Vakantiepark De Thijmse Berg

Start from the site to get out hiking and biking past castles, heathland, sand drifts, a river and ancient forests in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park, the second biggest forest area in the Netherlands at 10,000 hectares. There are five easy bike routes designed especially for families, as well as routes suitable pushchairs and wheelchairs. To see the region via a little folly, drive 30 minutes to Monument Pyramide van Austerlitz, the famed lookout point built by Napoleon's soldiers on one of the highest parts of the Utrecht Hill Ridge (constructed because their general wanted to keep them occupied – true). There’s a visitor centre on site these days, telling the tale of French rule in the Netherlands. More history can be delved into at Amerongen Castle 15 minutes away and at the National Military Museum (40 minutes) at Soest. For town and city sightseeing (and possibly cake), Arnhem is 30 minutes away and Utrecht 40.