KATWIJK AAN ZEE AREA GUIDE - THINGS TO SEE AND DO
See inside for details about getting around, sightseeing, shopping, nightlife and more Welcome to Katwijk ann Zee The family-friendly seaside resort of Katwijk lies only 5 km west of Leiden, with a lovely lighthouse and a long beach promenade.
Katwijk is located directly by the sea and has a promenade which is perfectly suited for a cozy walk. When you visit, you should definitely take a look around the oldest lighthouse on the Dutch coast and the little white church. The church borders a small courtyard lined with old fisherman's houses. It gives you a good impression of the significance of the place in the olden days.
Katwijk attracts people all year round. In summer, families mainly come here to enjoy the sunshine and the beach. Katwijk is a fantastic place to walk to nearby Noordwijk and feel the fresh North Sea wind in your hair. If you're looking for culture and shopping, you'll be in good hands in Leiden, which is only 5 km away.
Things to do in the Area From the south of the boulevard, you can cycle through the dune landscape of Meijendel to the Hague (the Hague-Katwijk cycle route). De Pan van Persijn is a popular wooded area where children can have a fun time playing and then go for something to eat in the pancake restaurant.
There are also other attractive seaside resorts in the vicinity which invite you to come for a walk or go sunbathing, such as Scheveningen and Noordwijk. A trip to the Space Expo in Noordwijk is an exciting experience that isn't just for children. Here, you'll learn everything about the world of space travel.
Historic cities which are definitely worth seeing are Leiden (great ice-cream parlours in the centre) and a fantastic museum about the human body: Corpus and the Hague. Older children can enjoy the Gevangenpoort Prison Museum there, while the younger ones will enjoy the miniature town of Madurodam.
Shopping The area around the shopping centre is also where you will find historic Katwijk, with its winding streets and fishermen’s cottages. In the shopping area, there are lots of opportunities to take a break from shopping, for a bite to eat or something to drink. And the promenade? It is never more than a five-minute walk away.
Weekly markets The Katwijk weekly market takes place every Friday between 11:00 and 17:00 at Marktplein (Piet Heinlaan, next to swimming pool Aquamar). Tourist market In the summer months of July and August, every Tuesday, the shopping heart of Katwijk aan Zee is taken over by the Tourist Market. This market is not just about shopping and strolling past more than one hundred and thirty stalls selling sunglasses, clothes, food, leather goods, hobby and gift items. There are musical performances and demonstrations of old crafts, there is a focus on traditional dress and fishing, and there is always a special activity for children. Every week, there is a different theme and the fun continues until late; the Tourist Market is held from 13:00 to 21:00.
Shopping Centres There are a couple of shopping centre in Katwijk aan Zee which sell the usual clothing, furniture and books that shopping centre all over the World sell. There are one or two shops within these centres that are unique to Holland and are well worth checking out.
These shopping centre are: Winkelcentrum Lange Voort at 2343 Oegstgeest Hoornsepassage at Hoornesplein 137
Things to do in Katwijks aan Zee
Katwijks Museum The Museum is situated in the centre of the old fishing village and is housed in a villa built in 1913 by a ship owner. Even in nice weather it is well worth a visit.
Of course the museum deals with the fishing history of Katwijk, but the collection of paintings is amazing, much more than you would expect from an unknown museum.
On the top floor you will find a presentation of escapees from the German occupation to England. Well documented and very interesting.
All that for a small entrance fee. The lighthouse of Katwijk aan Zee, also known as Vierboet, is the second oldest surviving lighthouse in the Netherlands.
The tower stands 45m tall and is located near Vuurbaakplein on the S.W. side of the town. It has been open to the public since 1968.
The Subtropical swimming pool, Aquamar, has pleasant water and air temperatures all year round. Rock Formations, palm trees and plants emphasise the tropical environment. Rapids, hot whirlpool, a super fast slide, hot water basin, pulsers and jet streams provide entertainment for the whole family.
The water temperature is a constant 81F. There are two springboards available and underwater lighting to ensure cosiness and safety.
If you want to relax after swimming there is a lovely terrace in the Oasis Bar.
Further Afield
The next town over is Noordwijk. This is a town and municipality in the west of the Netherlands, in the province of South Holland. The municipality of Noordwijk consists of the communities Noordwijk aan Zee and Noordwijk- Binnen, separated by a narrow green belt.
Besides its beaches, Noordwijk is also known for its bulb flower fields. It is located in an area called the "Dune and Bulb Region" (Duin- en Bollenstreek).
Noordwijk is also the location of the headquarters for the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), part of the European Space Agency (ESA). ESA's visitors' centre Space Expo is a permanent space exhibition. Things to do in Noordwijk There's lots to do in Noordwijk. Of course there's always plenty to do on and around the beach, but there's so much more!
