Explore the Dutch autumn – off the beaten path

Although the summer may have ended and we are heading for colder and shorter days, nature presents its most dazzling side in Autumn. It's the best season to discover forests, parks, beaches and more in The Hague region.

Here's a list for you to enjoy the Dutch autumn off the beaten path.

Delftse Hout

Thanks to the many recreational facilities, Delftse Hout is an ideal spot to spend a day outdoors and discover the area by bike or on foot. There is a big lake ‘Grote Plas’ in the middle of the park and the surrounding area is nice for hiking through the autumn coloured woods. For children there are autumn treasure hunts for wildlife and honeybees, offered by Sustainability Centre ‘De Papaver’ (in Dutch).

Madestein Recreational Park

Madestein Recreational Park is one of the largest green open spaces in The Hague. Nestled in the outskirts of the city it has many cycle and walking pathways, bridleways, and a recreational lake.

Hidden in the park is Pluk! City Farm where you can take a walk in the botanical garden and visit the petting zoo. The picking garden is only accessible during summer, but there is still lots of space in and outdoors for children to play. At the lunchroom you can enjoy (organic/vegetarian) cakes and bites, made with harvest from the farm. Reservations and registrations can be made at the entrance.

Discover more city farms in The Hague.

Westland

Westland, a region southwest of The Hague, has lots to offer during autumn. You can cycle the Pumpkin Soup tour, a route that passes many small market stalls, barns and shops in Westland and Midden-Delfland. During your bike ride you can collect all the ingredients for a delicious pumpkin soup and discover the varied landscape at the same time! You can find a map and locations here (in Dutch).

At the Staelduinse Bos, located near ‘s Gravenzande, it is the perfect time of the year to search for mushrooms in the forest and spot the bats that inhabit the old German bunkers. There are two walking routes dedicated to this, which you can find here (in Dutch).

The beaches and dunes near Monster are also worth a visit. This coastal area is less crowded than Kijkduin and Scheveningen but offers the same North Sea with fine sandy shores. It has been described as a paradise for shorebirds, and if you’re lucky you might even spot a seal!

Haagse Hofjes

Did you know that The Hague has more than 100 small hidden courtyards ‘hofjes’? These courtyards surrounded by almshouses are true oases in the busy inner city. Go in search for them yourself or join the Haagse Hofjestour by Gilde Den Haag (in Dutch).

Villa Ockenburgh

After the renovation, Villa Ockenburgh has reopened its doors this summer thanks to a citizen project and many volunteers. Visit the Villa and the adjacent greenhouse. Here you can enjoy a meal made with harvest from the vegetable garden. Located near Kijkduin and surrounded by Landgoed Ockenburgh with its enchanting forest it’s worth a visit to spend a day outdoors and enjoy the fresh autumn air.

Park Sorghvliet

Park Sorghvliet is a peaceful area located at Scheveningseweg where you can stroll around and enjoy the flora and fauna in its full autumn glory. It is surrounded by a monumental garden wall from 1920 and functions as the backyard of the Catshuis, the official residence of the Dutch Prime Minister. To visit the park, you must show a valid (annual) admission card, available at The Hague Info Store.

Hungry for more exploring? Click here to find ten ways to enjoy autumn in the Netherlands.