Holiday homes with barbecue in Belgium

Barbecuing on holiday has something deeply relaxing about it. No rush, no planning, just putting meat and vegetables on the grill while the children play in the garden and the adults pour a glass of wine. In the Ardennes many owners also grill game from the region, and on the coast a barbecue with fresh fish and shellfish is well worth trying.

Properties with a barbecue almost always come with a generous garden or terrace. That makes them suitable for larger groups who want to eat outside. When booking, check whether the barbecue is included or whether you need to bring charcoal yourself.

The barbecue is the centrepiece of any summer holiday with an outdoor space. Meat and vegetables on the grill, the sound of the fire, a cool drink in hand and the children still playing outside as it gets dark. Belgium has more beautiful gardens and terraces than people realise, from sprawling outdoor areas in the Ardennes to sheltered courtyards in the Campine.

In the Ardennes the local markets are well worth a visit for game, regional sausages and cheeses that work brilliantly on the grill. On the Belgian coast you will find fresh fish and shellfish straight from the local fishermen. A holiday barbecue becomes a culinary tour of the region in its own right.

A great barbecue spot is more than a grill in the garden. When choosing, look for a sheltered, flat surface at a safe distance from the house and any planting, with enough room to stand around the barbecue without it getting crowded. A covered terrace or an awning is invaluable, as it means you can still grill even when Belgian weather decides not to cooperate.

On the practical side, an outdoor kitchen or a worktop beside the barbecue makes a real difference: somewhere to put plates, sauces and utensils, ideally with an outdoor tap nearby. A large table outside, plenty of chairs and some atmospheric lighting turn a barbecue evening into a proper occasion. Check the photos of each property to see whether the outdoor space is set up for it.

In the Ardennes, the barbecue is part of the holiday. Many chalets and forest houses have a spacious garden or a terrace with a view, and the local markets offer game, regional sausages and cheeses that are superb on the grill. After a day's walking, a barbecue in the evening sun tastes twice as good.

The Campine and the Flemish Ardennes are also excellent for a barbecue break, with generous gardens and farmhouse holiday homes where you can dine at your leisure. On the Belgian coast, combine a barbecue with fresh fish and shellfish from the local fishermen. Wherever you choose, filter for an outdoor space with a barbecue to make sure you are well set up.

Holiday homes come with different types of barbecue. The classic charcoal model gives that distinctive smoky flavour but takes a little patience and practice. A gas barbecue is quicker to get going and easier to control, ideal for those who want to grill without any fuss. Some rural properties have a built-in stone barbecue or a fire bowl, perfect for a convivial evening around the flames.

Ask the owner exactly what is provided and whether any fuel is on site. With a charcoal barbecue you often need to bring your own charcoal and firelighters; with a gas barbecue it is worth checking whether the bottle is full. A considerate owner makes this clear in the description or on arrival.

Cooking for a large group on the barbecue calls for a bit more space and planning. Make sure there is a barbecue large enough that you do not have to cook in rounds, and a garden or terrace roomy enough for everyone to sit comfortably. A second fridge or a large cool box in the property is a real bonus for keeping meat and drinks chilled.

Agree in advance who is bringing what, and take note of the owner's house rules around open fire and noise. Clean the barbecue after use and leave the garden tidy, which owners appreciate greatly. That way a barbecue evening with friends or family stays a pleasant memory for everyone involved.