Cycling in the Westhoek between Beauvoorde and Diksmuide

Special is the picturesque Begijnhof of Diksmuide, which has existed since the thirteenth century. The beguines used to earn their living by washing, bleaching and processing wool, cloth and linen, by making lace and by caring for the sick. In 1914 the original inhabitants disappeared and the Begijnhof suffered a lot from the First World War. The hofje was later rebuilt and since 1990 the Begijnhof has had a social role: semi-independent adults with a mental handicap live there.

On the way you can visit Castle Beauvoorde. This moated castle was already there in 1408. In 1584, the Geuzen set fire to the castle, so that it was rebuilt in 16717. When this had fallen into disrepair, the building was saved from total demolition in 1875. Jonkheer Arthur Merghelynck, who had the building restored, also had a Franco-English garden laid out. After his death, he assigned Beauvoorde Castle to the State. In 2014, the castle can be visited, as can the heritage shop and the visitor center in the building. An exhibition and other cultural activities are organized in summer.