1. GET A BREATH OF FRESH AIR ON THE BEACH

Less than 4 kilometers from Duinrell lies the beach 'de Wassenaarse Slag', located on nature reserve Meijendel. Just the route to the beach, right through the rugged dunes, is an activity in itself! On hot summer days, you're not the only beachgoer here, but apart from a handful of Duinrell guests, you won't find many other tourists here. And when it's cold outside? Then this is a great place to get a breath of fresh air.

2. CYCLING IN THE AREA

Honestly? We love bikes! Because what is the best way to discover The Netherlands? Well, in 'typical Dutch' fashion, on a bike! And whether you love nature, or want to cycle to cities, castles or country estates ... There is a cycling route for every personal preference! Or if you really like to cycle, just do them all. Take a look at our favourite cycling routes here. Oh, and also nice: taking your bicycle from home is not necessary at all. At our Bike Rental, you can rent everything you need.

3. DEER SPOTTING IN MEIJENDEL

Did you know that you can spot wild deer in the surroundings of the Duinrell Estate? The deer route (2,6 km) starts at parking Kievietsduin in Meijendel. The hilly route goes through dark forest and open dunes (which can sometimes be a challenge to wade through the loose sand, but that really finishes the experience!). A lot of deer live in this part of Meijendel. You don't always see them, but they certainly see you.

4. 'MONKEYBOS' FOR KIDS

Do you have children? Then this is a very nice tip! Less than 20 minutes from Duinrell you can find 'Monkeybos', a play forest where children can climb and clamber to their heart's content. Children can romp around in nature: they can build huts, climb trees and there's a zip line, a lookout tower, and very large water pipes through which they can walk.

5. BIRD SPOTTING

Did you know that Meijendel is one of the top ten most bird-rich areas in The Netherlands? There are about 250 different bird species to be found! Especially for bird watchers in Meijendel, on the blue walking route, there is even a bird-watching screen that overlooks a dune lake and surrounding thicket. At the screen, you have a chance (of course if you're a lucky bird...) to spot the Kingfisher, Water Rail, Crested Pochard, and all kinds of other species of ducks.

6. SPOTTING SEALS AND WALKING OVER DUNES

On the northernmost corner of the National Park Hollandse Duinen, you'll find the beach reserve Noordvoort. Here, seals and birds have a stretch of beach of about three kilometers where they are not disturbed. Does that mean you can't see them? no, our tip: walk across the outer row of dunes (by the way, this is the only place in The Netherlands where you are allowed to walk across a row of dunes!). From the path and the three viewpoints, you have, if you're lucky..., a chance to spot the seals! Anyway, the walk is also more than worth it.

7. TRACKING PEOPLE'S TRACKS

Something other than nature? Well, is that a good thing, because National Park Hollandse Duinen offers more than that. In the park, you'll also find the traces of people, think of the most beautiful estates, manors, footpaths, bunkers, old fields, waterways, border posts, ramparts, and water towers. Sometimes they are clearly visible, sometimes you have to use your imagination a little to see it.

8. STANDING FACE TO FACE WITH HIGHLANDS

The Scottish Highland, also called Highland Cow, is a reddish-brown cattle breed that originates from Scotland. They have long hair and long horns. And very unique: in Hollandse Duinen you can stand face to face with these giant Scottish Highlands! The months February and March are extra nice because of the calves of the Scottish Highlands.

9. WALKING ON ESTATE DUINRELL ITSELF

Did you know that Duinrell is also situated in the middle of nature and in the middle of National Park Hollandse Duinen? And you'll see that as soon as you get out of your Duingalow (or other accommodation). The hiking trails on Duinrell itself are great. Discover our rich forest and dune area. Or start your morning with a run on our fitness track in the forest. Here you'll find seventeen fun exercises that take a total of about 1.5 hours. 

10. BONUS: KEUKENHOF

Do you stay at Duinrell between Saturday, March 20th and Sunday, May 9th 2021? Then you'll be very lucky because the flower field of the Keukenhof will be filled with more than 7 million tulips spread over 32 hectares. If you stand among all those tulips, you'll understand why we, the Dutch, are so fond of these flowers. Tip: at the entrance, you can pick up a fun treasure hunt for children!

OVERNIGHT STAY

Actually, you're short of days to see and do everything around Duinrell. We may be in the middle of the suburbs, but we are just in an oasis of peace. Come and spend the night in the middle of National Park Hollandse Duinen at Duinrell. Here you're away from the masses.

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