A stay by the sea is a delight in itself. But if you also have a love for culture, Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin in Noordwijk is the perfect starting point. Located on the Dutch coast in South Holland, our seaside hotel offers easy access to world-class museums, historic cities, and unforgettable performances.

An Evening You Won’t Soon Forget: Soldier of Orange
Just a fifteen-minute drive from Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin, the Theater Hangaar in Katwijk hosts the legendary Dutch musical “Soldier of Orange” — one of the longest-running theatrical productions in the Netherlands. This immersive experience features a rotating stage and tells the moving story of resistance hero Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema.
What makes this performance so special is the combination of history and emotion. Many of our guests say they were left speechless afterwards. Especially for those who have lived through the war, either directly or indirectly, it’s an unforgettable evening.

Leiden – City of Discoveries
Less than a 20-minute drive from Noordwijk, the historic city of Leiden is a cultural treasure trove. Known as the “City of Discoveries”, Leiden boasts 13 outstanding museums, picturesque canals, and centuries-old architecture.

A selection of museums you won’t want to miss:

• Naturalis Biodiversity Center (Leiden): This spectacular natural history museum is an experience in itself. From sparkling gemstones to life-sized skeletons of prehistoric animals, Naturalis takes you on a journey through billions of years of history. This museum amazes both adults and children alike. Museum | Naturalis

 

• Museum De Lakenhal (Leiden Art Museum): In this atmospheric museum, the rich history of Leiden comes to life. Admire ancient tapestries, religious art, and paintings by masters such as Rembrandt van Rijn, who was born and raised in this city. Every room in this museum tells its own story. Museum De Lakenhal

 

• Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities): Step into the world of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. From impressive sarcophagi to centuries-old temple walls, this museum is a dream for history enthusiasts. The Egyptian collection is even one of the most impressive in Europe. Rijksmuseum van Oudheden

 

• Corpus: A museum unlike any other. At Corpus, you literally take a journey through the human body, from knee to brain. You’ll learn in an interactive and surprising way how your body works. Original, educational, and definitely worth experiencing at least once. CORPUS – Reis door de mens
• Hortus Botanicus: The Hortus Botanicus Leiden — one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Netherlands — is a serene oasis in the heart of the city. Among centuries-old trees, exotic flowers, and glass greenhouses full of tropical plants, it’s a wonderful place to linger. A perfect spot to relax together, away from the bustle. Hortus botanicus Leiden | Oudste botanische tuin van Nederland

For more details on these and other cultural attractions near Noordwijk and Leiden, visit: 13 fantastische musea | Leiden, Stad van Ontdekkingen | Visit Leiden

The Hague – Classic and Surprising
The Hague, in South Holland, is easily accessible from Noordwijk — just a 30-minute drive along the Dutch coast.. A city known for its royal allure, it also has a great deal to offer culturally.

A few exceptional museums at a glance:

• Museum Voorlinden: Situated on a beautiful estate in nearby Wassenaar, Museum Voorlinden is an oasis of peace and beauty, far from the bustle. The modern building, surrounded by nature, houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Both indoors and outdoors, you’ll be surprised by remarkable works that move and inspire. Voorlinden is more than just a museum—it’s a place where art, architecture, and landscape enhance one another and bring visitors together. Museum Voorlinden – Museum voor moderne en hedendaagse kunst

 

• Mauritshuis: In the heart of The Hague, the Mauritshuis is an elegant city palace that feels like a treasure chest. Here, you’ll find masterpieces by the greatest Dutch painters: Vermeer, Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Jan Steen. Its most famous work—Girl with a Pearl Earring—has drawn visitors from all over the world for decades, but lesser-known paintings also surprise with their refined details and rich colours. It’s as if the 17th century comes to life before your eyes. The Mauritshuis: The most beautiful museum in The Hague | Mauritshuis

 

• Escher in Het Paleis: Step into a world where staircases seem to go on forever and fish transform into birds. M.C. Escher, master of optical illusions and graphic art, never fails to amaze both young and old. His works play with perspective, mathematics, and imagination, revealing new details with every visit. The museum is housed in a former royal palace on the Lange Voorhout. In this regal setting, art and history merge into one unique experience in the Hague. Home | Museum Escher in Het Paleis

 

• Panorama Mesdag: More than 140 years old and still just as impressive, the Panorama of Scheveningen transports you back to 1881. In 1880, Hendrik Willem Mesdag received the commission of a lifetime and worked alongside his wife Sientje Mesdag-van Houten and fellow artists George Hendrik Breitner, Bernard Blommers, and Théophile de Bock. From the Seinpost Dune—then the highest point in Scheveningen—they painted a 360-degree view of the sea, dunes, and the old fishing village. It is the largest painting in the Netherlands and the oldest panorama in the world still in its original location in The Hague. It truly feels as if you are stepping back into 19th-century Scheveningen. Museum Panorama Mesdag

 

Discover, Experience, and Relax at Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin

Whether you choose a day filled with art in The Hague, a historical journey through Leiden, or an emotional evening at Soldier of Orange, at Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin in Noordwijk you can fully unwind afterwards. Enjoy a dinner with a sea view, a relaxing walk along the beach, and the luxury that makes our hotel truly unique.

Did you know that our hotel also boasts a rich art collection? In various areas, you’ll find works by artist George van Herwaarde, created especially for Huis ter Duin. His creations give our halls and corridors a unique atmosphere, making your stay even more inspiring.

After a day full of art, stories, and discoveries, the sea and the warm hospitality of Huis ter Duin await you. Plan your cultural getaway to the Dutch coast and book your room now at Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin.

 

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Published: 15 August 2025