We”ve all been to Amsterdam. It”s one of the world”s favourite cities. Noisy, brash, ideal for the weekend and only one hour”s flying time from London. From the station underneath Schiphol Airport the central rail terminus station is just 20 minutes away.
Turn left for Amsterdam from the airport.
But have you considered literally turning right to The Hague?
Just about the same train journey away but entirely different. It”s just as flat and the good folk also speak excellent English, perhaps even better than in Amsterdam. The Hague is not even technically a city due to a row centuries ago with nearby Delft, and whilst Amsterdam is legally the capital of Holland The Hague is the centre of government and the home of Queen Beatrix. The Hague is where the International Court of Justice is domiciled, as well as dozens of other global organisations. Some 100 countries are accredited. Arriving Ambassadors are treated to a similar welcome as they get in London. The Queen sends a horse-drawn coach which takes the new appointee to the Palace, a small but imposing building (pictured below) right in the centre where pomp and ceremony are the order of the day. It”s an impressive way to present your testimonial.
Queen Beatrix's Palace
Get off the train at The Hague Central but don”t look for a taxi. The Hague must be one of the few cities in the world where they just don”t
exist, or hardly do so. Everyone either walks, uses a bicycle or takes public transport, often a tram. We would highly recommend the Le M”ridien des Indes, five minutes walk from the station (pictured right). Dating from 1858, and with just 92 rooms, it is the ultimate boutique hotel, a small fortune having been spent on a recent renovation. The service and tea room facilities are in keeping with the surroundings (pictured below). And it is not expensive by London standards.
Somewhat different, absolutely fine for a family weekend or business stop, is the Golden Tulip Bel Air,15 minutes on the tram from the (city) centre and halfway to the seaside resort of Scheveningen. Situated in the heart of the diplomatic area it has large internet equipped guestrooms, a well proportioned swimming pool and all the usual facilities. Next door is an IMAX theatre. As an alternative to the perfectly acceptable hotel restaurant the local high street provides a fine selection of eating places. Visitors to one of the many world organisation in the locally need to eat and are well paid and particular. ”50 will buy a fine meal for two.
The Hague has so many things to see and do ” all year round for young and old alike. A visit to Omniversum zoo is a spectacular and educational adventure. Duinrell amusement park provides a whole day of enjoyment with its many attractions and fun in the water. The miniature city of Madurodam is magnificently illuminated at night.
The lounge at Hotel des Indes
The Gemeentemuseum is well-known for its unique collection of paintings and drawings by the world-famous Dutch artist Piet Mondrianan. This museum, housed in the splendid building designed by H. P. Berlage, is just one of the many museums in The Hague where visitors can admire fantastic art collections. Another of these is the Mauritshuis with such pieces as ”The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Tulp” by Rembrandt, ”The Girl with the Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer (pictured below), and many other world-famous works by such Dutch Masters such as Jan Steen, Frans Hals and Paulus Potter.
The Panorama Mesdag
Very much worth a visit is Panorama Mesdag, a cylindrical painting with a height of more than 14m (46ft) and a circumference of 120m (394ft). This panorama of the sea, the dunes, and the village of Scheveningen was painted by Hendrik Willem Mesdag, one of the best-known artists of The Hague School. It is the oldest 19th century panorama to have remained in its original location. Panorama Mesdag is a unique cultural-historical monument.
Scheveningen is a short tram ride away and popular beach resort that has developed over 150 years. It has a fine promenade for walks in the winter. Indoors is the Sculptures By The Sea museum and The Lion King show is domiciled there. Dominating the whole place is the Steingenberger Kauhas Hotel, massive and world famous. Its excellent, and very large, dining room was once a casino but this has been transferred to an ultra modern building just across the road. To put it in perspective Scheveningen attracts 10m visitors every year.
Sculptures by the Sea
Take the train or tram to the city of Delft, world famous for its blue tinted china and one of the great trading cities of the Middle Ages. It is a fascinating place, a very busy small market town built around a series of canals with cars virtually banned. In the summer you can take a guided boat tour and learn much of its history. During the winter join a group organised by the helpful tourist board. The Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) is very old (1496) and is the burial place of the Dutch monarchs including William of Orange, not to be confused with William III, his grandson, also the third King William of England (who reigned in England with his wife Mary, daughter of James II). Museums, monuments and churches abound. Most are open until 1700 and are covered by a single pass.
Delft also means pottery. The Royal Dutch Delftware Manufactory de Porceleyne Fles, established in 1653, is the last remaining delftware factory from the 17th century. The world famous Royal Delftware is still entirely hand painted according to a centuries-old tradition. A tour at Royal Delft includes painting demonstrations and visits to the factory museum with antique pieces and the factory.