Autumn walks in and around The Hague

Autumn is here, and it immediately makes us want to go for a long autumn walk. Walking through piles of leaves, collecting conkers and, of course, enjoying a hot chocolate afterwards. Luckily, we live in a city surrounded by forests, dunes and beautiful country estates where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the great outdoors.

In this blog, we’ll share our favourite green (or should we say red, orange and yellow?) spots for a lovely autumn walk.

Good, better, best

On the outskirts of the city, you’ll find some beautiful country estates that are particularly lovely to explore in autumn. Here are two of our favourites.

Landgoed Clingendael

This grand estate, located between The Hague and Wassenaar, dates back centuries. Clingendael was laid out in the English landscape style, which became popular in the 17th century. You’ll find charming little buildings, ponds and gardens with clusters of trees.

Landgoed Ockenburgh

Located on the southern edge of The Hague, near Monster, this is a place where ordinary people like us weren’t welcome for centuries… Landgoed Ockenburgh was reserved for noblemen and noblewomen! Lucky for us, that’s no longer the case.

De Nieuwe Scheveningse Bosjes

We especially recommend this little patch of greenery because The Hague treasure De Boshut is located right on the edge of the forest. And how lovely is it to flop down for a well-deserved coffee and a little treat after a walk with a few ups and downs? Yes, you’ll find some hilly paths in this forest! De Boshut is the perfect spot to recharge afterwards.

Het Haagse Bos

The most famous forest in The Hague is, of course, the Haagse Bos, home to Huis ten Bosch Palace. In this centuries-old forest, the Hague nobility used to go on carriage rides, and today everyone can enjoy a little nature right in the heart of the city. Spot the deer at Koekamp, wander along the ponds and follow the lovely winding paths, or bring the kids to one of the two adventure playgrounds in the forest: Speelbos Huttenbos, next to the large pond, or Speelbos Robin Hood, with rope and suspension bridges, a zip line and a climbing wall.

Wander through the dunes

Autumn walks aren’t just wonderful in the forest. The dunes are just as lovely this time of year. In Meijendel, north of the city towards Wassenaarse Slag, you can wander for miles along winding paths past small dune lakes and patches of woodland. In Westduinpark, south of The Hague towards Kijkduin, you can roam through the dunes while enjoying views of the sea. There’s a good chance you’ll spot a Scottish Highland cow along the way!

Fancy a breath of fresh sea air on your autumn walk? Simply cross the dunes and you’ll find yourself on the beach, ready for a bracing dose of sea breeze. And that hot chocolate afterwards will taste even better!