Best country estates and gardens around Amsterdam

Huis Frankendael

Frankendael Estate lies within Amsterdam's borders in the Watergraafsmeer district and is the only remaining 17th-century country estate. The park is easily accessible by public transport and boasts two historic gardens, a sunbathing area, and a marsh. The anchor is the Huize Frankendael, now a spot for cultural events, whilst the Restaurant Merkelbach serves exquisite Franco-Mediterranean cuisine in the former coach house.

Duin & Kruidberg

The Dutch dunes are full of beautifully preserved historical manorial estates, open to the public for fine or brasserie-style dining and overnight stays. Duin & Kruidberg Country Estate, dating from 1682, offers 75 luxury hotel rooms within the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. Stroll amongst the preserved period rooms or settle down on the stunning terrace for refreshments.

Country Estate Beeckestijn

Country Estate Beeckestijn is the perfect destination for a relaxing day in the country. The gardens combine two different styles and include a rose garden, herb garden, geometric flower beds and a cherry garden, all dotted with ponds, sculptures and 18th-century architectural details. The manor house often serves as the backdrop for films and photo shoots. Check the Beeckestijn website for exhibitions throughout the year.

De Olmenhorst

Landgoed de Olmenhorst (Olmenhorst estate) is a green oasis of apple and pear orchards found in Lisserbroek, a village between Amsterdam, Haarlem and Leiden. This historic estate is over 160 years old and specialises in organic products. A big draw in the autumn is self-picking fruit from the organic apple and pear orchards, complete with attractions and pony rides for the kids. The estate contains seven of its original buildings to explore. Stroll through its lush orchard or enjoy a meal or high tea on the terrace at ‘De Fruitloods’, an on-site restaurant.

Paviljoen Welgelegen

Haarlemmerhout is the Netherlands’ oldest green monument. Located on the south side of Haarlem, ‘The Wood’, as it is popularly called, has an area of 60 acres complete with a deer park, petting zoo and pancake house and is host to excellent summer music festivals. Located on the edge of Haarlemmerhout, Paviljoen Welgelegen has been the seat of the government of the province of North Holland since 1930. Built during the revolutionary year of 1789, it became a retreat for Napoleon and Wilhelmina of Prussia, the mother of King William I. During office hours, you can visit Paviljoen Welgelegen for free.

Castle Keukenhof

It may be perpetually outshone by its showy neighbour, but Castle Keukenhof (located straight across from the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens) boasts an impressive history with 17th-century roots. Inside, you’ll find portraits, artefacts and period furniture. The estate now measures 240 hectares and is home to 15 listed buildings, an art museum, café, a petting farm and walking paths. For details of upcoming events and exhibitions, check the website.

De Zuilen

De Zuilen is a beautiful garden estate that boasts 3,500 square metres of groomed, walkable grounds and courtyards filled with Roman and Greek statues, fountains and columns, from which the estate gets its name. From April to May, De Zuilen’s gardens bloom with narcissus, hyacinths and tulips, the latter cultivated by a tulip specialist from Lelystad. The restaurant, bar and sunny terrace are open from Friday to Monday.

De Kemphaan

Close to Almere centre, De Kemphaan is the perfect destination for an adventurous day away from the hustle and bustle. Kids will delight in tackling the high ropes and zip lines of Klimbos Fun Forest Almere or observing the rescued monkeys at Stichting AAP. The unmissable Almere Jungle offers exotic animal surprises, a tropical cafe and exceptional play areas. This amusing wildlife park, staffed by passionate volunteers, has lashings of humour, imagination and care in how the enclosures are constructed. Take a break at one of the local restaurants or even spend the night in one of the estate’s camping pitches or tipi tents on the nature campsite.

Kasteel Museum Sypesteyn

The final heir to the Van Sypesteyn family, Henri van Sypesteyn (1857-1937) built this magnificent Castle-Museum to preserve his family’s 500-year lineage. Located in the middle of the Vecht region, the castle houses a fascinating art collection and exhibition on the Van Sypesteyn family, while the beautiful garden is perfect for a walk. Be sure to check opening times as the castle is closed during the winter months.

Singer Laren

At the end of the 19th century, the picture-perfect beauty of Laren attracted artists like Jozef Israëls, Anton Mauve, Albert Neuhuys and Hein Kever - to become known as the Laren School of Painting. Situated in a former villa built in 1911, the Singer Laren Museum houses an impressive modern art collection assembled by Anna and William Singer in the early 20th century. Along with various changing exhibitions, the stunning sculpture garden - designed by renowned landscape architect Piet Oudolf - features work by contemporary Dutch artists and is well worth a visit.