Our favorite parks to walk in Ridderkerk
March 4, 2023
- Things to do Netherlands
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What do Helmond, Van Gogh Village in Nuenen and the Strabrechtse Heide have in common? They are located in the surprising Land van de Peel, a region in North Brabant that is incredibly fun for a versatile weekend getaway. Here you combine culture, nature and gastronomy in places not yet discovered by the masses. Wander along street art and the castle of Helmond, walk across the Strabrechtse Heide and along Het Beuven (the largest fens in the Netherlands) and follow the traces of Van Gogh in Nuenen. At night, sleep in a cozy glamping in the middle of greenery. We went exploring in this part of Brabant and came home with fresh energy, a full stomach and delicious local local produce. Do you want the same? These are our tips for a weekend in Brabant full of surprising places and stories!
What is the Land of the Peel in Brabant?
The Land van de Peel is a diverse region in eastern North Brabant, on the border with Limburg. The region consists of picturesque villages and quirky towns such as Helmond, Asten, Someren, Gemert-Bakel and Deurne. Think of the region as vast heathlands, mysterious fens and charming village streets, interspersed with castles, street art and burgundian hospitality.
The Peel is a crazy place for hikers, cyclists and birdwatchers. Parts of the area are even protected as a National Park. But culture lovers and gourmets are also in for a treat. Because wherever you go, the proud Peellanders are ready to spoil you with the flavors of the region. In short, all the ingredients for a wonderful weekend in Brabant.
City break Helmond: the imposing castle, raucous street art and tasty hotspots
Helmond may not be the first city you think of for a city break in Brabant, and that's exactly what makes it so much fun. This surprising city in the heart of the Land van de Peel is bursting with creativity, history and character. From a medieval castle in the middle of town and raw street art to cozy coffee shops and culinary hotspots: Helmond cannot be pigeonholed into one. Ideal for a relaxing day out during your weekend break in Brabant.
1. The Castle of Helmond: the heart of the city
In the center of Helmond stands the impressive Castle of Helmond, one of the largest and best preserved moated castles in the Netherlands. This medieval castle from the 14th century is literally and figuratively the beating heart of the city, and is uniquely situated: it is one of the few castles in the Netherlands to be located so centrally in a city.
Inside you will find the Stedelijk Museum Helmond, where you will be immersed in fascinating art, photography and the history of the city and region. Thanks to the modern walkway connecting the castle to a sleek glass museum wing, you'll experience a nice blend of old and new here.
Children have also been thought of: young visitors can dress up as a knight or damsel, go on a treasure hunt through the castle and play interactive games that bring history to life.
2. Street art and architecture: a creative exploration
Helmond surprises with its raw edge. Follow the free 3-kilometer street art route through Helmond and discover colorful murals in unexpected places, such as on industrial buildings and in tunnels.
Each mural is inspired by the city's history, culture and identity and was created by well-known Dutch artists such as Studio Giftig, De Strakke Hand, Robin Nas and Merel Morre.
You'll find most of the works in the center, so it's easy to combine with an afternoon of shopping and terrace hopping. Also visit other creative hotspots like Piet Blom's cube houses (they were here before Rotterdam!) and the iconic Vlisco building. Stroll at your leisure through the city's alleys and streets and be surprised by the art and architecture you encounter along the way.
3. Hotspots in Helmond: sipping coffees and sipping cocktails
Helmond is not only a fun city break destination for culture and creativity, but also because of its fine places to eat and drink. From a cozy hot spot for your first coffee to a stylish cocktail bar for your last round, these are our favorite tasty stops during a day in the city.
Start your day relaxed at the Coffee Boutique, a cozy little place where the smell of fresh coffee and homemade cakes welcomes you as soon as you enter. It also feels like coming home for lunch. We slid in for fresh sandwiches with tuna salad and muhammara, accompanied by juices that give you energy. Everything is as fresh as possible, and if possible with local ingredients.
Burgundy enjoyment at The Deft Monkey, located in a monumental building from 1550. The atmosphere alone is worth a visit, but it only gets really cozy with an award-winning beer in hand and a well-stocked drinks board in front of you (we tested it, highly recommended!). Everything here oozes authenticity, from the carefully curated menu to the friendly team. And they do so sustainably: with a Gold Star for hospitality and the title "greenest hospitality company in Helmond" you are literally and figuratively right here.
For those who want to end the day in style, there is Bobby's Bar. You take a seat, browse through a cocktail list that says YOU, and then be surprised by classics and creative signatures that taste as good as they look.
