Call of the Clog: Holidays in Holland

Though sometimes overshadowed by the warmer climes of Southern European countries, Holland is a popular place to visit throughout the year and there are some incredible sights and events that are occurring during 2008.

Over the Easter weekend gourmands could venture to the Museum of Chocolate in Cologne, under three hours’ drive from the Hook of Holland. Chocoholics will be dazzled by the three metre high chocolate fountain and the various shows on how chocolate shapes and truffles are made.

Spring is the perfect time to see the incredible carpets of tulips that are iconic to Holland. Established in 1949 Keukenhof Gardens is the world’s largest flower garden and is a must-see in spring when more than seven million buds bloom. On 30 April, Holland celebrates Koninginnedag or Queen’s Day, one of the most important dates in Holland’s calendar. Throughout Holland everyone dresses in orange costumes, and eats and drinks orange-coloured food and drink, and even some of the water in fountains is dyed orange! During the day, in Amsterdam and throughout Holland there are many open-air parties and concerts which can attract up to 800,000 visitors.

Holland is also famous for its incredible network of cycle paths and cyclists can take advantage of this by exploring the country via bike. May is Bicycle Month in Holland, during which there are many bike related activities, perfect for families and friends to get away and enjoy an active break.

During the summer months visitors can experience some of the fabulous sandy beaches that are dotted along the Dutch coastline, or head to Amsterdam in August for the annual Grachtenfestival when classical concerts are held on the canals. As autumn approaches holidaymakers can see Holland in all its autumnal glory; while in September, Schevingen beach in The Hague hosts the annual Scheveningen Kite Festival.

November sees the arrival of Sinterklaas, Holland’s version of Father Christmas. After Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam he embarks on a festive parade through the city; this truly is a magical event for the family, especially those with young children. In December avid shoppers can load up their car with a selection of Dutch goodies from the Christmas markets present in Holland’s main towns and cities.

Getting there is easy, with a regular ferry to Holland departing from Harwich to the Hook of Holland twice daily.

If you're looking to get away from all the other Brits heading abroad to the beaches of Spain and France, a holiday in Holland is the perfect alternative, with plenty of culture, nature and fun to be found.