Duinrell

Duinrell was the country estate of the Van Zuylen van Nijevelt family in the dunes at Wassenaar, opened to the public in 1935 and developed from then into an amusement park and campsite - so the rides sit among mature estate woodland and the old house still stands in the middle of it, which gives the park a different feel from a purpose-built one. The attractions are family-scale rather than thrill-scale: a water roller coaster, a rapid river, boats, playgrounds and a set of older rides. The Tikibad beside it is the substantial part - a large indoor water park with a couple of dozen slides including several long and steep ones, kept warm year-round, which is what fills the campsite in winter as well as summer. It is aimed squarely at families with young children and is priced and organised accordingly.

History

The Duinrell farm in Wassenaar dates back to 1646 as part of a large estate, and in 1876 a small port opened here for cargo. The estate opened to the public in 1935 with a restaurant and orangery, later adding campsites and a swimming pool, and today the park draws over a million visitors a year (Wikipedia, Duinrell).

What to look for

• Rides in estate woodland - the park built into mature grounds round the old house.
• The Tikibad - a large indoor water park with a couple of dozen slides.
• Family-scale attractions - water coaster, rapid river and playgrounds rather than thrill rides.
• A campsite and bungalows - the resort side that keeps it busy year-round.

When to go

April to October; the water park all year. A day.

Before you go

It is for families with young children - adults or teenagers wanting big coasters should go elsewhere. Park and water park are separate tickets or a combination. Very busy in school holidays.

Nearby

Museum Voorlinden is close; Scheveningen and the coast are west.

Key facts