Tourism in the surroundings
Have a look at the dunes between Wassenaar and Katwijk
Bicycle tour and the map, Hotels and campings, butterflies vlinders aan Vliet, train steam engine museum stoomtrein museum, Leiden city canal tours, www.rederij-rembrandt.nl tel.: 071 51 34 938
Castle Duivenvoorde, in Voorschoten
Is situated near The Hague, between Voorschoten and Leidschendam. The name of the house was first mentioned in records dating as far back as 1226. Originally it was a defensive tower surrounded by a moat. In 1631 the castle was rebuilt and gained its present form in 1960 the Castle underwent a mayor restoration. The building was largely brought back to the 17th and 18th century state as far as possible.
From the road a tree lined drive leads to the manor. Duivenvoorde has exclusively changed owners by family succession. In 1771 it belonged to the van Wassenaer family. Later is was handed down through the female lineage. The last owner entrusted the property to the care of a foundation in 1960. Since then it has been open to the public as a museum. The castle grounds are also open to the public.
A guided tour passes through the castle’s stately rooms. The interior has been maintained in the original style. The estate also harbours an exceptional collection of 17th and 18th century family portraits, silver, Delftware, Chinese and European porcelain. http://www.kasteelduivenvoorde.nl/
Botanical garden Leiden
Can be found in the centre of Leiden dating from the year 1590. This botanical garden is part of Leiden University and is an example of the first garden created by the famous first director Clusius. Orchids, carnivorous plants and cycads form an important part of their world renowned collections. It also harbours many old trees as Laburnum (1601) and Gingko biloba planted in 1785. Hortus botanicus Leiden, Rapenburg 73, T 071-527 7249, www.hortusleiden.nl .Open Winter: Nov – March, Tue-Sun 10.00-16.00, Open summer: 1 April - 31 October,10.00-18.00
Information on tourism in the surrounding area:
The Hague http://www.denhaag.com
Leiden: http://www.vvvleiden.nl Visitor Centre Leiden
Stationsweg 41
2312 AT Leiden
T: 071-5166000
Katwijk: http://www.vvvkatwijk.nl
Voorschoten: http://www.voorschoten.nl/
Noordwijk: http://www.noordwijk.info