Recreatiepark De Reehorst

This region of the Netherlands, known as the Achterhoek, is popular for those who like a bit of gentle exercise: there’s an extensive network of fairly flat walking and cycle paths around here to suit everyone from casual walkers to experienced cyclists. You can head straight into the forest from the site or ask the staff to recommend other routes. Among the possible destinations for your wanderings are Vorden Castle (three kilometres), Hackfort windmill (six kilometres), Wiersse Gardens (also six kilometres) and Um d'n Olden Smith vineyard (13 kilometres). If you’d like to stretch your arms rather than your legs, hire canoes from Zutphen, 12 kilometres away, and go out for a paddle on the peaceful Berkel river. Family days out within an hour include hanging out with the monkeys at Apenheul primate park or spending the day at the Royal Burgers Zoo, one of the biggest and oldest animal parks in the country. Hellendoorn theme park has a waterpark and a range of rides for all ages, and there's further fun to be had at the Julianatoren amusement park, where plenty of the rides and attractions are suitable for younger kids.