Museums and other Attractions:
Coastal Defence Museum –‘Fort aan den Hoek van Holland’ - Opened in 1889, it was intended for the defense of the then newly excavated Nieuwe Waterweg against attacks from sea. This restored armored fort is now a museum. Price:€ 3,60, for children€ 1,80. Open: every first weekend of the months may till November, on Saturday from 1.00 – 4.00 p.m. and on Sunday from 12.00 – 4.00 p.m.
Jan Lels Lifeboat Museum and National Ferry Service Museum - The Jan Lels lifeboat museum gives a poignant impression of the rescue services. The National Ferry Service Museum provides an illustration of the history of the ferry services. Price: € 2,-, for children € 2,- Open: January till November every Sunday and Wednesday from 1.00 – 5.00 p.m.
Coastal Lighting Museum - The coastal lighting museum is housed in the 100 year old lighthouse which stands along the Nieuwe Waterweg. Price: € 1,- for a guided tour, Open: May till September, every Saturday and Sunday from 1.00 – 4.00 p.m.
Foundation for the Hook of Holland Fortress - The foundation protects, restores and will ultimately open the fort to the public. The combat area which contains a canon, the ammunition storeroom, a table model and display cases housing excavated objects may be viewed.
Jan Knijnenburg Greenhouse Museum
Situated in the middle of the polder, this private greenhouse museum offers visitors a unique collection of horticultural tools and equipment which have to do with greenhouse cultivation and production in Westland (the area around the Hook of Holland). Two small greenhouses can be found behind the museum. Price: € 1,50 for a guided tour and a cup of coffee. By appointment only (tel.0174-513526/06-16714872). Open every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 1.00–4.30 p.m.
EXPO-INFO Pavilion Waterway Centre - This striking building along the Nieuwe Waterweg houses two exhibitions: a changing exhibition of Hook of Holland and the exhibition ‘Rotterdam a safe port’.
Open: every Tuesday till Sunday 10.00 – 5.00 p.m. Price: for free.
An interesting place to visit might be the Storm Surge Barrier; De Maesland Kering is the final element of a plan to protect the Netherlands from the sea. The two arms of the storm surge barrier together close off the 360 metre wide Nieuwe Waterweg. The construction is virtually as big as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, but it is four times as heavy in weight! Open: Monday till Friday 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m., Weekends 11.00 a.m. –5.00 p.m.
Boat trips - You can also enjoy a bboat trip from May through September, on the cruise boat Watergeus, which departs from the pier on the Koningin Emmaboulevard every Sunday at 12.00, 2.00 and 4.00 p.m. The boat passes by the Europoort harbours. Call 010–5917705 for reservations. Price: € 6,80; € 4,50 for children.
Canoeing – learn canoeing and boating techniques at Vloed Kanosport (reservations 010–4840777), or on canoe on the beach next to Hoekse Watersportvereniging in the Rechtestraat.
Scooter Safari
Camping Hoek van Holland, Wierstraat 100, Hoek van Holland, tel. 0174-382550. For the duration of two hours, explore the wildlife of the Hook of Holland with special scooters for adults and children. A map is included. Price: € 5,- for two hours; or € 10,- for the whole day.
Rollerblading - you can find an enjoyable skating route through the woods and the dunes (4 km). For a free map visit the Tourist Info on Pr. Hendrikstraat 265, Hook of Holland.
Bonnenpolder - The Bonnen, an age-old polder landscape at the mouth of the Meuse, is an ideal area for cycling and walking. The open area contrasts nicely with the surroundings, thus confirming its status as an oasis of tranquility and spaciousness. The driving of automobiles is not permitted in the area.
If you are traveling with your family, visit the Petting zoo (on Willem van Houtenstraat 71, Hoek van Holland, tel. 0174-382596). There is also a playground opened daily, Playground de Ridderhof, on Prins Hendrikstraat 144d, Hoek van Holland.
Bicycle rental
K.v.d. Burg, Prins Hendrikstraat 235-241, Hoek van Holland
P. van Leeuwen, Prins Hendrikstraat 203, Hoek van Holland
Events - there is an events calendar every year that you can pick-up for free at the Tourist Info, located on Pr. Hendrikstraat 265, Hook of Holland., or at the Hook of Holland Camp Ground.
Getting There - By car
If you are coming from Rotterdam, please follow A20/N20. From Den Haag follow E19/E30. When you have arrived in Hook of Holland, please follow the signs for 'Ferry to Harwich'.
