Feel the breeze and walk ‘royally’ from your holiday home in Katwijk aan Zee

Looking to enjoy a holiday full of classic Dutch charm? Then a holiday home in Katwijk aan Zee is the perfect choice! For true enthusiasts, enjoying fresh fish and a daily beach walk is second nature — but you’ll also find plenty of variety, like boat trips on the Kagerplassen with views of traditional windmills or a cruise along the Old Rhine to the historic city of Leiden. And as if that weren’t enough, you can also explore beautiful estates around Wassenaar, including the royal family’s domain!

Walk through the Panbos to the beach from your holiday home in Katwijk aan Zee

Compared to seaside resorts like Scheveningen, Katwijk aan Zee feels more modest — but it’s all the more authentic. One striking feature is the massive church tower along the boulevard, reminiscent of a lighthouse. Katwijk isn’t just a place to enjoy the sea breeze on the beach — it also borders a lush forest that transitions into the dunes: the so-called Panbos. This recreational forest offers scenic ponds, sunbathing lawns, play areas for children, and a deer park. At the entrance, you can purchase walking routes ranging from 3 km to a short 1.5 km stroll. Wooden boardwalks guide you through the forest into the Berkheide dunes, a vast open area where Scottish Highland cattle and horses graze freely.

If you hop on a bike, you’ll see even more of the surrounding nature and coastal landscapes — for instance, by cycling along the coast to Wassenaar. Ride through the dunes with the sound of the sea in the background, and stop at one of the beach pavilions for a tasty break whenever you feel like it.

Take a ‘royal’ walk through De Horsten estate

Visiting Katwijk for the sea breeze, but also curious about scenic walking routes? Then you’ll be thrilled to explore beautiful estates like De Horsten — the former residence of King Willem-Alexander. Begin your walk at the charming tea pavilion, once a hunting lodge, tucked away in the forest. From there, head to the Seringenheuvel and admire the estate in its full glory. Grand oak-lined avenues and paths leading from the woods to sweeping meadows alternate along the way. Farmhouses and calm grazing cows complete the quintessential Dutch countryside feel. One of the highlights is Oud-Wassenaar Castle, proudly overlooking the landscape from the forest edge, surrounded by meadows and a pond.

In nearby Backershagen estate, you’ll find a quaint tea pavilion atop a hill. A bit further on, hidden among deciduous trees, sits a charming little deer house on a gently sloping lawn.

Two-in-one experience: Corpus Museum and Endegeest Castle

A unique and unforgettable museum near your holiday home in Katwijk aan Zee is Corpus in Oegstgeest. This museum offers a fascinating journey through the human body — starting at the knee and ending at the brain. You’ll get a close-up look at how amazing the body really is. After the guided journey, there’s an interactive section where you can learn more — in a playful and educational way — about how your organs work. Once you’ve completed the “journey through the body,” you can grab a bite and a drink at the restaurant with views stretching all the way to the coastline.

Corpus is an excellent outing for a rainy day. But if the weather improves or you visit on a sunny day, be sure to walk over to Endegeest Castle on the other side of the highway — an elegant castle with towers, a moat, and a peaceful park that flows into woodland.

Rent a holiday home in Katwijk aan Zee for a visit to Keukenhof Estate

Considering a holiday home in Katwijk aan Zee? Then you’re perfectly placed to enjoy the famous Keukenhof Flower Park and the colourful polder landscapes around it. But did you know there’s also a castle hidden in the heart of the Flower Region? And it’s not just any castle — it’s surrounded by a vast park and estate, complete with several scenic walking trails. In the centre of the park, you’ll find a charming café housed in a historic farmhouse and even a petting zoo. If you visit mid-July, you’re in luck — the entire park is in bloom with a dazzling variety of dahlias.

Take a boat tour on the Kagerplassen or to the historic centre of Leiden

Just a short trip inland from Katwijk aan Zee lies a watery landscape ideal for scenic boating: the Kagerplassen. Dotted with polder islands, the lakes are still home to working windmills. Another great way to unwind on the water is to take a boat shuttle along the Old Rhine to Leiden. Once there, you’ll step straight into the historic heart of the city, with quaint bridges and cozy waterfront terraces.

Tip: While you’re in Leiden, don’t miss the chance to visit the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands. Established at the end of the 16th century, this gem is right in the city centre. One of its crown jewels is the giant water lily — a species native to the Amazon. You’ll also find greenhouses filled with exotic plants and trees. And if you need a break, you can enjoy drinks or lunch in the serene Grand Café conservatory.

Rent a holiday home in Katwijk aan Zee

A holiday home in Katwijk aan Zee is perfect if you feel drawn to the sea — where the salty breeze and crashing waves help you clear your mind. But those who head straight for the beach and boulevard might miss the many hidden gems around the resort! Castles like Oud-Wassenaar, picturesque gazebos, beautiful parks for walking, and the fascinating Corpus Museum all offer plenty of reasons for a complete and varied coastal holiday!