On a rainy day in Durham, consider visiting the Gala Theatre Durham on the banks of the river Wear. It is known as one of the best theatres in the northeast. The venue hosts leading theatre companies, comedians, bands, musicians and dance performers, as well as a cinema programme.

The Moselle Valley wine region spans France, Luxembourg, and Germany, with wineries closest to Luxembourg City located within less than a half-hour's drive from there. The scenic river valley offers abundant wine-tasting opportunities for Riesling and Elbling aficionados; tastings can be arranged at most local wineries, but contacting in advance to check for availability is recommended. If in doubt, try Caves du Sud in Remerschen, Caves St Martin or Caves Desom Saint-Remy in Remich, or Domaine Mathes and Domaine Alice Hartmann in Wormeldange. The region is also excellent hiking grounds, with hiking trails and cycling paths, with boat tours running along the Moselle.

Look up at the magical city skyline for a moment during your weekend trip in Ghent: you can’t miss it. The Belfry is the middle tower in the famous row of three, between St Bavo’s Cathedral and St Nicholas’ Church. A fiery dragon, the proud symbol and mascot of Ghent, guards the historic heart of the city. The Ghent Belfry symbolises the city’s prosperity and independence. The Cloth Hall, built onto the Belfry, was completed in 1907. The flamboyant Brabant Gothic style of the Cloth Hall is an ode to the industry to which Ghent owes so much. On the corner of the Cloth Hall is an old jailer’s house. The Ghent Belfry, a recognised UNESCO World Heritage, is well worth a visit. In 1402, it was the place where city privileges were kept: in a chest, locked up in the Belfry safe. The dragon, which has been up on the tower since 1377, kept an eye on the city as well as being the symbolic guardian of the belfry. The Belfry also proudly carried the alarm bell, the ‘Great Triumphant’. Today you will find this bell, nicknamed ‘Roland’ by the people of Ghent, not far from the Belfort on Emile Braunplein. Until 1442, St Nicholas’ Church was the main watchtower. In 1442, the watchmen in the tower moved across to the newly completed Belfry. Along with the bell ringers, these watchmen, or the corps of ‘men who guard the city’, served until 1869. Fire was a particular danger in Ghent. The Belfry tower is an absolute must-see! Climb the stairs, listen to the chiming sound of the carillon and enjoy the view of the vibrant city of Ghent. There is a lift from the first floor. The stunning view over Ghent is bound to enchant you. However, the Belfry is not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. The Mammelokker, a legend behind bars In 1741, a building was erected between the Belfry and the Cloth Hall, which served as the entrance to the city jail. You will see a relief sculpture above the entrance. The sculpture tells an old Roman legend of a man, Cimon, who was sentenced to death by starvation. He survived his sentence because his daughter visited every day and breastfed him. ‘Mamme’ means ‘breast’ and ‘lokken’ means ‘suck’ in an old Ghent dialect.

USCGC Ingham is a floating museum that is dedicated to honoring those who served during the World War II and Vietnam War. The U.S. coast guard history comes alive with this intriguing ship which has cruised the ocean waters during 50 years of service. You will get to know the life aboard while either guided by experts or at your own pace, finding yourself passing through a time capsule with crucial maritime moments from back in the day.