Logeerboerderij De Groote Medwert

Pedal power is the top pick around here, for you’ve got easy access to all manner of cycle paths catering for everything from peaceful pottering to more epic exploration (the LF10 Wadden Sea Route and the LF3-1 Wetland Route are among the long-distance paths that pass through Holwerd). If you’re not the long-distance type, perhaps take a half-hour ride to the fortified town of Dokkum, potter to the fishing village and beach at Paesens-Moddergat in 45 minutes or pedal on for an hour to get to the Lauwersmeer National Park for a bit of birdwatching. Days out on the Frisian Islands are highly recommended from here, too – head up to the harbour in Holwerd for a ferry to take you to Ameland or Schiermonnikoog for beach days, kitesurfing and seal-spotting boat trips (plus more of those easy bike paths). For a spot of culture, take a half-hour drive to Leeuwarden, European Capital of Culture for 2018 and a fine place to wander through historic streets or hit the museums including the Princessehof ceramics museum and the Frisian Resistance Museum.