Country Estates and gardens in and around Amsterdam
You might be surprised to discover Amsterdam has plenty to offer the nature-lover. Visitors to Amsterdam can find a variety of flora and fauna in beautiful forests, dunes, lakes and other waterscapes within easy reach of the city centre. Here’s where to experience Amsterdam’s wildlife.
Grand manor houses and gardens
During the Golden Age, many wealthy merchants owned beautiful country estates just outside of Amsterdam’s city walls. Here they could get away from it all and enjoy the peace and beauty of the surrounding nature. Today these spectacular manor houses and landscaped gardens offer you the opportunity to escape the bustle of Amsterdam in an easy daytrip. You can pick up a brochure and a map of unusual gardens and country estates from the Tourist Information offices, but below is a little preview of country life.
Country Estate Frankendael
The countryside, culture and gastronomy are all interwoven at Frankendael – the last remaining 17th-century country estate in Amsterdam’s Watergraafsmeer district. This romantic park is easily accessible by public transport and boasts two historic gardens as well as a sunbathing area and marsh. In the middle of the park is the imposing Frankendael manor house where cultural events are regularly organized. Also in the park are the French-Mediterranean restaurant, Merkelbach (in the former coach house) and De Kas, a sustainable restaurant situated in a 1920’s green-house.
Country Estate Beeckestijn
For a relaxing day in the country, Beeckestijn is a good place to head to. The stunning, early 18th century park at this country estate is an excellent spot for a brisk walk, lazing under the trees or taking part in various activities - like medieval games. The manor house often serves as the backdrop for films and photo-shoots and it’s easy to see why! In addition to the outdoor activities, Beeckestijn also offers a variety of exhibitions throughout the year in the main building.
Botanical gardens and country estates
Beeckestijn is easily accessible by public transport, and if you’d like to spend a day touring multiple estates and gardens, then Duin en Kruidberg Country Estate and the botanical garden of Thijsse’s Hof in Bloemendaal are really close by. Both were designed by Leonard Springer, one of the most important Dutch landscape architects. Thijsse’s Hof is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands and has around 800 plant species that occur naturally in the dunes of the Zuid-Kennemerland region. An added bonus is that it is conveniently close to a pancake house!
Escape to the country – and view beautiful manor houses and gardens close to Amsterdam.
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