Treasures of the sea: Noordwijk is the perfect place to find unusual beach treasures: the most common are shells of the sub truncate surf clam and American razor clam. There are many other beautiful shells, such as cockles, wedge shells, Baltic clams and whelks. When the wind blows from the east little horn shells (like spiral staircases) get washed up.
Outdoor pursuits: Play golf at Noordwijk's golf course, considered to be one of the hundred most beautiful courses in the world. Enjoy a cycle ride through nature and dunes.. Fly a kite or head for the sea. Electric GPS tours for fun!: Experience the lovely Dutch countryside with GPS tours in a Renault Twizy, a 100% electric, eco-friendly vehicle for two! The unique open and contemporary design of this vehicle gives you a sense of freedom. A unique ride with guaranteed attention on the go!
These will lead you to beautiful places in Holland like the famous Dune and Coastline,authentic Dutch landscape with windmills & polders, the Tulip & Flower region & the old city of Leiden. All of the Twizies have a GPS Guide with maps on board that guide you along the route.
Culture in Noordwijk: Noordwijk has an extremely rich artistic and cultural life.
There are beautiful museums, cultural attractions and great events. You can eat your heart out when it comes to theatre.
There’s always something going on in Noordwijk’s cultural world, with events such as “Opera aan Zee” (Opera at the Seaside), open-air theatre performances and the painter’s festival.
CORPUS 'journey through the human body’: The ultimate attraction of the human body. The body is the basis for everything, but how does this ingenious CORPUS actually work?
Take a thrilling journey in the 5D-heart theatre as a red blood cell, and discover the spectacular operation of the human brain in the brain show. How do your intestines respond to a cheese sandwich? What happens when you sneeze and on which parts of your tongue do you taste sugar or salt? The answers to these and thousands of other questions you will find during the discovery tour for the young and old with CORPUS 'journey through the human body'!
CORPUS operates with departures. Every 7 to 8 minutes a new 'journey through the human body' begins with a group of up to 16 people.
Beach Break: Highly motivated and qualified instructors teach you all the ins and outs of Surfing, Kitesurfing or Catamaran sailing to name a few. If you don't need lessons, we also rent out all the equipment.
The location has all facilities like warm showers, separate change rooms with lockers, a specious terrace and a vibrant beach bar. Thanks to the fabulous atmosphere most of our visitors stay after their activities and enjoy a refreshing drink! Space Expo: Space Expo is Europe’s first permanent space exhibition and is also the visitors' centre for ESA in the Netherlands, the European Space Agency's largest technical establishment.
See what it was like for the first men on the Moon. Experience the simulated launch of an Ariane rocket 'live'. Discover the world of satellites with the test models of European space missions and find out all about astronauts and see how they live and work in space.
Eating out During the day you can have lunch, lounge around and relax on one of Noordwijk's many terraces. In the evenings most of the terraces and cafés serve dinner. There are many restaurants in Noordwijk,
here are a selection:
Mainstreet: Situated in the main shopping street of Noordwijk, the Hoofdstraat.
Intimate with a great atmosphere, a large outdoor terrace in the sun. Enjoy the English Breakfast, contemporary dishes, homemade English Afternoon Tea, Tapas & Finger food or dinner.
De Botter: Pleasant restaurant situated at the Noordwijkse boulevard with view on the sea and dunes.
Their specialty are the fish dishes ±30 different kinds. Also grill-, meat– and vegetarian dishes. They cater to all tastes.
Of course you are more than welcome to have a nip of a typical Dutch drink after a stiff walk along the beach or a refreshing beer after a day in the sun.
Blu Beach: A fish and steak restaurant with seating for 60 and an aperitif bar. There is a separate trendy room for private parties, dinners or other get-togethers, with its own sunset bar and patio.
On sunny days, they rent out windscreens, sun beds and parasols on their own stretch of beach. The Blu Beach pavilion is a modern location on Noordwijk beach which is open 12 months per year. It offers a sunny patio with a warm welcome.
Open for drinks, lunch and dinner.
Fast Food Options! Like every place around the World Noordwijk has a great choice of fast food restaurants.
Here are a few: Snackbar / Lunchroom Westerop. Kerkstraat 7 is known for the pork croquettes which are freshly prepared in their own kitchen. In addition to this croquette there is also a choice of 7 other croquettes. Namely: goulash, breeding tree, pulled pork, veal, cheese, vegetable and saté croquette; stop by and try them all!
Not only the croquettes , but also the bamboo and nasal balls come from their own kitchen. Just like the croquettes, theses have been prepared according to a traditional recipe. They are tasty and have a delicious crispy crust. Come and taste them!
Are you hungry for a nice big burger? Then you are at the right place! 100% beef hamburgers, 180 grams. The burgers are baked on the baking tray and are available in various variations. A cheeseburger with real cheddar or do you prefer the BIG WES (with a fried egg, cheddar and bacon).
