Castle Gardens

Near the end of the 17th century, French and Italian-inspired gardens featured ornamental lakes, geometrically designed symmetrical groves and walkways with statues and urns. These gardens were all the rage among wealthy Dutch property owners.

MENKEMABORG

The chateau gardens at Menkemaborg in the northern province of Groningen are a wonderful example. The gardens enclose a gazebo, a maze, an apple orchard and a kitchen garden. These gardens were designed after the original garden plan for the castle which dates from 1705.

MIDDACHTEN AND WELDAM

Admire, too, the magnificent formal gardens at both Middachten and Weldam. These 17th-century castles are still home to the aristocratic Bentinck family. The Weldam Castle Garden is a
neo-baroque garden; a 17th-century-style garden laid out in the 19th century. This beautiful garden boasts roses, rhododendrons and many annuals. A maze was reconstructed in 1999.

 
The Middachten Castle Garden is a stunning formal garden. It has been divided into ‘green rooms’. Do enjoy the castle’s herb garden, the orangery, the rose garden and the garden with summer annuals.

WARMELO

The gardens of Huize Warmelo in Diepenheim in the province of Overijssel are particularly enchanting. The small castle itself is not open to the public, but the park is open in summer. Warmelo enjoys renown for its azaleas, over 300 types of fuchsias, rhododendrons and roses. The swamp garden, with its many indigenous water plants, is a lovely example of a natural-style pond garden.

TWICKEL

Twickle Castle in Overijssel is the largest private estate in Holland. Both the castle (not open to the public) and its gardens are a real visual treat for visitors. Try to go and see this garden in springtime when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.

ARCEN CASTLE GARDENS

The castle gardens in Arcen in the province of Limburg are the largest of the three Benelux countries. Many people think it is also these are the most beautiful gardens. The centuries-old, 32-hectare-large estate boasts five garden styles, laid out around the monumental castle. The gardens cater to many moods. The romantic Rose Garden, the mysterious Fir Wood, the Mediterranean Casa Verde, and the mystical Oriental Gardens. An extra attraction is the Golf Garden. Young and old are welcome to play a game of golf here. The attractive gardens that surround the links are the perfect place for an enjoyable walk. Children are sure to like the water playground and the raft.