Westland: Dunes, Greenhouse History and Windmills

Westland offers a variety of landscapes and themes: the coast and dunes sit alongside recreational areas, waterways and the history of horticulture. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on nature and outdoor activities, historic windmills or greenhouse culture. The following places offer a range of ways to explore these themes.

Coast, dunes and a changing landscape

The coast and dunes of Westland are part of Hollandse Duinen National Park. The dunes are ideal for walking, cycling and horse riding. The eight-kilometre-long beach stretches from Slag Vlugtenburg to the Zandmotor. This artificial sand peninsula lies off the coast of Ter Heijde and was created to naturally widen and strengthen the dunes. Wind, waves and currents continually reshape its landscape, so a walk or bike ride there offers a new experience every time. Pioneer plants such as marram grass and sea mustard, as well as birds and other animals, find a habitat at the Zandmotor.

Forest, lake and recreational areas

Staelduinse Bos is also part of the national park and is a place for walks. The forest contains bunkers from the Second World War, including accommodation for troops in a German bunker village. The interiors of the bunkers are not open to visitors.

Prinsenbos in Naaldwijk is a recreational area made up mostly of a lake bordered by a narrow strip of deciduous woodland. Most of a walking route there is wheelchair accessible; accessibility depends on how well the paths are maintained. Check the condition of the route before your visit. Four fishing spots and a dog beach add to the area's facilities.

De Wollebrand is a green recreational area in the municipality of Westland, with meadows, woodland, open water and reeds. It offers opportunities for walks in the countryside, as well as a wakeboarding and water-skiing cableway. Availability may change, so check before you travel.

Waterways and finding your way

Westland has more than 90 kilometres of waterways. Today they are used for recreation; in the past, they served to transport produce from the greenhouses. The waterway routes are signposted with junction markers, making it easier to find your way around the route network. This brings together the waterways' present-day recreational use and their former role in horticulture.

Greenhouse history and culture

Westlands Museum tells the story of the region and its greenhouse horticulture. The museum includes a historic garden with espaliered fruit trees, old greenhouses and historic tools. Children can enjoy a play loft and a discovery trail.

Historische Druivenkwekerij Sonnehoeck dates back to 1729 and is almost 300 years old. It has been recognised as a Rijksmonument since 2001. On a guided tour of the historic grape greenhouses, visitors can discover the world of the Westland grape. Booking arrangements may change, so check them before planning a tour.

Greenhouse production itself is also the focus of various experiences. Kassen Route Westland comprises three cycling routes through Westland, with stops at interesting horticultural businesses. Signs and QR codes provide information about greenhouse production at these stops; route details may be updated, so check them before setting off. Tomatoworld has a 500-square-metre exhibition about safe, fresh and high-tech food production in greenhouses. Visits are possible by appointment; appointment arrangements may change.

For Kom in de Kas Westland, greenhouse businesses open their doors to the public each year and show visitors what they grow. Visitors can smell, see and taste greenhouse produce. Dates and participating businesses vary with each edition, so it is worth checking the details when planning your trip.

Windmills and their history

Korenmolen Windlust on Heulweg was built in 1869. At 27 metres, it is the tallest windmill in Westland. Visitors can regularly watch the milling process; in general, visits are possible on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Opening arrangements may change, so check the date before your visit.

The present-day De Vier Winden windmill in Monster was built in 1882, after the previous mill was destroyed by fire. When there is enough wind, you can see it in operation on Saturdays; opening arrangements apply here too. During opening hours, a range of flour and baking mix products are sold, including pancake mix, wholemeal wheat flour, wheat flour, five-grain flour and spelt flour. Product availability may change.

Discover more destinations: Poeldijk, Naaldwijk, Ter Heijde, 'S-Gravenzande, De Lier, Leerdam, Capelle Aan Den Ijssel, Nederlek.

For the broader travel overview: South Holland.