| Though sometimes overshadowed by the warmer | | | | Month in Holland, during which there are many bike |
| climes of Southern European countries, Holland is a | | | | related activities, perfect for families and friends to |
| popular place to visit throughout the year and there | | | | get away and enjoy an active break. |
| are some incredible sights and events that are | | | | During the summer months visitors can experience |
| occurring during 2008. | | | | some of the fabulous sandy beaches that are dotted |
| Over the Easter weekend gourmands could venture | | | | along the Dutch coastline, or head to Amsterdam in |
| to the Museum of Chocolate in Cologne, under three | | | | August for the annual Grachtenfestival when classical |
| hours’ drive from the Hook of Holland. | | | | concerts are held on the canals. As autumn |
| Chocoholics will be dazzled by the three metre high | | | | approaches holidaymakers can see Holland in all its |
| chocolate fountain and the various shows on how | | | | autumnal glory; while in September, Schevingen beach |
| chocolate shapes and truffles are made. | | | | in The Hague hosts the annual Scheveningen Kite |
| Spring is the perfect time to see the incredible | | | | Festival. |
| carpets of tulips that are iconic to Holland. Established | | | | November sees the arrival of Sinterklaas, |
| in 1949 Keukenhof Gardens is the world’s largest | | | | Holland’s version of Father Christmas. After |
| flower garden and is a must-see in spring when more | | | | Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam he embarks on a |
| than seven million buds bloom. On 30 April, Holland | | | | festive parade through the city; this truly is a magical |
| celebrates Koninginnedag or Queen’s Day, one | | | | event for the family, especially those with young |
| of the most important dates in Holland’s calendar. | | | | children. In December avid shoppers can load up their |
| Throughout Holland everyone dresses in orange | | | | car with a selection of Dutch goodies from the |
| costumes, and eats and drinks orange-coloured food | | | | Christmas markets present in Holland’s main |
| and drink, and even some of the water in fountains | | | | towns and cities. |
| is dyed orange! During the day, in Amsterdam and | | | | Getting there is easy, with a regular ferry to Holland |
| throughout Holland there are many open-air parties | | | | departing from Harwich to the Hook of Holland twice |
| and concerts which can attract up to 800,000 | | | | daily. |
| visitors. | | | | If you're looking to get away from all the other Brits |
| Holland is also famous for its incredible network of | | | | heading abroad to the beaches of Spain and France, |
| cycle paths and cyclists can take advantage of this | | | | a holiday in Holland is the perfect alternative, with |
| by exploring the country via bike. May is Bicycle | | | | plenty of culture, nature and fun to be found. |