Buitencentrum Hessenheem

A national park with heath-covered hills and forests, Sallandse Heuvelrug (20 minutes’ drive) is a popular destination for hikers, mountain-bikers and birdwatchers, who might catch glimpses of black grouse and birds of prey (plus deer and badgers). This is also a good spot for stargazing, with an observatory at the Outdoor Center Sallandse Heuvelrug. With vertiginous roller coasters and a wild-water course, plus several attractions for younger children, including swan rides and carousels, AdventurePark Hellendoorn (half an hour) ought to keep the entire family entertained. On hot summer days, you might also want to check out the water slides at Aquaventura Slidepark, next door. Visitors get to ride a genuine peat train at the outdoor Veenmuseum (half an hour), chugging past traditional huts, a vintage farmhouse and a taproom. A series of displays illustrates the conditions of the peat bog workers who toiled in this area until the 1950s.