Westmalle Castle with Kids: A Hidden Gem near Antwerp, Belgium

Belgium is a castle country - we’re talking nearly 3,000 castles scattered across the landscape. And yet, most families only ever see the “big names.” If you’re planning a Belgium castle trip and you want something that feels local, relaxed, and genuinely fun for kids, put Westmalle Castle on your shortlist.

It’s one of those rare places that hits the sweet spot for a family vacation near Antwerp: easy to combine with other stops, interesting for adults, and (when exhibitions are on) surprisingly interactive for children.

The mighty facade has changed little since 1561.

Why Westmalle works for families (and not just history nerds)

A lot of castles are beautiful… and then your kids are done after 12 minutes.

Westmalle Castle is different because it’s often used as a cultural venue, which means the experience can be more playful than the usual “look but don’t touch” museum vibe. When we visited with my wife and kids, the castle hosted an interactive exhibition based on the Belgian children’s TV show “Ridder Muis” (know as "Sir Mouse" in Ireland, where it even won a kids’ choice award).

The kids weren’t just watching a castle - they were doing castle things.

Broomflying 101. Son? Engaged. Parents? Entertained.

The exhibition that made the castle feel enchanted

The whole visit was built around creative and physical challenges:

• Solving the mystery of a witch’s lost hat

• Jumping on broomsticks

• Making pizza

• Navigating a little obstacle course inside the castle

It was the kind of day where the adults get their history fix and the kids leave feeling like they’ve been inside a storybook.

If you’re hunting for hidden gems in Belgium that actually work as a family outing, this is exactly the vibe.

A quick history of Westmalle Castle (without the boring bits)

Westmalle Castle’s story starts around 1100, when the site was essentially a fortified farm - a practical, defensive place in a region where stability was never guaranteed.

Later, in 1561, it was rebuilt by Evrard de Cottereau, and over the centuries the property changed hands multiple times, with restorations and updates shaping what you see today.

Today, rather than being a private residence closed off from the world, the castle has increasingly become a place where the community can gather - exhibitions, events, and cultural programming give it a new kind of life.

The secretive castle courtyard makes you feel like you're visiting a knight.

The “recent story” families love: community, legacy, and what happens next

One of the most interesting parts of Westmalle Castle isn’t medieval at all - it’s what’s happening now.

Locals have been closely following the castle’s future, especially after the last Baroness passed away in 2022. Since then, there’s been growing community interest in protecting the site and keeping it accessible, including efforts to convince the town council and Stichting Kempen to take ownership.

My sons were happy to reunite the wizard with his hat - and got to keep one themselves!

That’s what makes this place feel like more than a photo stop: it’s a living piece of heritage with a future still being negotiated.

The castle is now being renovated, and partners for long-term creative exploitation are being sought. That's why it's rarely open to visit - but a stroll around the castle grounds is definitely an amazing way to spend the afternoon. Tip; keep your eyes open for other "Sir Mouse" expositions in other castles.

Turn it into a full Belgium castle trip: pair it with Westmalle Trappist

If you’re already in the area, you’d be crazy not to combine the castle park with another local icon: the Westmalle Trappist Monastery.

Westmalle is famous among beer lovers for its brewery, and visitors can often enjoy a drink at the monastery bar area (availability and access can vary, so it’s worth checking ahead).

This combo is perfect for mixed groups:

• Kids get the castle + playful exhibition energy + playground at the bar

• Adults get history and one of Belgium’s most legendary Trappist names

It’s an easy way to make your Belgium castle trip feel like a full day out instead of a single stop.

Ah, the mother of Tripel beers

Practical tips for visiting Westmalle Castle (family-friendly edition)

Because Westmalle Castle functions as a venue, the best family visits usually depend on what’s happening at the castle.

Before you go

• Check whether there’s an exhibition or event on (that’s when it shines for kids)

• Confirm opening hours and ticket info (these can change by season)

• If you’re pairing it with the monastery bar, check access and timing there too

  
  

What to bring (especially with kids)

• Comfortable shoes (even “small” castles involve more walking than you think)

• A snack/water plan for little ones

• A “reward stop” idea after (ice cream, playground, or — for parents — that monastery beer)

  
  

Why this belongs in your “Hidden gems Belgium” list

Westmalle Castle isn’t trying to be the most famous castle in Belgium - and that’s exactly why it’s such a great pick.

It’s calm, local, and often more interactive than you’d expect. For families building a family vacation near Antwerp, it’s a low-stress day trip that still feels special. After days of city-crawling, it might just be the break of fresh air and green your family needs.

Want to make it effortless? I’ll help you build the day

If you’re planning a Belgium castle trip and you want it tailored to your family’s pace (stroller-friendly routes, snack stops, kid-proof timing, and a bit of grown-up fun too), send me a message.

I’m Yves - a local guide - and I build private, story-driven days that feel personal, not packaged.

Fill in our contact form, and I'll get back to you with a personal offer.