Come talk to me about holidays n Holland

[hyperhops]

OK, so slightly rethinking holiday options and am now considering a couple of weeks in the Netherlands this summer. But need to know more!
There will be 8 of us - me and Dh and dc aged 17,15,13,11,9 and 7.
Would maybe get ferry from Harwhich.
Thinking of maybe a week in/near Duinrell then down to Efteling for a few days.
So....my questions:
what would weather possibly be like in August?
beaches - any good beaches , would it be warm enough for paddling /sandcastles etc
Any other day trips/ideas for older dc as I imagine Efteling only really good for younger ones
Best to stay in accomodation at Efteling or CP/Landals near by - if so which ones?
What is driving like in Holland?
Will there be any flowers still around in August?!

many thanks for all info!

oh, and also cost of food etc compared to UK.
thanks

We're considering NL this year. I looked at Landal but some of the reviews for the ones I was interested in were mixed (accommodation-wise). I've since had a look on Home-Away where you book direct with owners, similar to Chez Nous (France) and have found some really nice properties. We're looking at a two-centre break, so near to Amsterdam and the windmills, and then something much closer to the coast. I've used to live near the German / Dutch border - I'm excited to go as an adult and do culture, history, and dig in the sand (my DS is a teen now but it'll always appeal to dig and splash!).

In terms of weather and paddling, well I'm guessing it will be akin to the southern half of England, if not a bit better.

thanks Jill
I have now booked for one week in Duinrell then 5 days at Efteling.
Am planning some day trips to eg Amsterdam etc.
sooo excited. Think it will be a good mix of holiday - some culrure,interesting cities, scenery,beach, cafes, swimming pool and theme parks - should please everyone I hope!

Generally the beaches in Holland are sandy but some do have those 'razor' shells on them so you to be a bit careful at times. The beach near Duinrell are good, I can't remember the names of all of them but a lot of them have beach bars on them, great if you want a drink. Weather very similar to UK , so you can have everything from very sunny through to extremely windy which we had one year, so much we were the only ones mad enough to be on the beach. Suggest you a train into Amsterdam as parking is expensive. We always take the ferry from Harwic to the Hoek of Holland, and from there it is not to far to Duinrell.