Adventures with
Coach Innovations
Not long now until we're off to Bruges below is some helpful information to help your trip go smoothly.
Christmas Markets Weekend Bruges & Blankenburge 2025
Key Information
Coach:
Please be at your departure point in good time, with the best will in the world we can't wait for you as we have a ferry to catch. Your coach crew will give you your seat numbers as you board. Please research your departure point well in advance as we cannot help you on the day and we cannot wait for you. You can view your departure point in detail by clicking on this link. Departure points in more detail
Departure Points Route 1
03:05 Hammersmith Apollo
03:35 London 320 Vauxhall Bridge Road
04:00 London New Cross Gate
04:15 Bexleyheath Black Prince Interchange A2
04:55 Maidstone Services M20
05:40 Dover Premier Inn, Marine Parade. Pick up at the back of Premier Inn at bus stop on the main M20. See picture on our departure point website page below
Departure Points Route 2
00:05 Birmingham St Chads Cathedral
00:25 Birmingham International Train Station
01:20 Northampton Services M1 South
01:45 Newport Pagnall Services M1 South
02:10 Luton Travelodge M1 Junc 11
Here is a picture of the coach with Coach Innovations sign in the window
There's no need to rush to board your coach. You'll be sat in the same seats if you're the first or last to board your coach.
Please keep the aisles clear of bags, legs etc at all times.
Passports:
Don't forget your passport and please keep your passports handy, you'll need to show them more than once on both the outward and return journeys.
What to expect at customs at Dover:
A new area has been created at Dover where we now have to travel to the western docks area where coach passengers will need to leave the vehicle to pass through border control. The coach will then be ‘sealed’ and will proceed to Dover Eastern Docks to check-in with Irish Ferries.
Once complete the driver with proceed to the boarding lane for the Ferry. Somewhere along the journey our staff need to scan your passports onto the Irish Ferries App.
What to expect at customs at Calais:
The coach will stop at the Irish Ferries check-in booth where the driver may need to collect all the passports, please have them open on your photograph page.
The coach will then proceed to customs. The Coach will park and everyone will be asked to leave the coach with their passports and any small bags. You will then proceed through French passport control and then go through to the UK Border force passport control. The coach should be waiting for you near the exit where you will get back on. The coach will then proceed to the boarding lane for the Ferry.
Travel Insurance:
With all the winter bugs around it is very important that you arrange full comprehensive travel insurance. We can not offer a refund if you cancel for whatever reason.
WC:
There is a toilet onboard the coach however this is only ever meant for liquids. Any children must be accompanied by an adult. To help keep the coach smelling nice and fresh please use other toilet facilities wherever possible such as ferry and docks.
Comfort:
Please feel free to bring pillows and blankets to make your journey more comfortable. You can leave non valuable belongings on your coach when you arrive in Bruges.
Arrival in Bruges:
Should be approximately 11:45am/12pm (local time) depending on traffic. All coaches must drop off and depart from the coach bus stops next to the Bargeplein Coach park. This is a 20 minute walk to the Markets. We depart Bruges at 18:00 hours Please be prompt back to the coach.
Blankenburge:
The journey to Blankenburge is 16km and should take around 30 minutes depending on traffic. We will take you to your hotel which is the Ibis Budget Blankenberge. Breakfast is included in your package.
We will pick you up from the Ibis Budget at 2:30pm on Sunday and make our way back to Calais for a 18:20 hours sail back to Dover.
Some useful numbers to store in your phone:
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British Embassy in Belgium: +44 7860 351445
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Coach Innovations 24 hour emergency number: 03301 335599
Back in the UK:
Our arrival time back in Dover will be approximately 19:50 hours (UK Time).
Finally have a great weekend, details below of things to do and places to visit. We look forward to seeing you.
It will be cold so wrap up warm!
So much to see and do in Bruges
My name is Alexa Young
Here are some ideas:
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Christmas Markets: Wander through cobblestone streets adorned with twinkling lights. Sights, sounds and smells of up to 100 markets. Market Square Grote Markt offers a traditional Christmas market experience. Shop charming Christmas gifts, enjoy delicious festive treats and embrace the wonderful Christmas atmosphere. Meanwhile Simon Stevinplein Christmas Market specialises in artisanal crafts, is the perfect place if you're seeking unique gifts to surprise your loved ones at home!
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Explore fairytale Markt, travel to the top of the Belfry of Bruges for an amazing panorama, visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
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Ice Rink: Picture yourself gliding across the ice rink surrounded by festive cheer.
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Winter Glow 2024:
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A wonderful winter experience. A winter festival packed with fascinating experiences.
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Horse-Drawn Carriages: Take a romantic ride through the cobbled streets, feeling like you have stepped back in time.
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English Guided Boat Tour: Discover the hidden gems of Bruges from its charming canals.
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Shopping: Explore numerous shops; sampling exquisite Belgium chocolates, perfect for gifts or a personal treat.
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Cozy Coffee Shops: Warm up with a hot drink in one of the many coffee shops.
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Lively Bars and Restaurants: Savour delicious local cuisine and festive drinks in the vibrant bars and restaurants.
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Sample Festive Treats
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Belgian Waffle
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Speculoos Biscuits - spiced cinnamon biscuits in festive shapes
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Artisan cheese stalls
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Belgian hot chocolate
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Duval or Mulled Wine
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Belgian Beers
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Below is a link to the Bruge Tourist information:
Blankenberge
For information about what to see and do in Blankenburge visit website
Happy Travels - Coach Innovations Team