Discover Westende-Bad

Westende-Bad combines dune landscapes, seaside resort history and distinctive architectural heritage with current opportunities for water and beach sports. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Westende-Bad can therefore tailor their trip planning to different interests: protected landscapes, historic buildings or active days along the promenade.

Seaside resort between dunes and sea dike

Westende-Bad was planned in 1894 as a new seaside resort settlement located in the dunes, on the territory of Westende and Middelkerke. This origin continues to shape the character of the area as a historic seaside resort landscape. The centre of Westende-Bad is designated as a protected townscape. The sea dike also tells the story of the resort’s development: around 1896, the first brick section was 354 metres long. In 1905, the sea dike was extended by 832 metres, followed by a further 580-metre extension in 1911.

The Sint-Laureinsstrand forms a distinctive landscape and is protected as a landscape in Westende-Bad and Lombardsijde. If you are primarily interested in learning about the history of the seaside resort, you will focus on different impressions than during a trip centred on water sports.

Architecture and history of the seaside resort

One of the defining buildings is the former Grand Hôtel Belle Vue, also known as the “Rotonde”. It is protected as a monument. The protection order was issued on 27 April 1983 and initially covered the façades and roofs; on 10 November 1995, it was extended to the interior. The Grand Hôtel Belle Vue was built on the eastern edge of the seaside resort between 1909 and 1911 on behalf of N.V. “Grand Hôtel Belle Vue”. The design was created by the architect and shareholder Octave Van Rysselberghe from Minderhout.

Another historical landmark is Villa Les Zéphyrs in Westende. It is protected as a monument and considered an architecturally valuable part of Westende’s urban development. It was originally designed in 1903 by O. Van Rysselberghe. A carefully designed Art Nouveau interior has been preserved, including an elaborately finished bathroom and a basement kitchen. Those interested in architecture, design and the development of seaside resorts will find specific details here rather than merely a historical backdrop.

The Sint-Theresiakapel is also part of the architectural and local history. The chapel, aligned from east to west and characterised by Neo-Romanesque features, was rebuilt in 1930 in place of a chapel from 1912 that had stood somewhat farther away. The design was created by the Brussels architect Victors Rubbers. These different buildings show how Westende-Bad and its surroundings developed through several construction phases.

Water and beach sports along the promenade

Those who want to make their stay more active will find a surf bar, De Kwinte, on the promenade of the Sint-Laureinsstrand. De Kwinte is a central location for water and beach sports. In addition, the Surfclub Westende|Nieuwpoort in Westende offers water sports at sea as well as surfing lessons, surf camps and equipment rental. This makes it possible to combine different travel plans: historical discoveries, days at the beach and sporting activities can each be given different emphasis.

The history of transport also adds to the picture of the area. The Oostende–Middelkerke-Bad electric tram connection was extended to Westende-Bad in 1903. For travellers interested in cultural history, this tram extension complements the seaside resort’s architectural landmarks.

Westende-Bad as the starting point for planning your trip

A holiday apartment or holiday home in Westende-Bad is suitable for a trip in which you would like to combine the character of a historic seaside resort with nature and water-based experiences. When making your choice, consider above all whether your trip should be shaped primarily by protected landscapes, architectural heritage or water sports. This creates a suitable holiday rhythm from the area’s different facets without requiring every day to be planned in the same way.

For further orientation, you can also explore Schore, Westende, Slijpe and Lombardsijde.

For the higher-level travel overview: Middelkerke.