Our Mamas have shared some of their favourite holiday destinations within the Netherlands. Find out some of our suggested getaways that don’t take you too far!
Are you desperately in need of a break but don’t want to go through the hassle and stress of dragging your family abroad? Then imagine this scenario: just a couple of hours (or less) by car or public transport and you’ve arrived at your destination. You also get to discover a little piece of paradise that you hadn’t imagined could be so close by.
The fact is that planning your holidays locally has many advantages. Besides the obvious money-saving aspect, you spend less time traveling and get to enrich your experience of the country you’re living in. So how about spending your holidays in the Netherlands this year? Here are some of the suggestions from our members!
Zeeland: This area boasts the cleanest and sunniest beaches in the Netherlands, a beautiful landscape, lots of islands to explore, as well as plenty of artistic and cultural events. It also has some historical places of interest to visit, like a reconstruction of a Roman temple, or the remains of circular ramparts that defended the coast against the Vikings and the Spanish.
Ameland Island: Known as the “Wadden Diamond” for its peacefulness and beauty, this island off the north coast of the Netherlands is unique because of the diversity of landscapes, flora and fauna, as well as its beautiful dunes. If you choose this destination for your holidays you will also be able to enjoy several activities, like tractor rides across the beach, seal watching and sport fishing, amongst others. There are also beautiful lighthouses, villages and farms to visit and some culinary specialties to enjoy.
Hoge Veluwe: A national park and a national treasure, the Hoge Veluwe offers camping, biking, horse riding, Safari adventures, fishing, restaurants, hotels, meditation workshops, farmers’ markets … and a world class art museum? Wow!
Efteling: If you’re looking for a fairytale holiday, this is the right place! Efteling is a world of wonders where families can explore an actual fairytale forest and countless thematic attractions. Guests can choose between a room at the Efteling Hotel or a cottage at the Efteling Village Bosrijk for a relaxing and magical accommodation.
Schoorl: This village in the municipality of Bergen has the highest and widest dunes of the Netherlands, as well as the highest concentration of holiday campsites in the country. It’s a major local tourism destination especially because of its gorgeous and quiet beach, only accessible by bike. Here you and your family can enjoy the sea, dunes and forest in a unique setting.
Makkum Beach Resort: Located in the picturesque fishing village of Makkum, this holiday park offers a relaxing beach holiday with all sorts of fun facilities and activities. Rent a bike or a boat, taste delicious meals and play mini golf or tennis with your kids, amongst other options.
Landal Natuurdorp Suyderoogh: Located in Noord-Groningen, next to the nature reserve of Lauwersmeer, this is a special spot in the Netherlands for a family holiday. Outdoors you can enjoy the lake and indoors you can relax in the heated pool or sauna. Bowling, mini golf and a variety of water sports are offered. Bird watching, cycling and hiking are also great options.
Wijk aan Zee: In this “Cultural Village of Europe”, the beauty of the beach is enriched by historical sites like the German bunkers built near the dunes. The whole family can explore the seaside by foot or bike and there are fun playgrounds available for the kids. This village also hosts several interesting events, like the well-known Tata Steel Chess Tournament.
Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg: A beautiful country estate with friendly staff next to the dunes and beach, close to Amsterdam and Haarlem, and offering a variety of packages from which you can choose. A plus is the recreational area nearby where you can try lots of different outdoor activities.
Zandvoort: One of the major beach resorts of the Netherlands, located just 24 km west of Amsterdam. Besides enjoying the beach and the various attractions offered, visitors can also get to know the gorgeous Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. And for fans of race tracking, there are lots of events held at the famous racetrack Circuit Park Zandvoort.
Giethoorn: Located in the municipality of Steenwijkerland, Giethoorn is a town with no roads, just bike paths and canals. To this day it is known as “Venice of the North”. It has more than 150 bridges, several museums and frequent art exhibitions. Activities for children are also organized, tourists can rent their own boat to explore the canals, and in the winter time it’s a perfect place for ice skating fans.
Looking for family-friendly accommodation for your next holiday? Book your stay via booking.com/amsterdammamas and we’ll receive a portion of the reservation value. Find the perfect accommodation for your family and support Amsterdam Mamas at the same time!
This article was compiled from recommendations given by members of the Amsterdam Mamas Facebook group.
Photo Credit: Horses in Hoge Veluwe, Sander Weetelin via Unsplash
Catarina Queiroz
Catarina Queiroz is writer living in the beautiful city of The Hague with her husband and daughter. She was born in Portugal, but spent her childhood in Africa, an experience that has shaped her life and interests. She has a B.A. in Philosophy and is also a trained teacher. Traveling, for leisure and cultural enrichment, and reading, especially crime and historical novels, are her passions. You can read what she has to say on parenting and expat life, plus get your hands on one of her delicious recipes, on her blog craftiemum.com.
