It rains at the seaside, and that is simply part of it. If you are spending a holiday or a weekend in Koksijde, there is no need to stay indoors all day. In and around Koksijde you will find museums, stories of fishermen and monks, and a view across the Yser plain. And if you would like to warm up in between, you are welcome in our shop on the Zeelaan. Here are a few ideas for turning a grey day into a good one.
Indoors in Koksijde and Oostduinkerke
Navigo, the National Fisheries Museum
In Oostduinkerke, part of the municipality of Koksijde, you will find Navigo, the National Fisheries Museum. It tells the story of fishing on the Flemish coast and of the lives of fishermen and their families. After a three-year renovation it reopened in September 2024, with a new building and the skeleton of a sperm whale. There are also aquariums with North Sea creatures. The story of the horseback shrimp fishers is part of it too: Oostduinkerke is the only place where shrimp fishing on horseback is still carried out intensively.
Ten Duinen Abbey Museum
In Koksijde itself is the Ten Duinen Abbey Museum. The Abbey of the Dunes was founded in 1107 and joined the Cistercian order in 1138. The museum shows how the monks lived, with archaeological finds and a film about the history of the abbey. Outside lie the remains of the abbey complex. If the rain eases off, you can walk along the old walls.
Paul Delvaux Museum in Sint-Idesbald
In Sint-Idesbald, the Paul Delvaux Museum is housed in the former fisherman's cottage where the painter lived and worked. It holds the largest collection of works by Paul Delvaux. Opening days vary by season, so check the museum's website before you go.
A little further: Westfront Nieuwpoort
If you have a car, Nieuwpoort is close by. Beneath the King Albert I Monument at the Ganzepoot lock complex lies the Westfront Nieuwpoort visitor centre. Through objects, personal stories and a 180 degree projection, you learn how opening the locks in October 1914 flooded the Yser plain and halted the German army's advance. A lift takes you to the top of the monument, with views over the coast and the polders. Between two showers, that view is at its best.
Rain and the sea go well together
A shower at the coast rarely lasts long. With a good coat, a beach walk between showers can even be one of the best moments of the day: few people, rough waves, fresh air. Our coats and jackets are chosen with this climate in mind. The khaki waterproof parka (€169.95) is a raincoat and winter coat in one: fully lined with faux fur, sleeves included, with a concealed zip under press studs and two roomy flap pockets. It can be washed at 30 degrees. After three washes, a spray restores its waterproofing.
Warming up at Decodeman
After a museum or a wet walk, it is nice to browse somewhere at your own pace. Decodeman is a concept store for home decor and fashion at Zeelaan 200 in Koksijde-Bad, a family business since 1977. Camille, who took over the shop fully in 2022, chooses every piece herself. You will not find big brands, but home accessories, furniture, clothing, bags and jewellery with character. The shop carries more clothing, jewellery and accessories than you see online. And there is a good chance that Omer, our dachshund, will come to say hello.
Where you might linger
- Wool throws and cushions, the kind you want to take home straight away on a rainy day. Have a look at our throws.
- Scented candles, such as the Amber scented candle (€29.95), which leaves a gold dish once the candle has burnt down.
- Bags for every day, from a suede belt bag to a roomy weekend bag. Our handbags are online too.
- For dog lovers: throws, cushions and a doorstop with a dachshund motif, plus a colourful collar in three sizes. See our dog accessories.
Shop opening hours
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 10.30 to 12.30 and 14.00 to 18.00.
- Closed on Tuesday.
- Closed on Thursday, except in July and August, when we are also open on Thursday with the same hours.
You will find us at Zeelaan 200, 8670 Koksijde. You can call us on 0491 36 76 08. All practical information is on our visit page. Spotted something you would rather not carry through the rain? Much of the range can also be ordered online, with delivery anywhere in Belgium. Large furniture is delivered free of charge within West Flanders; outside West Flanders, fuel costs are charged.
Staying by the sea
Still looking for somewhere to stay? Villa Deman is our family's holiday home: a farmhouse built by Camille's grandparents and restored by Marc Deman. It has three bedrooms for 5 people plus a little one, an enclosed garden of 1,650 m², an infrared sauna and an open fireplace. Dogs are welcome. The dunes are 150 metres away, the beach and the centre within 2 km. On a rainy evening, that open fire comes in very handy.
A plan for your rainy day
- Morning: Navigo in Oostduinkerke or the Ten Duinen Abbey Museum in Koksijde.
- Lunchtime: a warm lunch, then a relaxed browse at Decodeman, which reopens at 14.00.
- Late afternoon: a beach walk if it clears up, or Westfront Nieuwpoort for the view over the polders.
- Evening: a throw, a candle and a good book.
That way a rainy day at the seaside simply becomes a different kind of holiday day. See you on the Zeelaan.