Enjoy culture, shopping and culinary delights in the bustling canal cities of Amsterdam and Utrecht, which are both only 30 minutes by car from Suitelodges Gooilanden.

Have you already been to Amsterdam and Utrecht?

Then visit the alternative and colourful north of Amsterdam, which is accessible by free ferry from Amsterdam station, and admire street art at the STRAAT Museum and enjoy casual beach vibes at Pllek. In Utrecht, a canoe trip through the canals, climbing the cathedral or a visit to DOMunder offers a change of perspective.

Visit the picturesque fortified towns of Naarden, famous for its star-shaped fortifications, and Muiden with its Muiderslot Castle. Another great place to visit is the fort island of Pampus, which was part of the defence line of Amsterdam and can only be reached by boat from Muiden. The pretty town of Amersfoort, with its well-preserved old town and rich history, is also always worth a visit.

The Netherlands are not only known for their windmills and canals, but also for their impressive castles, which embody a fascinating past and majestic splendour. As many as 5 of them are located within a 30-minute drive of Loosdrecht and Hilversum.

• Sypesteyn: was built by an enthusiastic collector of antiques and works of art and offers an impressive collection of porcelain, paintings, furniture and other treasures from different eras. The castle garden is also impressive.

• Kasteel Groeneveld: was built in the 18th century and exudes a royal atmosphere. Today the castle houses a museum and well-tended gardens.

• Kasteel de Haar: asteel de Haar is one of the most impressive castles in the Netherlands and embodies the image of a medieval fortress. A tour of the castle and its gardens is highly recommended.

• Slot Zuylen: is famous for its well-preserved architecture, fascinating history and impressive collection of arts and crafts.

• Muiderslot (or Muiden Castle) is a reminiscent of times gone by with its rich history and role as a defensive structure. A visit to the castle is highly recommended, and it often hosts events that bring the history to life.

Take to the skies at the airfield in Hilversum. Either on a helicopter flight, a flight in a hover plane or skydiving. If you like speed, the go-kart track in Maarsen is the place to go. At the Avontuurfabriek you can enjoy 3D golf, laser gaming, LED cards or scooter rides.

Our young guests can let off steam in what is probably the most beautiful trampoline hall in the Netherlands in a church, Flight Deck 53, as well as in the play forest (Speelbos) 't Laer and Speelpark Oud Valkeveen. In the petting zoo Kinderboerderij De Hertenkamp you can get up close to various animals. Another great destination is the media museum Beeld en Geluid in Hilversum with interactive exhibitions and exciting activities. If the weather is not so good, the indoor playground Spelekids is a great place to run around and play.