Voorschoten: Castle History, Silver Route and Village Life

Duivenvoorde Castle was first mentioned in 1226 under the name “Duvenvoirt”. In Voorschoten, village history, silver craftsmanship, country estates and everyday visitor attractions such as the weekly market all come together. When choosing a hotel in Voorschoten, your planned activities can help you decide where to stay: a castle visit, museum, routes or swimming each offer a different focus.

Castle History and Country Estate

Duivenvoorde Castle acquired its present appearance in 1631 at the behest of Johan van Wassenaer. The two dates mark different historical stages: 1226, the first mention of its name, and 1631, when it acquired its present appearance. The Duivenvoorde Estate includes 22 national heritage sites and 260 hectares of pastureland, woodland and parkland. The castle’s history is therefore part of a broader story of cultural heritage and landscape.

Every year, Duivenvoorde Castle presents a changing exhibition in its museum. You can visit the castle independently with a mobile audio guide or as part of a guided tour. Check the latest visitor information before your visit if either option is important to your plans.

Village History, Townscape and Silver Route

The Voorschoten Museum preserves, collects and makes accessible the village’s older and more recent history. Its collection includes historical material on social history, church and religion, education and upbringing, as well as visual art. The programme complements these subjects with exhibitions, lectures and other activities about people, events and objects characteristic of Voorschoten.

A guided tour of the old centre of Voorschoten can be booked through the museum. If you would like to include this tour in your plans, check the latest dates in advance. Voorschoten’s protected townscape is defined not only by individual buildings, but also by the spatial relationships and historically significant structures and layouts.

The Voorschoten Silver Route showcases the village’s silverworking heritage. This cycling route passes numerous monuments, which are explained in the online route guide. The Buitenplaatsen Voorschoten walking route has a different focus: it passes five country estates or manor houses. This gives you the choice between a route centred on silverworking and one featuring country estates as recurring points of interest.

Country Estates and Leisure Activities

Voorschoten lies in the Zuid-Holland Country Estate Zone. The Prins Frederik Parkenroute also passes through the present-day municipalities of Wassenaar and Voorschoten. This municipal reach is part of the route description and distinguishes it from activities whose stated focus is a single village or country estate.

The Voorschoten Children’s Farm Foundation is located on the Rosenburgh Estate; admission is free. Activities on offer include children’s parties, pony parties, farm parties, discovery parties and clogs parties. Zwembad Het Wedde offers lane swimming and aqua fitness. These different themes give you several specific ways to shape your stay beyond the history of the castle and village.

Weekly Market, Getting Around and Travel

A weekly market is held every Friday on the Voorstraat in the centre of Voorschoten. If you would like to plan your visit around it, check the latest market information in advance. The Voorschoten Tourist Information Office provides information on accommodation, walks, cycling routes, attractions and dining, helping you find your way around several of the things that shape a stay in Voorschoten.

Voorschoten is on the Leiden–The Hague railway line. From Voorschoten station, it is about a ten-minute walk to the centre. This is an approximate guide to the walk between the station and the centre; check the current timetable for specific train connections.

Discover more destinations: Voorschoten, Voorschoten, Dordrecht, Krimpen Aan Den Ijssel, Lansingerland, Midden-Delfland, Zederik, Hardinxveld-Giessendam.

View the broader travel overview: South Holland.