A rendez-vous with crime novelist Pieter Aspe?

Set out early from Sunparks De Haan aan Zee. Walk across some forest and dune scenery for a while before venturing out onto the beach towards Wenduine. Your destination is Spioenkop, a small pavilion that sits on top of a dune ridge. This little white pavilion with its red roof is a favourite venue for a romantic rendez-vous. And the perfect spot to enjoy that picnic you packed. Enjoy your children frolicking around the dunes. Then continue your walk up to Blankenberge. Blankenberge Pier can be seen from afar. Walking onto this striking monument, you will think yourself back in any of Blighty's fashionable seaside resorts. At the end of Pier, 350 metres into the sea, is the Pier café. A round architectural gem that boasts one of the most beautiful terraces anywhere on the Belgian seaside. Sit down and enjoy a drink or a bite to eat. In the evening, you can enter the Sunset Lounge, a great place to enjoy a cocktail, a glass of wine and tuck into some tapas or fingerfood as you take in the sunset.
Walking down from the Pier, you will find the Serpentarium on the seafront: a reptile zoo that is home to exotic snakes, scorpions, crocodiles and spiders.
Literary thriller fans should head out for a stroll around Franchommelaan. The venue: La Gazette lounge bar. You may just bump into famed crime writer Pieter Aspe supping one of his legendary Duvel beers. Be sure to order some cheese croquettes and a Westmalle tripel. Hardy hikers may want to foot it back to Sunparks De Haan aan Zee although you will be pleased to know the Coastal Tram is on hand to take back cream-crackered holidaymakers.

Blankenberge is just 10 km from Sunparks De Haan aan Zee. Perfect for active families.