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Our Family Campervan Holiday in Holland | Beaches, Cities & Slow Travel

  • matt Lambert
  • Apr 13
  • 5 min read

Updated: Apr 16

Our Family Campervan Holiday in Holland


There’s something special about setting off on a campervan holiday. The excitement starts before you even leave, with the ferry booked, the route taking shape, and that familiar feeling of freedom that comes with life on the road. Our latest adventure took us to Holland, and it gave us everything we love about campervan travel — flexibility, family time, new experiences, and the chance to slow down and really enjoy the journey.

Holland proved to be the perfect destination for a family campervan trip. With easy driving routes, beautiful beaches, welcoming campsites, vibrant cities and plenty to see along the way, it offered the ideal mix of adventure and comfort.


The journey begins


Our trip started with the ferry crossing, and that lovely feeling of leaving normal life behind for a few days. Once we arrived in Holland, we eased into the holiday with a relaxed start by the beach. We had lunch, enjoyed the sea air, collected shells, and later cooked tea back at the van.

Those first few hours always remind us why we love travelling this way. Everything you need is with you, there’s no pressure to rush, and even the simplest moments feel memorable. It’s not always about big attractions — sometimes it’s just about being together, parked somewhere beautiful, with nowhere else you need to be.


Van with UK sticker in a parking lot at night. A large ship with a red funnel marked "S" is visible in the background.

Exploring Burgers’ Zoo


One of the standout moments of the trip was our visit to Burgers’ Zoo. It’s an amazing place, and what makes it so special is how open and spacious it feels. Rather than a traditional zoo layout, it feels much more immersive, as though you’re stepping into each environment.

The mangrove area was a real highlight for us, with birds and butterflies flying freely around and manatees gliding through the water. It felt calm, fascinating and beautifully designed, making it a brilliant day out for families.

One of the bonuses of travelling by campervan is being able to end a full day of exploring in your own cosy space. After a busy day, being able to settle in for the night with everything to hand is one of those simple luxuries that makes campervan travel so special.


Three people smiling outdoors, one with red hair in a white jacket, one in a hoodie, one in glasses. Foggy background with trees. Casual and happy.

Making time for slower days


Not every day on a campervan holiday has to be busy, and this trip was a lovely reminder of that. After a full day out, we slowed the pace and stayed at the beautiful campsite De Woerdt, surrounded by fruit trees and peaceful surroundings.

Although we do have a shower in the van, with three people and one water tank, sometimes campsite facilities are just the easier option. That balance between off-grid freedom and practical comfort is all part of campervan life.

Slower days have become even more important for us, especially following a major operation late last year. We’re learning to travel at a gentler pace, listening to what we need and building more space into our trips. That’s one of the best things about exploring in a campervan — the freedom to travel in a way that suits your life, your family and your energy.



A birthday in Amsterdam


From the countryside, we headed into Amsterdam for a day of exploring. The city had such a good atmosphere, and it was lovely to wander through the streets, browse the shops and soak it all in.

One of our most interesting stops was Micropia, a museum that’s perfect for anyone who loves science and all things a bit unusual. It’s often described as a kind of zoo for microbes, bacteria, and fungi, and it made for a very different and memorable visit.

We rounded off the day with dinner and Dutch pancakes, which made the perfect ending to a brilliant day — and an even better way to celebrate my 41st birthday.


A charcuterie platter with sliced meats, cheese cubes, olives, crackers, and a small dish of pesto, on deli-themed paper.

Market wandering and lakeside relaxing.


The next day brought a slower pace again, and that contrast made the trip feel even more enjoyable. We visited a beautiful market in Amsterdam, tried some amazing street food, and then found a park by a lake where we could relax after a busier day.

That mix of exploring and resting is one of the reasons campervan holidays work so well for us. There’s freedom to follow the day as it unfolds and enough flexibility to change pace whenever you need to.


Rotterdam, wild swimming and good food


Later in the trip, we made our way to Rotterdam. We started the day slowly with a wild swim, which felt like the perfect reset. There’s something incredibly grounding about stepping into cold water and taking a quiet moment before the day begins.

After that, we headed into the city for food and a wander. Rotterdam has a very different feel from Amsterdam — modern, striking and full of character. Seeing the famous cube houses was a real highlight, and, as always, food was a big part of the day.


Person in a black beanie smiling at the camera on a sandy beach by a lake. Clear blue sky and distant buildings in the background.

A final stop at The Tulip Barn


On our last day before heading back to the ferry, we made one final stop at The Tulip Barn, and it was such a lovely way to end our campervan holiday in Holland.

If you’re looking for that traditional Dutch tulip farm experience, this is exactly that. Rows and rows of colourful tulip fields stretched out in every direction, and it was every bit as beautiful as you’d imagine. The scent was incredible too, one of those little details that made the whole visit feel even more special.

We also met up with some family who were holidaying in Holland at the same time, which made the day even more memorable. It was such a nice chance to spend time together before heading home.

What we loved most was that it wasn’t just about the tulips. There was a play area for the little ones, a street-food van, a lovely little shop, and, of course, plenty of photo opportunities amongst the flowers. It felt relaxed, welcoming and set up for families to really enjoy the experience.

It was the perfect final stop before the journey home — colourful, peaceful and one of those places that leaves you with such a lasting memory of the trip.


Colorful fields of blooming flowers stretch across the landscape under a clear blue sky, creating a vibrant pattern of yellow, purple, and white.

Why Holland works so well for campervan travel


Holland is such a great destination to explore by campervan. The roads are easy to drive, the distances between places are manageable, and there’s a brilliant variety of stops, from beaches and wildlife parks to lively cities and peaceful countryside.

For families, it’s especially ideal because you can fit plenty into your trip without spending hours on the road. It’s the kind of place where you can have adventure, comfort and convenience all in one trip.



The real joy of campervan travel


More than anything, this trip reminded us why we love campervan adventures so much. It’s the freedom to travel at your own pace, the comfort of having your own space with you, and the memories made in the in-between moments — breakfast in the van, beach walks, relaxed evenings, and waking up somewhere new.

Those experiences are exactly why we love building and sharing campervans. They’re not just vehicles; they’re a way to create freedom, connection and unforgettable family memories.


At Wild River Campers, we believe every adventure should feel comfortable, exciting and truly your own — whether that’s through a bespoke campervan conversion built around your lifestyle, or a ready-to-go hire van for your next escape.


Start your own adventure.


Whether you’re dreaming of a bespoke campervan designed for family life, weekend escapes and long road trips, or you’d love to experience the freedom of the road through campervan hire, we’re here to help you get started.

Wild River Campers creates bespoke campervans and hire experiences designed for adventure, comfort, and freedom on the road.


Ready to plan your own adventure? Get in touch to chat about our bespoke campervan builds or hire options.


 
 
 

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