Explore 9 North Brabant castles

Heeswijk castle is only a 15-minute drive from the historic city of 's-Hertogenbosch. With a lovely drawbridge, moat, castle towers, neatly landscaped gardens and a fantastic interior, it’s no wonder that this is one of the most beautiful castles in the Netherlands. Children discover the castle’s treasures during a fun treasure hunt. The estate itself is a wonderful place for walking and cycling. Heeswijk Castle is an official Nature Gate and on the Heeswijk-Dinther Monastery Trail. Bij de Barones in Het Koetshuis (The Coach House) is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, lunch or a drink. Cyclists are warmly welcomed here as it is an official Brabant Bicycle Café.

Maurick Castle is another enchanting castle. It’s in a unique setting on an island on River Dommel, near 's-Hertogenbosch. Cross the moat over the drawbridge and enter the castle’s inner courtyard. To see the castle from inside, book a table at the à la carte restaurant Hendrik van Maurick or Brasserie Catharina. Complete your visit with an overnight stay in one of the three suites. The forested area around the castle is wonderful for walking.

Heeze Castle is amid the vast forests and heathlands. It is one of the last inhabited castles in the Netherlands. This National Monument consists of two parts: the medieval Eymerick Castle and the newer 17th century castle, both with their own inner courtyard. The interior contains almost entirely authentic furniture and there is an impressive collection of paintings to admire. The castle is not open to visitors, but you can go on a guided tour on Wednesdays and Sundays. That can easily be combined with a walk or bicycle ride through the beautiful surroundings. The TOP Scenic Cycle Route Strabrechtse Heide takes you past the castle as well as through the Hubertusbossen (forest) and over the Strabrechtse Heide.

Charming Dussen Castle, located near De Biesbosch National Park, looks as if it has come from a picture book. This castle’s history goes back to the 14th century. The castle is not open to visitors, but you can book a guided tour. Activities are also held here such as concerts and theatrical performances. A visit to Dussen Castle can easily be combined with a day out in the Biesbosch. Visit the Biesbosch MuseumEiland, go on a boat trip on a whisper boat or follow the TOP Scenic Cycle Route Biesbosch. A full day out in Brabant!

Go on a lovely bike ride through the Land van Cuijk, in the northeast of Brabant, and you will feel like you have landed in the French countryside. Enjoy the beautiful Tongelaar Castle and Benedenhof Farm in peace and quiet on the tranquil and vast Tongelaar Estate in Mill. The castle is open to visitors on Wednesdays and Sundays. You can also enjoy a delicious lunch here and even spend the night at the holiday farm on the estate. The Monastery Trail, Velp – Sint Agatha stage, is a tip for those who enjoy walking. It’s a long 26-kilometre trail that as well as taking you past Tongelaar Castle also includes old monasteries and churches.

Boxmeer Castle is located on the border of Germany and the Province of Limburg. This fortress, on a former island on the Maas, was repeatedly besieged, destroyed and rebuilt for centuries. During a visit you learn all about the castle’s rich history, its former noble inhabitants and the nuns that currently reside in the castle. The Castle Museum is open on the first Sunday of the month and it’s a great stop-over location during a day of walking or cycling in the surrounding area. Boxmeer Castle is on the Monastery Trail, Sint-Agatha – Boxmeer stage.