Inside Holland’s fairytale theme park Efteling – perfect for kids and thrillseekers
THE fairytale forest was truly magical – with all my childhood favourites in an enchanting woodland setting.
I spotted Hansel and Gretel’s tempting sweetie house, Tom Thumb and Little Red Riding Hood.
But they would have to wait.
My three teens and tweens were heading straight for Baron 1898, a terrifying ride at Efteling, Holland’s most spectacular theme park.
An easy three-hour drive from Calais, its attractions nestle in beautiful lakes and woodland with spotless winding paths.
It is the most stunning theme park I have seen, with fantastic attention to detail transporting visitors into the magical Efteling world.
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But as soon as we arrived, my girls were determined to try each adrenalin-fuelled ride and rollercoaster.
Thrill-seekers will not be disappointed.
Baron 1898 is the park’s most popular, with a high drop then fast swoosh that scared the daylights out of us all . . . all three times we rode it.
My favourite was the rickety, bumpy ride on an old-fashioned wooden roller-coaster.
Another that made me giggle — and captured Efteling’s spirit — was the split-personality Water-Coaster, where a rapid climb, plunge, loop-the-loop and splash-down were followed by drifting slowly and serenely across the lake to disembark.
It is surreal fun and effectively two rides in one. What’s not to love?
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If you are looking for something gentler, you have the rest of the park.
There are rides and attractions around every corner, including beautiful play areas, splash parks, princesses, fairies, gnomes and other playful characters.
Little ones will be entranced by the Fairytale Forest, where I spotted those beloved characters from my early years.
As part of the park’s 70th anniversary celebrations, visitors can take part in the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and play along with the March Hare. In Max & Moritz Square you can enjoy singing, dancing and pranks.
Dutch hospitality is second to none.
Every staff member was friendly, charming and welcoming. (A special mention to the attendant who bravely removed my daughter’s stinky flip-flops as we sat on a rollercoaster.)
Unusually for a theme park, the food is excellent. There was a huge selection, including plenty of good-value healthy, fresh options.
If you prefer to be naughty, you will not be disappointed either.
There were delicious fresh breads and pastries, plus the Dutch speciality frites — gorgeous, crispy hot chips.
If you enjoy a show, do not miss Caro, the wonderful extravaganza in the park’s theatre.
It is full of acrobatics, special effects, dancing and singing that kept the audience of mostly little ones entranced.
In keeping with Efteling, it was slightly bonkers — and all the better for it.
We were very lucky to stay in the park’s self-catering accommodation, setting up in a beautiful house in a tranquil lakeside woodland setting.
With a small garden and generous living space, it was the perfect place to wind down after a busy day.
If you fancy, you can even have croissants delivered to your door in the morning, or pop along to the small shop in the adjacent hotel.
Book in advance and you can tuck into the hotel’s breakfast buffet or enjoy an excellent evening meal.
Those who choose to self-cater can also use the hotel pool.
An oasis of calm, with lovely clean changing rooms, it was the perfect tonic after a day’s fun in the park.
It is this juxtaposition that makes Efteling so special, combining madcap fun with unexpected tranquillity.
It is a tonic for the soul and a treat for the family.
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If you can, stay at least three nights to enjoy the park and the relaxing accommodation.
Next time I visit, I will bring friends with little ones . . . and finally get to enjoy the Fairytale Forest!
Getting to Efteling
GETTING THERE: Ferry from Dover to Calais from £182 for a car and family of four. It’s a three-hour 45-min drive to the park. See dfds.com.
Or take the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam and connect to ‘s-Hertogenbosch – prices from £287pp. See eurostar.com.
STAYING/PLAYING THERE: A two-night stay for a family of four at Holiday Village Efteling Bosrijk is from £187pp, arriving July 30. Includes breakfast and three days of unlimited access to Efteling, just ten minutes from the hotel. See efteling.com.