Clear Blue Afternoon

Charming and cosy, this thatched cottage is set on a holiday park only 1.5km away from Noordwijk's sprawling sandy shore. The area has plenty to discover, especially in spring, when everyone flocks to Lisse for its magnificent flower display – but during the summer, however, we bet the beach will be calling your name. Blue skies call for walks along the coast, swimming in the North Sea and relaxing in the sun. When you grow peckish, grab a bite to eat at the restaurants nestled along the lively promenade, or if you want to stay active, hop on a bike and cycle through the woods and dunes.

Back home, unwind in the garden after a busy day exploring, sharing a bottle of wine and catching the last of the evening rays. Dine alfresco under the starry sky before retreating to the living area come nightfall. If you fancy a film, there's a DVD player perfect for family movie nights, or simply relax on the soft sofa and reminisce about the afternoon's adventure instead. Open plan and comfortable, every room is decorated in that classic Scandi-style that's equal parts cosy and contemporary. We think it's a great option for a family, as there's more than enough space to spread out and make yourself at home.

Home truths:
*This host has multiple cottages in the same holiday park – the exact layout, views, and design of your home might vary slightly from the photos
*There's a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom here for those with limited mobility
*There are two spaces available in the on-site parking lots – we suggest renting a car if you're keen to explore
*The kitchen has a combination oven/microwave – we think it's probably better suited to cooking up lighter meals
*If needed, the dining table can double as a laptop-friendly workspace
*Groups of young people up to 25 years old are not allowed in July or August