GOING DUTCH

From its cheese museums to its shipyards, this is the Netherlands you need to know, says Karen Harvey

- Karen Harvey

A spacious yet compact country, the Netherlands offers so much more than just its beautiful capital city of Amsterdam. Taking only a couple of hours to travel across the country from Holland to the Achterhoek region, in each direction you'll see something beautiful - from vibrant tulip farms and windmills on the Waterland, to country houses and castles, and some of the best museums, galleries and shopping experiences, too. Traditionally, the Dutch had no curtains in their windows (apparently so the Golden Age traders could show their honesty), but now this just adds to the ambience of an evening meander along the canals in some of the Netherlands' most magnificent cities.

Haarlem

If you have a few days that you'd like to fill with wonderful things, then Haarlem is the perfect city to visit. It's like a scaled down, less populated Amsterdam, with several excellent museums, relaxed cafes and restaurants, and streets full of interesting shops. It's easy to walk around Haarlem and feel comfortable and connected. On some days you'll find a street market, full of all sorts of collectables and vintage goods - nothing fancy, just honest bric-a-brac to have a good rummage through for treasures to bring home.

Where to stay

Hotel Lion d'Or

Perfectly located just opposite the train station, the hotel is peaceful and welcoming. The rooms are calm and subtly decorated (with comfortable beds and good showers), the staff are kind and helpful, and the breakfast includes tiny ring doughnuts with jam in them. hotelliondor.nl

What to do

Corrie Ten Boom House