Camping Duinzoomhoeve

Take a trip through the Mariëndal sand dunes (five minutes’ drive) to Den Helder (10 minutes) to watch the ships come in from the city walls. If maritime marauding most definitely appeals, head to the Marine Museum and learn the history of the Royal Netherlands Navy while checking out the preserved warships and submarine. Visit the early 19th-century Fort Kijkduin while you're here too, then swing by the bright red Lange Jaap, an active lighthouse reaching 55 metres high. Looking for ways to lure the kids there? Explain to them that it's one of the tallest of its kind in the world. For others ways to keep the small fry busy, the Amusement Park De Goudvis in St Maartenszee is 20 minutes away. Trips to the island next door, Texel – which is accessible by boat – should also get small explorers ready and raring to go. Ask on site about the nearby subtropical swimming pool, bowling alley, 18-hole golf course and canoe route too if you fancy giving any of these a whirl.