Travelling and Campig in The Netherlands.

[toxicbug66]

Looking at our first "Epic" bus adventure, well going to The Netherlands.

We will be catching the boat into Rotterdam, not sure what time we will arrive yet, so looking for a site somewhere close that can be recommended just in case.

Next up will be Amsterdam, would like to find somewhere close enough to catch public transport into the centre, will be staying for a couple of days before heading off to De Kempervennen ( Center Parcs) in North Brabant Province.

On the way back would like to have a few nights in various places, have nothing specific in mind, so looking for recommendations. Have 2 girls, 8 and 11, that we need to entertain too.

If anyone has any advice for travelling, places to stay, things to do it would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks

Rich.

 

[onlybayinthevillage]

I go over to Holland regularly. Two pieces of advice:
1. Do not break the speed limit. I was fined 40 euros for doing 2km over the limit!! The speed signs are confusing and even the Dutch do not understand them. The police do NOT accept challenges to the fine either.
2. Do not knock anyone off their bike. This is a capital offence punishable by death (i think??).

 

[toxicbug66]

I go over to Holland regularly. Two pieces of advice:
1. Do not break the speed limit. I was fined 40 euros for doing 2km over the limit!! The speed signs are confusing and even the Dutch do not understand them. The police do NOT accept challenges to the fine either.
2. Do not knock anyone off their bike. This is a capital offence punishable by death (i think??).

Sounds a bit extreme..

Think i'll let the wife do the driving!

 

[toxicbug66]

Anyone been here?

http://www.duinrell.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Rich

 

[g16stu]

im living in nl at the moment just outside Amsterdam, the closest campsite to Amsterdam city center is the gasperplaats http://www.gaaspercamping.nl/nl/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
ive never stayed there, but it has good transport links and seems pretty popular, only about an hour from Rotterdam too.

 

[the irv]

i've stayed here before http://www.droomparkdezanding.nl" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
loved it there and kieft en klock is only half an hour away and the guys there were brilliant
we got a guided tour round the place :mrgreen:

 

[Wilson]

two good sites we've stayed at...

http://www.campingalkmaar.nl/english/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.campingwarnsborn.nl/nl/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Bike is the way to see the netherlands - when you get there buy the anwb cycling maps and you'll be sorted.

 

[uglybugger]

Anyone been here?

http://www.duinrell.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Rich

No need to go to Duinrell if you've already spend some days at De Kempervennen. Instead head for the beach.
And while staying at De Kempervennen you should go to De Efteling with your kids.

 

[Clem]

We went to Eftling a few years back, it's a good day. We stayed on a campsite 5 mins walk from the park but I don't have the details. From there we did a day in Monchongladbach too.
After doing Amsterdam (Ibis Hotel) we went up to the coast and camped for a couple of nights, it was mid August and deserted! Coldest and windiest I've known in a while :lol:
We also stopped in Bruges and Ghent respectively on the way to and from Calais.

 

[Marriedblonde]

I go over to Holland regularly. Two pieces of advice:
1. Do not break the speed limit. I was fined 40 euros for doing 2km over the limit!! The speed signs are confusing and even the Dutch do not understand them. The police do NOT accept challenges to the fine either.

Same for france, they dont need photo evidence and fine you on the spot -cash. I wash done for €750 euros on my way home from le mans. If you dont pay they impound your car

 

[Resto-raider]

I go over to Holland regularly. Two pieces of advice:
1. Do not break the speed limit. I was fined 40 euros for doing 2km over the limit!! The speed signs are confusing and even the Dutch do not understand them. The police do NOT accept challenges to the fine either.
2. Do not knock anyone off their bike. This is a capital offence punishable by death (i think??).

That's a bit harsh! You won't get fined for doing 2km over the speedlimit. There is a correction of at least 3 km/h and from 100 km/h and up 3% of the speed you drove. When you say you were doing 2km over the limit you where actually driving at least 5 km/h too fast.
It is expensive without a doubt, so be carefull.
I don't know why you would say that signs are confusing and why we wouldn't understand them. Around the cities you have to pay attention because the limit is often lower than in other regions.

Cyclists and pedestrians are a protected group of road users. They are a volnurable group compared to drivers, so they are extra protected. If you want to drive in Amsterdam or one of the bigger cities be careful because there are a lot of cyclist coming from all directions.

There's a safaripark in Hilvarenbeek, near Tilburg called Beekse Bergen. You can drive your car through the safaripark with all kinds of wild animals around you. It's also a regular zoo where you can hike through.

 

[toxicbug66]

Thanks so much for all the tips on driving and places to stay. Kids are checking the websites and advising me on where we are going.

As far as the driving goes, it strikes me its all pretty much common sense. Take it easy, pay attention to the rules of the road (speedo especially) and most of all enjoy the journey.

Think I'll wait until we come back before we put the new lump in the back.

Thanks again everyone

Rich

 

[uglybugger]

There's a safaripark in Hilvarenbeek, near Tilburg called Beekse Bergen. You can drive your car through the safaripark with all kinds of wild animals around you. It's also a regular zoo where you can hike through.[/quote]


Sorry but I would give the idea of driving my beloved bus through a group free roaming, potentially vandalizing baboons a second thought.

 

[toxicbug66]

Sorry but I would give the idea of driving my beloved bus through a group free roaming, potentially vandalizing baboons a second thought.

I'm with you on that one.

I was in the midlands safari park in mine, in the rhino enclosure I think, engine stalled and I couldn't get it going on the key. Luckily I was at the top of a hill and I bump started mine rolling down the well placed incline. Panic,me,no!

Rich

 

[EgoTrippin]

We did a tour around the Netherlands last year, calling at Domburg, Amsterdam, Harlingen, Groningen, Giethoorn, Scheveningen.

Its really nice to drive around as its so flat, and all the cities are really close together so it takes no time at all to get around. We found everyone really friendly

Planning to go back at some point in the future to go to the places we missed, as we changed out original plans to chase the weather.

 

[adamski]

I work in holland a few days a week, and we've decided to finally visit with the family.

I think we will stay near Bloemendaal aan Zee which is where there are some nice beaches, beach clubs to eat and its out the way but easy to get to Harleem and Amsterdam. I have been going to woodstock in the early evenings over the sumer to do some kitesurfing to pass the time, as its only about 30/40mins from Amsterdam by train.

Anyone been to one of the campsites near here?

 

[magui]

If you like the beach and (kite)surfing check out Scheveningen beach in The Hague.
http://www.fastthehague.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; -> Not posh but laid back easy going.
Plenty to see & do in The Hague area.

 

[EgoTrippin]

The beach bars are great in Scheveningen. Very good place for many drinks

 

[adamski]

If you like the beach and (kite)surfing check out Scheveningen beach in The Hague.
http://www.fastthehague.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; -> Not posh but laid back easy going.
Plenty to see & do in The Hague area.

Can you camp there? It seems the only place near the beach, but not sure if it would be suitable for leaving the bus and all our stuff. We will definitely check it out though.

 

[magui]

Was there last night and yeah you can camp. Saw some other campers (non VW) and a sign inside saying price was 5euro per m2 for camping. Personally for spending a week there would not be my ideal choice but for a couple of nights its quiet nice. Perhaps sending them an email would answer some questions.

Some other campings in the area( most close enough to the beach)
http://www.roompotparken.nl/vakantieparken/nederland/zuid-holland/vakantiepark-kijkduin/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.duinhorst.nl" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.zuidduinen.nl" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://campingdemolenslag.nl" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;