull :)

Lorraine

[jno]

I think Eurqstar are still running their 2-for-1 offer if that's any help - day in Brussels for two for �58

[*lorraine*]

they are doing the deal but you need four passwords which were printed in the newspaper which has now stopped :(

[jno]

If you enter Telegraph in the category search panel to the left it will bring up a series of threads in which the passwords are given. I think discover, chocolate, and traveller were 3 of them.

[*lorraine*]

found the passwords on another posting :)

[*lorraine*]

have you ever been to brussels on the eurostar before?? just wanted wether we will have to travel far to find a good tabacco shop as this is all we want to go for

[pega]

there are plenty of good tabac shops in Brussels, this is a large city but if you just want shops easy to walk from station and for a meal. but worth seeing the famous fountain.! there's some nice buildings. The cigs are cheaper but in the past couple of years they have gone up, a pack of 200 in brugge were around 27-30 Eurostar is great but a lot of security and x ray bags I think the allowance is 3,ooo cigs just a throught they might query if you take an empty suitcase larger bag with some picnic snacks might be better.if only a day trip. Have a nice time.......

[Grunty]

There are three things for sale in Brussels, tobacco, chocolate and printed copies of European directives. One good thing out of three isn't bad.

[Artemis]

I regulary go and four of us take the car from Essex and go via the tunnel. 30 mins from the exiting the train we are in Aidenkirk at the hostelry opposite the station. We have a few drinks, eat and get our cigs here and then 200 metres up the road is a supermarket where we get our booze. We leave home about 8am and are back home by 7pm after enjoying a good day out.

Aidenkirk is the first exit on the motorway after entering Belgium.

[Buenchico]

(Posted in 2 parts):

There are no direct ferry services to Belgium now that Hoverspeed have discontinued the Dover - Ostend route.
However, if you take the car on Norfolk Line (Dover - Dunkerque), it's just a short drive along the coast over the Belgian border and into Ostend. (Ostend is a great town to explore at any time of the year). The fare on Norfolk Line depends on the date and time upon which you travel but, for a day trip, it's likely to cost you �78 return. This is for a car and up to 9 passengers (if your car's that big!) so, if there's a group of you travelling it can be very economical.
http://travel.norfolkline.com/

Eurostar is great. (I work in the rail industry and get really cheap fares, so I know it well). Prices can be expensive but, if you can get seats on one of the special offers then it could be worth looking into. Brussels is easy to get around. (You can walk to most places but a day ticket for unlimited travel on the underground and buses is very cheap). I can never quite see what all the fuss is about with regard to the famous Mannekin Pis but I can thoroughly recommend the bar across the road (which is, unsurprisingly, called the Bar Mannekin Pis). The rabbit casserole is superb and the beers are delicious!

[Buenchico]

(2nd Part):

If you don't fancy Brussels, remember that Eurostar tickets are also valid, without extra charge, to any destination in Belgium. I often go on to Bruges or Ostend. (Just remember that they speak French in Brussels but Flemish in Bruges and Ostend!).

Wherever you go in Belgium, you'll have no trouble in finding a 'tabac'. There is no official limit on the quantity of cigarettes you can bring back as long as they are for your own use. UK Customs, however, quote an advisory figure of a maximium of 3200 cigarettes, above which they might start to ask questions. ('Own use' includes cigarettes purchased as genuine gifts for other people but excludes cigarettes for which you will be paid by someone else).

Chris

[jno]

that's interesting chico, can you just get on to an Antwerp train from Brussels and show them your Eurostar ticket?

[Buenchico]

For Jno: Yes, you don't have to specify that you'll be travelling beyond Brussels when you buy a ticket for Eurostar and you don't have to do anything in Brussels to validate your ticket for further travel. Just get on whichever train you want and show your Eurostar ticket. (Travel is not permitted on a few international high-speed trains but you can use all of the normal Belgian national services even when your travel plans involve another change of trains further along your journey).

Chris

[Narolines]

Buenchico, I'd go for the Poechenellekelder a few doors up the street - lovely atmosphere and a glorious selection of excellent beers. They probably do food as well.........

[jno]

thanks for that chico, we've got a day-trip via the Telegraph lined up, so will give some thought to extending it. Will also take a big suitcase for all those EU directives I want to bring back.

[*lorraine*]

thankyou all for all your reply's I will get my husband to read and he can make the decision as he will be driving :) Does anyone know if they sell Dorchester superkings in Belguim??

Lorraine

[Calvesy]

The best place is a village called Adinkerke on the French border along the old coastal road next the motorway, but any tobacconist in Belgium will do you a good deal if you buy bulk. If Customs nab you, just let them destroy it because the tax is more than the cost of the backy. Your personal allowance won't be a whole suitcase.