Kongernes Feriepark

There's no getting away from the sea around here: Gilleleje harbour (10 minutes' drive), where working vessels and pleasure craft are docked side by side, is a fine place to start. For a philosophical stroll, head out of town and make tracks for the Gilbjergstien (10 minutes), a dramatic coastal walk once frequented by local brainbox Søren Kierkegaard. (Don't let highfalutin' thoughts distract you from the stunning sea vistas, though.) Fancy yourself lord or lady of the manor? Zealand is home to several splendid castles: the Frederiksborg (30 minutes) is a 17th-century waterside palace that looks like something out of a fairytale, while in Helsingør (40 minutes) the Kronborg is another fine fortress that's worthy of note. In a past life, this mid-sized city was the setting of Hamlet; today, Helsingør is home to attractions like shops, restaurants and an impressive naval museum. For kid-pleasing times, head to Nordsjællands Fuglepark, a local zoo (20 minutes). More family-friendly jaunts are on hand in Copenhagen (one hour), including the Nyhavn waterfront, the Little Mermaid statue and the rides and slides at Tivoli Gardens amusement park.