Things to do in The Hague
Burn some rubber at the karting centre
The Hague's karting centre, De Uithof (+ 31 0900 22 84 84 63; www.deuithof.nl) claims to offer a challenge for experienced drivers and novices alike. The centre also offers a wide range of other activities, including laser tagging and bungee football, and at certain times of the year, icekarting, rock climbing and skiing.
Explore The Hague’s excellent cycle options
The Dutch 'national sport' is cycling, and this is an excellent way to explore The Hague and the surrounding areas – provision for cyclists is very good, and it's possible to travel around safely protected from traffic. There are plenty of outlets offering bikes for hire, including at Rent a bike, Noordeinde 39 (www.rentabikethehague.nl), or at Rent a road bike, Bogaardplein 16 (www.rent-a-road-bike.com/Den-Haag/The-Hague).
Feel 100ft tall at the Madurodam
One of The Hague’s most unique attractions is this miniature theme park (madurodam.nl/nl/) that gathers a selection of Holland’s most popular sights in one tiny place. Some of the attention to detail is staggering: go in sunny weather and embrace your inner Gulliver.
Find the girl with the pearl earring
She might not be quite as famous as the Louvre’s Mona Lisa, but a visit to the Mauritshuis Museum (tel: +31 070 302 3456; www.mauritshuis.nl/nl-nl/) to see the The Girl With A Pearl Earring is an intrinsic part of any trip to The Hague. As well as Johannes Vermeer’s 17th-entry masterpiece, you will find a plethora of rooms bursting with the finest exponents of the Dutch Golden Age of painting.
Get your swim on, and your surf on…
During the summer, the local beaches at Scheveningen and Kijkduin offer an excellent range of water-based activities ranging from simple swimming to more adventurous pursuits such as surfing. There is a surfing school at the Hart Surfshop (www.hartbeach.nl) on Scheveningen Beach offering a range of courses for various levels of skill and experience.