Van Gogh Village: in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh in Nuenen
During a weekend trip to the Land of Peel, you should also make a stop in Nuenen, just next door to the region. In the village of Nuenen, it feels as if you are stepping into a Vincent van Gogh painting. This is where the famous artist lived and worked between 1883 and 1885, a period when he produced a quarter of his total oeuvre. As you walk through the streets, you see places he saw with his own eyes and captured on canvas. Think of the old parsonage, the mill, the churches ... each one with a story.
In need of a break? Settle down at Second House, a fine lunch spot with a relaxed atmosphere and a terrace in the greenery. Here you eat tasty homemade dishes, just what you need after a cultural walk through Van Gogh's footsteps.
Visit the Van Gogh Village Museum
A visit to the Van Gogh Village Museum is the way to get to know Van Gogh. Here in Nuenen his career began, he found his style and painted his first masterpiece: The Potato Eaters. Not for nothing is there an impressive statue of this peasant family in the park next to the museum, captured in bronze just as Van Gogh once captured them on canvas.
At the museum, you'll dive into his Brabant years, a period that defined his artistry. The story comes to life through personal letters and interactive exhibitions. And it doesn't stop at looking inside: with a handy walking route, you'll also discover the world outside the museum. Stroll past the Van Gogh Church, the Weaver's House, and the home of his former lover. Thanks to the listening posts at the locations, you can imagine yourself in the past.
Walking on the Strabrechtse Heide and at Het Beuven
After a day full of culture, history and city conviviality, there is nothing better than getting out into nature. And for that you are in the right place at the Strabrechtse Heide, one of the most beautiful and extensive nature reserves in Brabant. Here you leave the hustle and bustle behind and exchange cobblestones for dirt roads, heaths and the smooth water of Het Beuven, the largest lake in the Netherlands.
Nature here is grand and tranquil. You walk past rolling moors, gnarled pines and quiet fens, hearing only the songs of birds and the rustling of the wind. In summer the heathland turns purple, in autumn the landscape is golden yellow, it is beautiful!
The Stabrecht Heath is loved not only by hikers, but especially by birdwatchers. With a little luck you can spot spoonbills, herons, cormorants, rare bitterns and kingfishers. Scattered throughout the area are several well-marked hiking trails, varying in length. Along the way you pass several bird-watching huts, where you can quietly admire nature without disturbing the animals.
Special overnight stay at Wonder Woods in Someren
During a varied getaway like this, there's nothing better than spending the night in a place where you can truly unwind. On the edge of the magical woods of Lierop lies Wonder Woods, a sustainable glamping where time seems to stand still for a moment.
Here, in the middle of the greenery, you will find a place where you stay conscious, be offline and recharge completely. From a cozy nature cottage at the edge of the forest to the fun bell tents with a really comfortable bed (as we experienced ourselves), at Wonder Woods you always sleep in a special accommodation. The cozy cabin de Bosuilder and the robust cabin de Boswachter are also completely in style. And you can walk straight to the Beuven and the Strabrechtse Heide.
In the morning, walk to the adjacent Forest Cafe Van Moorsel for a cup of coffee or nice breakfast. And if you really want to give yourself a gift, dive into the sauna for a nice moment of relaxation.
Tip: go to Someren in the evening for dinner at Restaurant At Guus. Here you sit down for a surprise menu of pure, local seasonal dishes, accompanied by a good glass of wine or special beer. This is how Brabant tastes at its best!
Cycling route full of local produce: discover the flavors of De Peel
Fancy a tasty adventure? Hop on your bike and discover the Foodroute Asten-Someren: a varied tour of about 40 kilometers along farms and heirloom stores in the Land of the Peel. We cycled the route from Wonder Woods, nice on the electric bike, and along the way we were surprised by the flavors of the region.
Along the way, you'll score all kinds of delicious local produce: from creamy goat cheese and fresh eggs to juicy tomatoes straight from the grower. Many of the businesses on the route are affiliated with the "Product from the Land of Peel" label and welcome you with open arms to sample their artisanal products, and to take home with you, of course.
Discover more of the province of Brabant
After a weekend in the Land of Peel, it's clear: Brabant is one of the nicest provinces in the Netherlands for a weekend getaway.
One of the cities we keep coming back to is Den Bosch. We already visited this city once in the summer, but we also came back in the fall and combined our city trip to Den Bosch with a radical visit to Kamp Vught. But the cities of Tilburg, Breda and Eindhoven also lend themselves to a pleasant city trip in Brabant. Be inspired by our previous adventures:
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At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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