STAGE 1 - Utrecht
De Haar Castle
Utrecht, one of the country’s oldest cities in central Netherlands, is well worth exploring. Start in Breukelen, at the 13th century Nyenrode estate (now a university), enjoying the deer park, maze, rose garden and jogging trails through the surrounding woods.
A short 20-minute drive from Nyenrode is De Haar Castle - the largest and most luxurious castle in the Netherlands. Located in the small village of Haarzuilens, the towers, ramparts, canals, gates and drawbridges of the castle are of fairytale proportions - and the trees, old gardens and ponds that surround them are worth a visit in their own right.
Where to stay? In the charming town of Zeist, where 20th-century castle Kasteel Kerckebosch sits tucked away in the woodland-rich outskirts. Spaces are a riot of iron cast knockers from Utrecht cathedral, plush upholstery, and an irresistible fireplace from an 18th-century Amsterdam canal house. With gorgeous castle guest rooms offering sweet sweet gezelligheid (Dutch for cosy atmosphere), it’s the perfect place to restore that castle-hopping energy.
WHERE TO STAY
Kasteel Kerckebosch
Zeist, Utrecht, Netherlands
STAGE 2 - Vught
Kasteel Maurick
Whether you’re here for the day or here to stay, historic Vught (‘the best place to live’, according to Dutch magazine Elsevier) is a treat.
Get here by heading southbound through the heart of Holland and set your compass for Kasteel Maurick - the ideal opportunity to cram in a castle and hotel visit at the same time. The 15th-century castle is named after medieval knight Hendrik van Maurick and the castle’s rich interiors allow you to experience time travel in full colour. Impressive portraits by Rembrandt adorn the walls, elegantly furnished castle suites answer all your fairytale dreams and the River Dommel straddles the architectural gem in postcard-perfect glory.
WHERE TO STAY
Kasteel Maurick
Vught, North Brabant, Netherlands
STAGE 3 - Limburg
Kasteel Hattem
Journey from Utrecht to Limburg for some serious culture. Central Limburg is home to the glorious 18th-century Kasteel Hattem, the smallest castle in the Netherlands. Get a genuine feel for times gone by by strolling around the grounds, complete with moat, pond and landscape garden that’s illuminated magically come dusk. Some of the wise old trees dotted around date back to as far as 1810.
Just a short drive from the castle hotel is National Park De Meinweg, as well as Den Bosch, Epicurean Capital of the Brabant Province. Golfers can fill their boots at one of Holland’s top golf courses, Golf Club De Dommel, which is also closeby.
WHERE TO STAY
Kasteeltje Hattem
Roermond, Limburg, Netherlands
STAGE 4 - Veere
Auberge De Campveerse Toren
Just over two hours away by car is the historic market town of Veere. This is where William of Orange and his bride Charlotte de Bourbon held their wedding banquet, way back in 1575. Be sure to pay a visit to Terra Maris Museum, which is in the dashing former orangery of Westhove Castle.
If you’re ready to rest your weary bones after an epic journey of grand castles, you’re in luck. Veere is also home to Auberge De Campveerse Toren - a 15th-century building transformed into a dreamy contemporary hotel. Sample exquisite lobster from the Oosterschelde in the hotel’s restaurant, which overlooks the tranquil Lake Veere, before heading to your beautifully kept guest room for a sound night’s sleep.