Dutch Bulb Fields & Amsterdam with Jamie, Barbara & Lorraine

 Dutch Bulb Fields & Amsterdam

How beautiful are the botanical gardens Keukenhof?! It is also known as the garden of Europe and is one of the world’s largest flower gardens. What an amazing place to be, with so many different colours of flowers that stretched for miles. The gardens were full of tulips, daffodils, irises, hyacinths and lilies to name a few. 

We learnt that there are over seven million spring blooms. The vibrant colours, fragrant air, and birdsong created a truly magical atmosphere. We spent the day exploring the exquisite displays and intricate floral designs

There were clogs and windmills everywhere you turn! We visited the renowned Zaanse Schans heritage site, nestled along the Zaan River. This open-air museum showcases the Netherlands’ rich industrial history with its beautifully preserved 18th-century windmills, originally used for tasks like sawing timber, grinding spices, and pressing oil. Many windmills remain operational, and we had the pleasure of watching expert millers in action. We also saw traditional clogs being made in minutes and sampled a range of delectable Dutch cheeses. 

A few of us even managed to climb to the top of a mill. The views were spectacular. 

Excitedly we set off for Amsterdam via a super-fast, double-decker train—naturally choosing seats on the top floor for the best views. Amsterdam Central Station amazed us with its cathedral-like interior and grand exterior. We wandered through cobbled streets, over countless bridges, and alongside picturesque canals. At Anne Frank’s House, we paused to reflect on her powerful story and the legacy of her diary. We continued on to the famous floating flower market, passing floral canal boat displays along the way, and visited the striking Royal Palace at Dam Square. The square was bustling, and we carefully navigated through the ever-present cyclists. 

A fun morning was spent at the historic harbour town of Hoorn. Once a thriving port for East Indies trade, Hoorn is steeped in maritime history—Cape Horn itself was named after this town by a Dutch captain. Our first stop was the Museum of the Twentieth Century, located in a former prison on a man-made island. The museum offered a nostalgic glimpse into daily life throughout the 1900s, with many artefacts sparking memories of our younger years. A special highlight was the motorised LEGO exhibits, where we enjoyed hands-on building fun. 

An ice cream is always a must of one of our holidays!