5 x castle dining in Holland

It’s well known that there are many historic houses, castles and country estates to visit in Holland – more than 750 in fact. But less widely known is that many of these estates also offer exceptional culinary, as well as cultural, experiences. Here are five country estates where you can dine like nobility in a regal, historical setting – all of which offer affordable lunch options alongside their more formal dinner menus.

Dine in some of the most elegant culinary settings in Holland.
Combine a memorable lunch with a tour of a famous palace or castle.
Many estates also offer overnight accommodation.

Brasserie DenK at the Duin & Kruidberg estate

Immerse yourself in both history and fine cuisine at the magnificent Duin & Kruidberg country estate on the edge of the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. Established in the 17th century as a hunting lodge for King William III, the estate has been expanded and improved through the centuries by its various owners, who include prominent Dutch politicians and nobility. The current mansion house was built in the early 20th century by famous Dutch architect JJ van Nieukerken for the estate’s then owner, the liberal politician Jacob Theodoor Cremer. Today the impressive building houses a four-star hotel and the stylish Brasserie Denk, with its beautiful terrace spilling out into the estate’s magnificent country garden. Open for breakfast, lunch, high tea, dinner or just a leisurely drink, the delightful restaurant offers an escape to a more elegant age and a memorable culinary experience that’s infused with Dutch history.

Duin- en Kruidbergerweg 60, Santpoort-Noord

Central Park by Ron Blaauw

This graceful 18th-century mansion house on the outskirts of The Hague has been home to some of the Netherlands’ most well-heeled figures for centuries. Past proprietors included wealthy VOC merchant Van Tets, 17th-century banker’s daughter Hester van Staphorst – known as ‘the richest girl in Holland’- and Guillaume Groen Prinsterer, a Dutch politician and historian. Today it’s presided over by an equally celebrated figure – award-winning Dutch chef Ron Blaauw, who has transformed the mansion into a boutique hotel and elegant restaurant. Head chef Gijs Verbeek works closely with Ron to create an ever-surprising menu of culinary delights.

Oosteinde 14, Voorburg

Restaurant Kerckebosch at Kasteel Kerckebosch

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Utrecht Hill Ridge region, just east of Utrecht, this romantic castle home was built in 1904 by Dutch nobleman Egbert Lintelo de Geer. A passionate collector of antiques, De Geer acquired a range of historical artefacts from nearby churches, monasteries and castles with which to furnish his home, such as the wrought iron door knockers sourced from St. Martin’s Cathedral in Utrecht. Today the castle welcomes visitors to its delightful restaurant, which fuses the classic castle décor with an exciting, modern menu. It’s a truly charming spot for a memorable lunch or dinner in a historical, natural setting. After lunch, why not pay a visit to nearby Huis Doorn, the country seat of the exiled Kaiser Wilhelm II, or the recently renovated Amerongen Castle.

Arnhemse Bovenweg 31, Zeist

Restaurant De Heerlijckheyt Het Loo

Step back in time to the Golden Age of Dutch royalty at one of the country’s most impressive sights: Palace Het Loo in Apeldoorn. Known as the ‘Versailles of the Netherlands’ thanks to its stately appearance and vast, manicured gardens, this Dutch Baroque mansion was built for William of Orange and was home to the House of Orange-Nassau for 300 years before its transformation into a national museum that tells the story of the royal family. After immersing yourself in the opulence of the palace and gardens, dazzle your taste buds with French cuisine at the beautiful restaurant Heerlijckheyt Het Loo, just steps away from the royal palace.

Koningstraat 1, Apeldoorn

Landgoedhotel De Wilmersberg

Located in lush green countryside near the German border, north of the Dutch city of Enschede, this enchanting house and its landscaped gardens offer an idyllic escape from modern life. The house was built in 1914 as a country retreat for the Blijdenstein family – a prominent family in the region of Twente who had made their fortune in the textile industry. The distinctive building is surrounded by 12 acres of gardens designed by renowned Dutch landscape architect Hendrik Copijn, which include an arboretum of rare trees, as well as colorful roses, rhododendrons and ponds. Today the estate welcomes visitors for lunch, dinner or high tea at its classic restaurant and delightful terrace. It also offers overnight accommodation in the adjoining hotel if you feel tempted to stay the night.

Rhododendronlaan 7, De Lutte

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Holland’s castles and country houses

Come face to face with history and grandeur in Holland’s castles and country houses.