Villatent at Camping Betuwe

The Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park (20 minutes’ drive) is the big draw around here – and with good reason, because its heaths, forests and sands are great for walking, biking or horse riding. A little closer to home, De Blauwe Kamer nature reserve (10 minutes) is a good spot for birdwatchers, and there’s more for both wildlife-spotters and cyclists in the Hoge Veluwe National Park (half an hour). Once you’ve seen some native wildlife, check out more exotic species at Ouwehands Zoo (five minutes), or make a day of it at Burgers' Zoo (half an hour), exploring the various ecosystem areas from desert to ocean via mangroves, rainforest and savannah. If you’d rather fill your days in true local style, make outings to Amerongen Castle (25 minutes) and Duurstede Castle (35 minutes) or take a stroll through the Gardens of Appeltern (25 minutes). For a bit of urban time, head to the canals, museums and galleries of ’s-Hertogenbosch (40 minutes), or get over to Utrecht (45 minutes) for the Miffy Museum and the chance to get underground at DOMUnder’s interactive exhibition.