The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a country of picturesque canals, colourful tulip fields, historic cities and iconic windmills — and there’s much more to discover beyond Amsterdam.

I’ve always found the Netherlands a fascinating place to explore, with its compact size making it easy to combine several destinations in one trip. Wander the canals of Amsterdam, explore the historic streets of Delft, admire the architecture of Utrecht or discover the traditional windmills of Kinderdijk.

For cycling enthusiasts, the Netherlands is particularly special, with an extensive network of cycle routes passing through towns, countryside, waterways and flower-growing regions. And for a taste of Dutch culture, there are museums, markets, cheese farms and traditional villages to discover.

Whether you’re looking for a city break, a springtime tulip escape, a cycling adventure or a European multi-centre trip, the Netherlands is an easy and rewarding destination to explore.

Highlights of the Netherlands

The Netherlands may be compact, but there’s a huge amount to see and do. Amsterdam is the obvious starting point, with its famous canals, museums, historic streets and lively atmosphere, but it’s well worth venturing further afield.

Tulips & springtime colour are one of the country’s great highlights. In spring, the fields around the bulb-growing region burst into colour, while Keukenhof is one of the best-known places to experience the spectacular displays.

For classic Dutch scenery, visit Kinderdijk, where a collection of historic windmills stands among waterways and polders. Zaanse Schans offers another taste of traditional Dutch life, with windmills, wooden houses and craft workshops.

The historic cities are equally appealing. Explore Utrecht and its distinctive canal-side cafés, wander through Delft with its pretty streets and blue-and-white ceramics, or discover The Hague, home to impressive architecture, museums and the Dutch government.

For something more peaceful, Giethoorn is a charming village of canals and bridges, while the Wadden Islands offer beaches, dunes and a very different side of the Netherlands.

With excellent rail connections between many of the main destinations, the Netherlands is ideal for a multi-centre adventure — giving you the chance to combine cities, countryside, culture, cycling and those iconic Dutch landscapes in one trip.