Recreatiepark Westerkwartier

If you’ve come to these parts for fresh air days (a fine idea), start with a wander in De Oude Riet nature reserve next door to the site, or pack your rods up for a day at the fishing lakes two kilometres away. Lengthier walks can be had on the trails of the Alde Feanen National Park (25 minutes’ drive), while those who’d prefer to paddle can launch canoes at Leekstermeer (10 minutes). Bearing more than a passing resemblance to a mini Amsterdam, Groningen city (20 minutes’ drive) is certainly worth a day or few of your time. Like its larger cousin, this is a city where you can amble alongside canals, sip coffee in characterful cafés and poke about in independent shops. The Groninger Museum, maritime museum and graphic design museum make for interesting visits too. For further family-friendly days out, take the half-hour drive to meet the polar bears, penguins and other beasties at AquaZoo Friesland or encourage a bit of good behaviour with a trip to the National Prison Museum (25 minutes).