A holiday in the Netherlands can feel very tropical. At least, if you go to Domburg in Zeeland in summer. With the most sunshine hours and nicest beach bars in the country, this holiday destination is guaranteed success. Although Saskia has an agreement with her husband not to go to the same holiday destination twice, this time she did decide to spend two summers in a row in Domburg. Zeeland with kids? We say do it!
Zeeland with children: the province with the most hours of sunshine
When I think of Zeeland, I think of a beach holiday. So the chance of bad weather - Hi Netherlands - has previously deterred us from going on holiday in the Netherlands. It was my parents-in-law who came up with the idea of going to Domburg. ‘Because Zeeland always has nice weather.’ OK, let's give it a try. And we lucked out. Both times. Even when it was grey in the rest of the country, it opened up in Domburg. And so we were able to enjoy a wonderful holiday by the sea twice. Pack that beach chair. Or not, because you can also have whole chill hire...
Domburg beach
I think Domburg beach is one of the finest in the Netherlands. It is a large and vast beach that offers space for everyone, no matter what time of day you come. Even on a very hot day, we could still rent two beach beds and an umbrella in the middle of the day. That freedom is the holiday feeling for me. I don't like the idea of having to put up a towel.
But Domburg is a busy beach. Lots of people, a playground, nice beach bars. You have to love it. If you are looking more for a deserted beach, I advise you to drive/cycle a bit further towards Westkapelle, for example. Domburg is known for its cosy beach bars and a boulevard that turns into a shopping street full of restaurants, boutiques and ice cream shops. Sounds touristy. It is. But Domburg does have something chic about it and it certainly doesn't feel massively touristy. Domburg is an authentic seaside resort with pretty, old characteristic houses (mostly low-rise) and green winding streets. Do you have a picture now?
Child-friendly beach bars and restaurants in Domburg
You also come to Domburg for the food. There are so many great restaurants and cheerful beach bars. In my opinion, all these tips are suitable for a visit with (small) children. The list below is a selection of our favourites, but the little village has much more to offer. In high season, it is wise to book in advance.
- Oaxaca (formerly The Stone Toko): this is our favourite spot. A big beach bar with a large terrace overlooking a playground on the beach. When we were there, there was also a beach bar and you could enjoy the tastiest mocktails & cocktails in the sand on beanbags. Not in the mood for wining & dining? They also have a snack bar & take-away.
- The Oasis: this beach bar (with play corner) overlooks the beach. While we enjoyed a glass of wine, the kids enjoyed flying kites on the beach (kite flying after 7pm, though).
- Beach90: also has a nice tropical vibe. We came here less frequently because they were not quite on our route.
- The Fish Bar: Fancy seafood after a morning or full day at the beach? Just steps away from the beach (in the village centre) is this fantastic restaurant. Very cosy for oysters with a glass of wine or a sumptuous dinner. Children are more than welcome and can feast on Fish & Chips.
- Also in the core is our favourite restaurant Market Six. From the terrace you can enjoy watching people getting their ice cream across the street. We are fans of the snacks and Frank (6) is totally in his element in the playroom (with TV!). Handy: in bad weather, the terrace gets a canopy.
- By Juuls is also a restaurant we like to visit more often. Although it really feels like a night out, we didn't feel weighed down by having a child with an iPad at the table. The dishes and wines are delicious and if the weather is nice, you can sit on the terrace and people-watch.
- The Beer and Milk Parlour is an oasis of calm on the edge of the village. Here, in my opinion, you can drink the best coffee in Domburg and completely unwind. In the beautiful courtyard garden, you can enjoy an organic breakfast or lunch with lots of vega(n) options. Children have also been thought of with a special children's menu.
- If you are in Domburg, you have to have an ice cream. I think everyone thinks so, because the tiny village has three ice cream shops and at all three there is almost always a queue. So the choice is vast, but of course this is your chance to try an ice cream with the flavour of Zeeland Bolussen.
Holidays in Domburg: shrimp fishing and breakfast at the Bier & Melksalon.
Fun things to do with children in (and near) Domburg
Domburg has everything for the perfect beach holiday and culinary pampering. But the beautiful seaside resort has more to offer!
- Domburg has a fantastic swimming pool with two impressive slides that our Frank still talks about. This swimming pool is part of Roompot. This immediately gives you a tip for a child-friendly stay! But I'll get to that in a moment.
- Your holiday is not complete without a visit to picturesque Veere. Stroll the streets, browse the boutiques and enjoy the view. We combined it with a delicious lunch in the harbour at Brasserie Fine Veere (tip tip tip).
- Buy a (second-hand) kite in advance! And if the kids are big enough: consider bringing a (second-hand) bodyboard. For toddlers, it is fun to fish shrimps. Nets can be bought from local entrepreneurs in the village. We have a really nice kite (tip)! It's this one: HQ Fluxx 180.
- Are you a city person? Then you should take the chance to visit characteristic Middelburg.
- Hire a bike or take one yourself on the back of the car, as the Domburg area has fantastic cycling routes. It can be a bit windy though, so for little ones, a seat might be nicer than cycling yourself.
- A day of less beautiful weather and looking for something to do with kids? Then you can hang out in the restaurant of Hof Poppendamme. Children can get lost in the large indoor playground made entirely of wood or romp around in the nature playground outside.
- Tip: on the way to or from your holiday, drive past the Delta Works and then take a good look around. You can also make a stop there at the Watersnoodmuseum If you want to learn more about it.
Left: a walk through picturesque Veere. Right: a mocktail at a beach club in Domburg.
Child-friendly accommodation in (and near) Domburg
Domburg has plenty of accommodation options. It is therefore a popular beach destination both among Dutch and Germans. Booking in time is recommended. I will give you some tips to get you started:
- Hof Domburg is Roompot's holiday park a stone's throw from the beach and the cosy village centre. Access to the insane swimming pool is the draw for us. For this reason, we chose a cottage at this park twice in a row.
- My dream is to spend a week once in a beach house. This can also be done in (and around) Domburg, but apparently I am not the only one with this fervent wish. Because when I looked in February, the whole summer was already fully booked. So even more for this tip: book early!
- Hire a camper van or a caravan and book a pitch at a (farm) campsite nearby. Domburg is full of campsites, so there is something for every type of camper. Would you like to take a campervan or caravan out yourself? You can rent those too!
- Domburg centre is home to a number of hotels in prime locations such as Badhotel Domburg, Beach hotel Domburg and Stayokay Domburg. You will also come across many cottages and flats with ‘for rent’ signs. Via Google (Maps), you can quickly find plenty of available hotels, guesthouses, bed & breakfasts and private holiday homes. Actually, everything in and around the village centre is an A-location. Good luck with your search and booking!
More tips for a holiday in the Netherlands
- Where are we going? We are going to Terschellinggggg.
- Prefer another Wadden Island. We also have that on offer: Vlieland tips and Texel tips!
- Also very cool: A week of roadtripping through Friesland.
Photo credits: thegreenlist.nl.
