Villas in Groningen

Vlagtwedde suits cycling and the Bourtange fort, Pieterburen suits mudflat walking, and Lauwersoog has the ferry to Schiermonnikoog. Groningen is the quiet north-east corner of the Netherlands, with wide farmland, the Wadden Sea coast and a lively university city. It is a long drive from Schiphol, at around two to two and a half hours.

Where

Villas: 23
From, per week: £380
Cheapest month: October
Nearest airports: Amsterdam Schiphol, around an hour and a quarter from London, is two to two and a half hours by car. Groningen Eelde airport is small and has few international routes. By sea, the Newcastle to IJmuiden overnight ferry lands around two and a half hours away. Driving from Calais takes around five and a half hours.

Where to stay in Groningen

Vlagtwedde and Bourtange (Westerwolde)

Vlagtwedde has the most of our Groningen houses. It sits in Westerwolde, the most wooded part of the province, along the small river Ruiten Aa and the German border. Bourtange, around ten minutes away, is a restored 16th-century star fort with moats, ramparts and a village inside. The old monastery at Ter Apel is about 20 minutes south. Groningen city is around 50 minutes by car.

Best for: Cycling, woods and a star-shaped fortress village

Not for you if: You want the coast: the Wadden Sea is over an hour north.

Vriescheloo and Bellingwolde

Vriescheloo is a village of long farmhouses close to Bellingwolde, in the north of Westerwolde. The Oldambtmeer, a lake dug out as part of the Blauwestad project, is around a quarter of an hour north, with swimming beaches and boat hire. Winschoten, the nearest town with a station and supermarkets, is about ten minutes away. Groningen city is around 45 minutes by car.

Best for: Quiet village stays near a big new lake

Not for you if: You want plenty of restaurants: these are small farming villages.

Pieterburen (the Wadden coast)

Pieterburen is a village just inland from the sea dike, and the base for guided mudflat walks (wadlopen) across the Wadden Sea at low tide. The village has a well-known seal rescue centre, open to visitors. The Pieterpad, a long-distance path that runs the length of the country, starts here. Groningen city is around half an hour away, and Schiphol around two and a half hours.

Best for: Mudflat walking, seals and wide open skies

Not for you if: You want a sandy beach: this coast is dikes, salt marsh and mudflats.

Lauwersoog (Lauwersmeer)

Lauwersoog is a fishing harbour on the dam between the Wadden Sea and the Lauwersmeer, now a national park of reed beds, creeks and birds, and dark enough at night for stargazing. The ferry to Schiermonnikoog takes around 45 minutes and carries bikes but not visitors' cars. Fish restaurants line the harbour. Groningen city is about 45 minutes by car.

Best for: Island day trips, birdwatching and fresh fish

Not for you if: You want a pretty historic village: Lauwersoog is a working harbour.

Delfzijl and Appingedam (the Ems estuary)

Delfzijl is a port town on the Ems estuary, with a small seafront beach and views across to Germany. Appingedam, around ten minutes away, is known for its kitchens built out over the canal. The farmland around has old churches on raised mounds (wierden), built against floods. Groningen city is around half an hour away, and Schiphol about two and a half hours.

Best for: A harbour town base close to Groningen city

Not for you if: You want rural quiet: Delfzijl is an industrial port.

When to go to Groningen

May, June and September are the best months for cycling and walking, with long days and fewer visitors than in July and August, the Dutch school holidays. Guided mudflat walks run in the warmer months only, roughly May to September, and depend on tides and weather, so book ahead. The Wadden coast is windy all year. Winters are cold, grey and damp, but Groningen city's museums and cafes stay busy and holiday homes are cheaper.