Netherlands

[BeautifulCoffeeMug]

I would really like to take my partner and 2 pre teen daughters to Amsterdam and another spot in the Netherlands.

I have never been before but really want to have a city break and do all the cultural stuff. I would like another location (not too far away) that’s a slower pace so beach, countryside, pretty village , rivers? Can anyone advise on a split location holiday?

I really don’t want to drive so locations that are accessible by train would be good. I also don’t want the second location to be too far away from Amsterdam.

Can anyone help or advise?

Thank you 😀

There are a lot of locations in easy train travel from Amsterdam, most of which are much nicer to stay in.
Utrecht, Den Haag, Haarlem, Delft, Rotterdam - honestly you are spoilt for choice.

Personally I like Den Haag as I like the idea you can be in the city centre and then just take the tram up to Scheveningen and be on a massive beach.

Warning note if any of you have asthma - Amsterdam sets of my asthma like nowhere else I've ever been. Another reason we would now stay elsewhere, go in for the day and then get out.

Thank you, is the beach in Den Haag?

Myself and dd are planning a holiday in The Netherlands next year. We’re planning to base ourselves in Haarlem which is 15 mins train from Amsterdam and also visit The Hague and Utrecht.

Good tip about the asthma thank you @AnnaMagnani that cements my plans to stay outside Amsterdam!

What age are they?

You could take them to Duinrell. It's a holiday park with an on-site theme park and water park. They also have a lake for water sports and loads of other activities. Amsterdam can be reached by train.

We're looking to take our kids here soon. I used to go with my parents when we were kids and always loved it.

They are 10 and 12.

I'd echo Haarlem as a second location. Beautiful in itself and within easy reach of Amsterdam.

You might find getting "Amsterdam & Region Travel Tickets" good value, depending on how much travelling around you want to do. Have a look at the area which these tickets cover - it's pretty extensive and includes Haarlem, the beach resorts nearest to Amsterdam and many smaller places/attractions.

Den Haag would also be a good choice as PP said. Scheveningen is a busy resort but there are quieter beach areas, such as Kijkduin, accessible from the city. Tram line 1 goes right from Delft (also lovely) through Den Haag, up to Scheveningen.

Delft and Leiden, like Amsterdam, also have botanic gardens, which could provide a respite from busier activities.

Have a great time whatever you choose. It really is a wonderful country with so much to offer and with very friendly people.

Leiden is lovely and you can get the bus to the beach at Noordwijk.

Yes Scheveningen beach. It’s really nice (promenade style beach with restaurants etc along it) right next to The Hague; short tram ride from the centre of The Hague.

Utrecht is also a nice city that is 30 mins from Amsterdam by train. Like Amsterdam but slower pace.

Katwijk Ann zee is a nice seaside town south of Amsterdam. It’s a train to Leiden (also nice!) then the bus. We also had a day at Duinrell which was 2 buses but didn’t take long.

Leiden is beautiful, easy enough to get to a beach. Interesting choices of museums that may appeal to children.