Bois de la Cambre

The Cambre Woods were originally part of the Fôret de Soignes south of the city centre, but it was annexed to the city in 1842 and a tram line set up linking it to the city centre, so residents could escape to a ‘green’ space at the weekends. It’s a lovely space and comes alive with runners, cyclists and groups of friends picnicking in summer. The Brussels Pony Club (Allée des Amazones; open: April—October Wed, Sat, Sun 2pm—6pm) offer pony rides; a ten-minute ride costs 5 euros.

There are a handful of (pricey) restaurants scattered throughout the woods. Namely: La Patinoire (Chemin du Gymnase 1; www.lapatinoire.be), Les Jeux d’Hiver (Chemin du Croquet 1; www.jeuxdhiver.be), and The Wood (Avenue de Flore 3, www.thewood.be). Probably the most exciting option, though, is Le Chalet Robinson (Sentier de l’Embarcadère 1; tel: +32 372 92 92; www.chaletrobinson.be; open: Tues—Sun 12pm—2.30pm & 7pm—11pm; mains 25 euros), which is located on Robinson Island, an artificial mound originally created as a nesting ground for ducks and swans, and which can only be accessed via a small ferry.