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Add as a favourite source on Google Add DutchNews as a favourite source on GoogleThe area of countryside known as Midden-Groningen describes itself as the “playground” of the city of the same name. The region is home to country estates, windmills, little museums and plenty of outdoor places to explore by bike, foot and by boat.

Dotted around the countryside you will also see some of the traces of the regional gas industry, which has now been shut down because of the damage caused by earthquakes.

Five things to do in Midden-Groningen

Visit a country house

The Groningen country house, or borg, Fraeylemaborg in Slochteren was lived in by its wealthy owners well into the 20th century, but parts of the complex date back to the 13th. The entire building is now open to the public, from the attic to the kitchens and offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of wealthy Groningers.

The grounds are also open to explore and regular re-enactments are staged in the grounds. When we visited a medieval battle, complete with tents, villagers and cannon, was being re-created much to the delight of the many children in the audience. The café with its sunny terrace is a good stop for lunch.

Take in a museum

There are plenty of small, regional museums in the region. In Hoogezand you will find the national bus museum, which attracts bus fans from all over the globe, and a historic wharf that has been virtually untouched since 1922.

In Sappemeer is the fire brigade museum and your offspring will be able to help put out a fire on certain days in the summer. Zuidbroek is home to a railway museum, in the old station, with a treasure hunt, train simulator for budding drivers and a collection of model trains.

**Check out a windmill **

The region is home to several windmills, some of which were used to pump out water when the land was being drained. De Wachter, on the edge of Zuidlaren, is a working oilseed mill with a small museum and great views if you can brave the ladders to reach the top.

It still produces linseed and corn oil, and four types of spices, all of which you can buy in the shop. Open on Saturday and Wednesday afternoon.

Wander in nature

The Drentsche Aa national park, on the edge of Zuidlaren, takes its name from the river Aa which meanders through the countryside from Drenthe into Groningen province. Home to plenty of wildlife and megalithic tombs known as hunebedden, it is one of the oldest landscapes in the country. You can follow various cycling and walking routes and the visitors centre has a welcoming café for lunch or high tea.

See the Veenkoloniën by boat

Pick up a canoe or an electric motorboat at Peddel en zo in Kiel-Windeweer and follow one of several routes along canals and rivers, from one hour to a full day. You will pass through ribbon villages and the remains of old peat workings, with plenty of opportunities to stop for lunch or a swim.

Where to eat

There is plenty of choice throughout the region. De Amshoff in Kiel-Windeweer comes highly recommended for dinner but was fully booked when we were there. It also offers overnight stays. Van Heijningen Bosch in Veendam is housed in a listed country house and serves lunch and evening fine dining.

The Grand Café in Zuidlaren offers traditional Dutch café fare – steaks, spare ribs – as well as cheese fondue and a hearty Dutch stew. Be aware, many places are closed Monday, Tuesday and even Wednesday, so check first.

Where to stay

We stayed in a little wooden cabin in the small-scale complex known as Romala’s Home in Kiel-Windeweer, where they also have a fascinating (enormous) shop full of bric-a-brac.

Het Torentje van Trips is a B&B in a converted water mill which sleeps up to eight in the east of the region. Zuidlaren has a couple of fairly ordinary hotels while Pieks in Noordlaren gets rave reviews online. There are also plenty of campsites if you are looking for something a little less refined.

How to get there

There are some bus and train services, but a car is probably the best, and easiest, way to get around. Rent a bike if you like cycling.

Anything else?

If you are looking for a longer stay, there is plenty more to explore in north eastern Groningen, including the fortified village of Bourtange and lots more borgs (manor houses).

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