Netherlands Holidays

The Netherlands is smaller than your average American state. Which works in your favour when it comes to getting a flavour for each corner of the country. Driving-wise, no edge of the county is much more than a two-hour journey from another, making it a dream destination for explorers. Amsterdam headlines holidays here, but there’s plenty more to uncover than just its capital. The village of Kinderdijk is where you’ll find waterside windmills and lush landscapes. Nijmegen is another great place to plot on your itinerary, it’s the oldest city in the country and once formed part of the Roman Empire.

The Netherlands probably doesn’t spring to mind when you think of beach breaks. But don’t be fooled, this place has got a super-sized stretch of beach-lined coast. And there’s a sprinkle of seaside towns right the way along it. Scheveningen is one of the big players on the country’s seaside scene. It’s less than an hour’s drive from Amsterdam, and it’s got a long sandy stretch that’s lined with a boulevard of bars and restaurants. And, if you fancy blending beach days with history, head to Zierikzee. The town’s dotted with over 500 historical monuments, including its Medieval city gates. For somewhere a bit closer to the capital, head to Zandvoort Beach, which is around a forty-minute train journey from Central Station.

Whether you’re sitting in the saddle, or cruising the Netherland’s labyrinth of canals, there’s plenty of alternative ways to see the city. This cycle-loving country’s got bike paths that really go the extra mile – its cycle lanes stretch for more than 35,000 kilometres. They weave through all sorts of places, including Hoge Veluwe National Park, where wild boar, deer and horses roam freely beside the pathways. Or, for something a little less strenuous, you can head out on a canal cruise. In places like Amsterdam and Utrecht you can book hop-on, hop-off tickets and tick off sights as you go.