The Dutch Farmhouse

As well as being near Amsterdam for canal walks beside the narrow 17th-century Golden Age houses, other Dutch cities of note like Utrecht (35 minutes) and The Hague (50 minutes) are also within driving distance. Utrecht is an urban centre worth visiting for its medieval Old Town, canals and churches. Climb up to the Domtoren, a 14th-century bell tower, for city views and stick your head around the door of the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin in the middle of Domplein square too. Yet more religious sights are in the former Museum Catharijneconvent monastery with its Christian art and artefacts. While still full of attractive architecture, The Hague feels a bit more modern as it's the forward-thinking home of the UN’s International Court of Justice; visit the city for the Gothic-style Dutch parliament and 16th-century Noordeinde Palace as well. Wander over to the old Westveene Molen windmill 10 minutes on foot from the site (and climb to the top if it's open, usually on Saturdays) or ride the site's free bikes – including a tandem – if you’ve hopes of making like a Dutch native and cycling the local trails.