Aquascope Virelles
Aquascope Virelles
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L'Aquascope Virelles représente un environnement naturel préservé entourant l'étang de Virelles. Son objectif est de sensibiliser les visiteurs à la diversité de la faune et de la flore locales, en mettant l'accent sur les habitats aquatiques. Le centre propose une variété d'activités éducatives et récréatives pour tous les membres de la famille, telles que la découverte de l'Aquascope, un escape game, un jeu d'énigme, des événements thématiques tout au long de l'année, un centre ethnobotanique et bien d'autres encore. Pour ceux qui désirent prolonger leur séjour et apprécier davantage la nature environnante, une solution d'hébergement est disponible. Nos logements insolites offrent une expérience immersive au cœur de la nature.
Chimay, Belgium
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Aquascope Virelles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
117 reviews
Excellent
40
Very good
40
Average
23
Poor
5
Terrible
9
781amp
Leeds, UK26 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We visited this after going to Chimay in the morning. It was really interesting and our 5 year old loved it. There is a welcoming visitor centre with a nice cafe (mainly drinks and snacks) and you are given a map to guide you around (different languages available). The tunnel that shows you underwater was great for spotting fish, snails and tadpoles becoming frogs. Great bird hides as well, both across the marsh and in the wooded area. The bees are interesting too and there is a small door to see the bees busily making honey. The playground is a good addition and has water play, sandpit as well as climbing equipment for older children.
Written August 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DUQUEA
Brussels, Belgium14 contributions
Apr 2023
We spent couple of nights in one of the wood house by the pond. It was an amazing experience with a great view on the pond and its inhabitants (storks, egrets, swans, ....). The walk around small part of the pond is nice but bit old fashioned. I regret the fact that they only promote a one night stay in the wood houses and do not pursue the 'green' approach throughout all the amenities. Breakfast included local products - which is nice - but wrapped in plastic film, jam in plastic container, .... Water was limited & we did not have enough for coffee on the second morning (cafetaria only opens at 10:00AM) and the dry toilet was not emptied after one day & night stay. Made the remarks when returning the keys but did not attract any attention from the staff. Nice spot with good potential but there is room for improvement in services and facilities.
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gina R
19 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
This was our second time coming to Aquascope, and we love it. As we live about an hour away, it doesn't necessarily pull us there more than once a year, but we do enjoy it. If we lived closer, I think we would be here often.
This year my children are 6, 3, and almost 2. We went with friends whose children are 8, 6, and 1. Everyone enjoyed themselves and was TIRED at the end of the day!
I divide this place into three parts:
1. Small indoor area with a short movie depicting the grounds during the season change (I enjoy this, some kids found it boring), and a learning "aquarium" with a few fish and some education on how the local animals. There is some exhibit upstairs, but we didn't make it there this time. The indoor area isn't terribly engaging and it's why I deducted a star. Outside is where this place shines.
2. Nature walk along the lake with a tree top walk, peek under the water, and a garden with a little pond and playhouse for the kids. And bees! They're my favorite :). On the walk back you can take the high road for some environmental education. It's a nice walk, the kids played hide and seek in the garden for a long while, and there were picnic tables to stop and eat. The woman at the front desk mentioned the walk is about 1 kilometer.
3. The playground. Really, you can't do this first or the walk will be a letdown (to the kids). It's an awesome playground. A huge sandy area, slides going through the landscape, climbing towers, climbing nets, a zip line, etc etc. It is really great. It is also attached to a cafe/restaurant with additional outdoor seating and a gazebo.
The whole Lac du L'eau d'Heure area is beautiful, and I enjoy the drive out here. It is really a great place to visit with kids. It's not terribly pricey and it's worth it for the day.
We did eat here last time we visited and the food was decent. The front desk speaks English, the restaurant staff does not so it's worth knowing your basic French if you plan to eat there, but they were very friendly!
This year my children are 6, 3, and almost 2. We went with friends whose children are 8, 6, and 1. Everyone enjoyed themselves and was TIRED at the end of the day!
I divide this place into three parts:
1. Small indoor area with a short movie depicting the grounds during the season change (I enjoy this, some kids found it boring), and a learning "aquarium" with a few fish and some education on how the local animals. There is some exhibit upstairs, but we didn't make it there this time. The indoor area isn't terribly engaging and it's why I deducted a star. Outside is where this place shines.
2. Nature walk along the lake with a tree top walk, peek under the water, and a garden with a little pond and playhouse for the kids. And bees! They're my favorite :). On the walk back you can take the high road for some environmental education. It's a nice walk, the kids played hide and seek in the garden for a long while, and there were picnic tables to stop and eat. The woman at the front desk mentioned the walk is about 1 kilometer.
