E L T I P S V R T
Efteling is a theme park that markets itself as a hidden gem to us Brits but to the Dutch it’s like Disneyland.
Built around the original attraction of a fairytale forest – a woodland walk littered with scenes from classic childhood stories – Efteling has grown into one of Europe’s biggest fun parks and it is right on our doorstep.
While older kids might initially turn their noses up at a fairytale attraction, rest assured there is something for the everyone behind the impressive thatched spires of the stunning entrance gate.
My daredevil, soon-to-be-sevenyear-old son Ed was determined to test his boundaries on the big-boy rides, now he is tall enough.
He clutched my hand as we raced through pitch-black tunnels in a disorientatingly dark roller coaster.
And we screamed in perfect harmony as we sped round a massive wooden coaster themed on George and the Dragon.
Any thrill seeker would be more than satisfied with the loop-theloops, vertical drops, corkscrews and wet rides on offer. Fortunately (for me) Ed found his boundaries and said he was happy to join his sister Ellie, three, on the tamer rides.
There is so much to see and do you need more than a day. It is the perfect destination for a family mini-break. Accommodation ranges from hotels and apartments to holiday homes. We stayed in the Loonsche Land Hotel. It is part of the resort but a 20-minute woodland walk from the entrance, making it feel like an oasis of calm at the end of each day.
The family room could have slept six in wonderfully comfortable beds. Evening meals were exceptionally good and the breakfast buffet was beautifully fresh and plentiful.
Food at Efteling generally was a step up from your usual theme park fare.
I was blown away by the quality and variety – everything from freshly made sandwiches and healthy THE Efteling website has loads of info to plan your trip and download the Efteling app for an interactive map, including ride waiting times. CHECK online for Holland’s school term dates. They don’t always coincide with ours so you can enjoy the park on quieter days in the Easter and summer hols while Dutch kids are in class. HOTEL guests can get in half an hour before anyone else with some rides running and the chance to get first in the queue for others.