Europarcs Spaarnwoude

Once you’ve had a stroll through the surrounding recreation area, head out for further walks in the Twiske-Waterland nature reserve (15 minutes’ drive) or through the dunes and forests of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park (20 minutes). Meanwhile, over in Amsterdamse Bos you can see it all from above by climbing into the trees at Klimpark Fun Forest (20 minutes). For a real taste of Dutch culture and cuisine, you’ll need to include trips to the old wooden houses, windmills and clog makers of Zaanse Schans (20 minutes) and the ‘cheese town’ of Alkmaar (half an hour) – time your visit to the latter for a Friday to see the famous cheese market in full swing. And of course there’s a huge draw nearby in the city of Amsterdam: it’s home to amazing museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, historic sights like the Anne Frank House and a whole lot of characterful corners to explore on foot, by bike or on a canal cruise. It’ll take you about half an hour to reach the city by car or public transport.