Ghent city breaks

With its wealth of historic monuments and festivals, not to mention one of the art world's greatest mysteries, a weekend break in Ghent is a dream for history buffs, culture vultures and art lovers.

If it's history you're after, head to Gravensteen – the Castle of the Counts – with its sheer, impenetrable walls, battlements and towers that loom over those who dare approach.

Art lovers and amateur sleuths should explore St Bavo's Cathedral to see if they can get to the bottom of a mysterious vanishing. The Ghent Altarpiece has been hidden in a salt mine, forged, damaged, hunted by Nazis and nearly destroyed countless times. Despite its miraculous survival, the Just Judges panel has been missing since 1934 and the case is still very much open and begging to be solved.

With tickets from £35 one way*, you can be in the heart of the city in a little over three hours, with a quick change in Brussels. And with trains leaving London up to ten times a day, short holidays in Ghent have never been easier.

So sit back, relax and let us whisk you away.