Waterloo

If you're looking to spend a relaxing holiday, why not head for the famous town of Waterloo which is just half an hour's drive from Brussels? Take in the history of the town and its surroundings, go shopping in Brussels and discover some beautiful nature.

Waterloo is famous for the Battle of Waterloo which was fought in 1815. Napoleon's army was defeated here a year after his return from his 11-month exile to Elba.

The Mémorial 1815 museum is a great place to learn more about the Battle of Waterloo. It's located on the front line of the battle that took place some two hundred years ago. This is also where you'll find the Lion's Mound (Butte du Lion) which was erected by King William I of the Netherlands to commemorate the location of the battle. Don’t miss the Wellington Museum in the centre of town which is located in the former headquarters of the Duke of Wellington, the commander in chief of the allied forces.

After you've taken in all this history, why not head to Brussels for a day of shopping or some culture? It would be a pity to miss the Manneken Pis and the Atomium, and there's nothing like enjoying a pint at one of the sidewalk cafés at the famous Grote Markt! If you prefer a relaxing day outdoors, hire a couple of bicycles and head out towards the huge Zoniënwoud and enjoy a long walk with your partner or family.

Waterloo is a small town that is easy to explore on foot. You can hire bicycles for excursions to the woods or Brussels, or drive or take the train. It takes no more than 20 minutes to get to the centre of Brussels from Waterloo station.

If you're travelling around the Benelux by car, the drive down from the Netherlands will take you through Antwerp and Brussels. If you're travelling by train from the UK take the Eurostar from London to Brussels and change there for the train to Waterloo.

This fascinating town with its cultural heritage, beautiful nature and proximity to Brussels has something to do for everyone.