3. The playground. Really, you can't do this first or the walk will be a letdown (to the kids). It's an awesome playground. A huge sandy area, slides going through the landscape, climbing towers, climbing nets, a zip line, etc etc. It is really great. It is also attached to a cafe/restaurant with additional outdoor seating and a gazebo.
The whole Lac du L'eau d'Heure area is beautiful, and I enjoy the drive out here. It is really a great place to visit with kids. It's not terribly pricey and it's worth it for the day.
We did eat here last time we visited and the food was decent. The front desk speaks English, the restaurant staff does not so it's worth knowing your basic French if you plan to eat there, but they were very friendly!
Written April 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fox_travelling
Brussels, Belgium259 contributions
May 2017 • Family
We walked the path through the forest with our childs to have an outdoor forest walk. Feeling of a Sunday stroll before aperitif and lunch. Enjoyed it. Nice weather helped. But old style explanations about nature and climate change. Come on, childs are far better informed today! Clearly constructed at a time and then nothing was renewed. Standing still is dying every day.
Written May 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
potapka
Prague, Czech Republic24 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
Modern educational centre located next to the natural reserve The Lake of Virrelles. It is a nice place for families, there are many atractions for children which educate them in interesting and funny way (for example aquarium or path high in the trees) about nature of Belgium. And finally there is a great playground. It' s the best possibility for children from cities. Also it's a nice place for nature lovers and ornithologists because there are many species of birds, insect or bats etc.
We have visited an educational programme about bats where the staff of Natagora organization presented the life of these interesting animals in a way well acceptable for children and also for adults. Finally we went for a walk and look for bats in surrounding area.
All the staff of Aquascope is very kind and wiling to teach other generations about nature of Belgium and its importance.
Written September 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scothelen
Dechmont, UK24 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
Do not be put off by other reviews - this is a great way to spend a few hours - The hides where fun to watch the birds, we saw kingfishers and also evidence of the beaver. Admit it was a lovely autumn day which i am sure makes a difference but well worth the money and it is what you make of it. If you have binoculars than good idea to take them. Great cafe with cheap and cheerful food.
Written October 31, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SnEm74
Belgium137 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
We've been here on many occasions, and we really enjoy this place very much, excellent place to spot birds, I enjoy it for the insects, but the facilities are getting very outdated, really hope they receive the necessary funds to upgrade!
Very nice playground, great for all ages below 10! Cafeteria is ok, just a tad expensive and terrible service done by young students! They're promoting local products which is very nice! So no coca cola, but local lemonade! Nice outdoor seating!!!
It would be so great if the park could open earlier, 10am is too late!!!!
Very nice playground, great for all ages below 10! Cafeteria is ok, just a tad expensive and terrible service done by young students! They're promoting local products which is very nice! So no coca cola, but local lemonade! Nice outdoor seating!!!
It would be so great if the park could open earlier, 10am is too late!!!!
Written July 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zosia B
Waterloo, Belgium1,470 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
Visited on an admittedly beautiful day as part of a group. Our guide was fantastic and the entire experience was so informative. Be forewarned however, it can be incredibly muddy--which in itself adds to the experience.
Written June 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malika R
Chimay, Belgium1 contribution
Oct 2015 • Couples
I had the chance to go to the Aquascope a while ago, as it was the Apples' festival. It is the time when dozens of orchard's owners come to display their products (not only apples actually, but also other season fruits). In a familial atmosphere, you can try a large variety of tasty fruits. But the Aquascope is worth a visit even if there is no special event. Not only will you walk among a wonderful scenery, but your children will also enjoy nature through teaching activities.
In short, a quiet but informative place, far from the urban life !
In short, a quiet but informative place, far from the urban life !
Written November 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SplittingSalt
Brussels20 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
A nature reserve with a playing ground for the little children and a nature discovery path for the elder. Enjoy the sunlight on the terrace of the cafeteria. The site was developed and is operated by the ngo Natagora.
Worth the trip, if only to spot the great white herons around the lake.
Worth the trip, if only to spot the great white herons around the lake.
Written May 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour, le lac et ç est alentour sont il chien admis ? Et est il possible de se posé pour un pic nic au bord du lac?
Merci bien à vous
F godeau
Written July 17, 2018
Ce site est il intéressant pour les photographes animaliers? Des jumelles ou une longue vue serait il un plus pour l'observation des oiseaux?
Written May 5, 2018
Hi - are dogs allowed here? Thanks
Written November 22, 2015
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