A and P Snackbar: Is located in the Hoofdstraat in Noordwijk aan Zee, within walking distance of the beach. You can visit for lunch, dinner or just for a snack, or maybe for a fresh soft ice cream, milkshake, cup of coffee or a soft drink. The A & P team is very driven and ready for you every day.
Hoogies: Langevelderslag 28-30 A real English classic, which ihas blown over to Hoogies! Depending on what you want, they serve this with a large piece of white fish or a large portion of deep fried pieces of white fish. Of course, it is served with a large portion of their homemade fries. And their homemade remoulade sauce and mayonnaise.
In order to stay in English style, it seems that the paper (100% sustainable and organic) it is served on is a newspaper. So you have something to read, when you are finished eating!
Nightlife Harbour Lights: For over 30 years at the centre of the Boulevard in Noordwijk. For many a second home, for some that "dusty old tent where all those Englishmen sit".
During those 30 years, this café has grown. from "import bulb workers" to "ex-pats", from "4 hour bar" to "beer café", accompanied with the "tie" and with "the German tourist" this café has its guests from all sorts!
A little more than ten years ago a new owner came. Frank Schipper. Since then the café has changed rapidly into a Beer Café with a lager from its own recipe: Frank Bier.
The kitchen has gone a step higher, The range of entertainment has been increased all of which have combined to give the cafe a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. Getting There You have a choice of ways to get there, either a coach will pick up your group at your home base and stay with you for the duration of your tour. Ferry travel from Dover-Calais is included if you choose to travel by coach. We can take you by another ferry route if you wish, ask us for a costing.
OR you can fly. Below is a list of the nearest airports to Katwijk man Zee and the airlines that fly there from the UK and Ireland.
The nearest airport is Schipol which is 20 miles away. Here is a list of airlines there:
Aer Lingus from Cork and Dublin. BA from London-City, London-Gatwick and London-Heathrow. EasyJet from Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London-Gatwick, London-Luton, London-Southend, London-Stansted and Manchester. Jet2 from Leeds/Bradford. KLM and KLM City from Aberdeen, Belfast-City, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Cork, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Humberside, Inverness, Leeds/Bradford, London-City, London-Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Norwich and Teeside Ryanair from Dublin.
Another nearby airport is Rotterdam/The Hague which is 25miles away, however this is only served by two airlines from the UK, BA City Flyer from London-City and Transavia from Edinburgh.
Know before you go The voltage on outlets in Holland is 230 volts. Hotels may also have a 110-volt or 120-volt outlet for shavers. Travellers are advised to bring along a power converter and an adapter for round two-prong plugs with side grounding contacts.
In case of an emergency, you can call 112 (Fire, Rescue, Medical) or 110 (Police). In case you’re unsure of how to proceed and it is not a life-threatening emergency, you can call the 116 117 to get advice on what to do next or where to go.
British Consulate General - If you need urgent help (for example, you’ve been attacked, arrested or someone has died), call the British Consulate General Amsterdam on +31 (0)70 4270 427.
Honorary Consul General of Ireland in the Netherlands - 2 Debussystraat 2, 3161 WD RHOON, Postal Address: P.O. Box 1030, 3160 A.E. RHOON Tel: +31-10-890-30670
How can I make a phone call from Holland? There are not many public phones left. You’ll find some at key locations in the centre of the city but not many! They accept credit cards and/or phone cards. The latter can be bought at call stores, supermarkets and tobacconists.
You can use the Dutch network with your own mobile telephone. The costs for mobile telephone calls depend on your own service provider. You can also buy a prepaid phone card. These cards are available at various prices at supermarkets, post offices, gas stations, tobacconists and phone shops.
Other than cash how else can I pay? ATMs widely available. Credit cards accepted in most hotels but not all restaurants. Non-European credit cards are sometimes rejected. The currency in Holland is the euro.
Is tipping mandatory? The Dutch do tip, but modestly. Hotel porters €1 to €2 Restaurants round up, or 5% to 10% Taxis 5% to10% Public holidays in 2021
01 Jan Fri New Year's Day 13 May Thur Ascension Day 23 May Sun Whit Sunday 02 Apr Fri Good Friday 24 May Mon Whit Monday 04 Apr Sun Easter Sunday 05 Apr Mon Easter Monday 25 Dec Sat Christmas Day 26 Dec Sun 2nd Day of Christmas
How can I go online to check e-mail?
Please note there are many public places with Internet access so there will be sure to be somewhere close to wherever you are!
How can I send a letter or postcard?
Put your own name and address in the back of the letter …Then it can always be returned if there is a problem. Put the address of the receiver in the front, always with the Post Code.
Light letters within The Netherlands need one Dutch postal stamp, heavy ones and international ones need more.
Normal post you put in orange postal boxes in the street. But on which side? If the postal code is regional and fits within the numbers on the left side: put it right. If the postal code is further away (not in the region), you put it in the left side ‘other postcodes’