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The Netherlands is one of Europe’s best places for adult weekend breaks: it’s close to the UK, has a unique culture and boasts plenty of picturesque towns to explore. While it’s not as well-known as Amsterdam, Hoorn is somewhere you shouldn’t miss. Just 35km from the capital, it’s close enough to work as part of a longer trip, but has more than enough history, culture and entertainment to work as a destination on its own. Read on to learn more. Museums One of the best ways to learn about any town is to visit museums, and being able to absorb some culture while you’re away is a great feature of adult weekend breaks. Our destination of choice has two that are especially worth a visit: The Westfries and The Museum van de Twintigste Eeuw. Westfries Whether you want to see the works of Dutch masters or some more contemporary art, the Westfries has you covered, boasting an excellent selection of paintings and other pieces. Twintigste Eeuw Perhaps even more fascinating is The Twintigste Eeuw, which focuses on inventions and goods throughout history. Art can be wonderful and transportive, but there’s something unique about glimpsing how ordinary people lived in centuries past. Good to Know: There’s also at least one item here that should bring back memories for older visitors – a huge 1960s computer. Hoorn Markt Move from the past to the present for a sense of what the town is like today in the central market. Being able to shop without worrying about the kids breaking the bank is another great thing about adult weekend breaks, and the bustle of stalls that takes over Breed and surrounding streets every Saturday is the perfect place to do it. There’s excellent local produce available, and you can pick up some unique gifts for friends back home. Historic Sites Finally, it wouldn’t be a Netherlands city break without some history. While there’s a lot to see in the area, these two sites in particular stand out. Hoofdtoren Situated in Hoorn’s historical district, this imposing fifteenth-century gate dominated the town’s defences in less settled times. Today, it provides an excellent view of the city, open to tourists and locals alike. If you like impressive photos from your adult weekend breaks away, the Hoofdtoren is a must-visit. Rode Steen Though its name can translate as ‘Red Fortress’, Rode Steen is more public square than defensive castle. Though it gets the red in its name from its past as the town gallows, it’s far from grim today, with attractions including a seventeenth-century goods weighing house and a statue of Jan Peterzoon Coen, founder of The Dutch East India Company. Get Ready to Go Of course, this is just a fraction of all there is to see in Hoorn – and the Netherlands is full of towns offering even more for guests to enjoy! If this article has whetted your appetite for adult weekend breaks, why not book as part of a longer cruise around the country? Author Plate Perry Mahoney is the Director of GN Holidays, a holiday company specialising in adult weekend breaks, cruises and other excursions for the over 40s. If you're looking to enjoy a much-needed break sailing along the Rhine, a getaway with non-stop 60s and 70s sounds or a just an opportunity to bond with some like-minded travellers, GN Holidays will be sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
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