If you fly in with Ryanair to Eindhoven airport, and you want to cycle, walk, chill out, go sightseeing or horse riding, don’t overlook the south of The Netherlands. It is just as pittoresque, if not more so, than the north of the country. And if you plan to visit Amsterdam we are worth a visit also, even if it is for one night only! Let us organise your overnight stay, your Weekend Break, Midweek or a longer holiday with us in or near Oirschot.
"For 10% reservation charges to us, we organise your entire trip".
THE TOWN
Oirschot is a small and extremely lively, very picturesque old market town, just north of Eindhoven and not far from the Belgium border. We have the highest number of traditional Dutch listed monuments per capita of any town or city in The Netherlands, and these houses and churches are largely grouped around the market square.
THE COUNTRYSIDE
The countryside here is very different from the flat and virtually treeless lands north of the big rivers. We live in the ‘Burgundian’ part of The Netherlands, south of what we call ‘the big rivers’ (the Meuse and Rhine). We are surrounded by small pastures, arable land, tree nurseries and intensive farms.
Most farmers also keep or breed horses, ponies, donkeys, goats, deer, rabbits, exotic birds and poultry. Cyclists and walkers, and also people staying in Orischot itself can see them everywhere. The farm houses are majestic with their living quarters and stables sometimes still under the same roof. But many of these old farms have been converted into magnificent homes that are also worth seeing! The countryside is traversed by canals and small rivers. The fields are lined by trees and hedgerows. We have wetlands, extensive forests and beautiful nature reserves. These reserves include some very rare sand dunes and extensive grasslands, heathers and fens. Many reserves are grazed by free-roaming herds of large grazers.
CYCLING, WALKING, HORSE RIDING
You can experience and see our wonderful countryside first-hand via an excellent and extensive self-guided cycling- and walking route network, and via an extensive horse-riding network. Cycling is the number ONE pasttime activity here. The cycle network is second to none, very safe and rural.
Helmets for recreational cycling are not mandatory, and are used for mountain bikes only. Our walking network is graded into paved routes accessible to wheelchairs and prams, medium routes and ‘boot’ roots. Walkers can, if they choose, employ an English language guide, but the self-guided maps are excellent and will suffice. Horse riding treks will always be under professional supervision.
CHILLING OUT
Oirschot itself is like an old curiosity shop, built around a central market square, with 17th-century houses, much older churches, curiosity shops, pubs, cafes, restaurants and, of course, the terraces!
It is the ideal place to return to after a day’s cycling, walking, or riding (though horse treks of more than one day, and also longer hikes can include accommodation elsewhere). And, for families and those interested in cultural and/or touristic outings, Oirschot is also the ideal place to return to. In fact, you need not go anywhere else at all. You can lounge around any of the many terraces on the central square for most of the day, making forages into the shops, engage in a guided walk through the town, and, if you like, go for short bicycle rides round and about the town. The best way to get around here is to cycle from and to your B&B/hotel/camping. You can also cycle to child-friendly cafes/restaurants with playgrounds and pet animals. You cycle via cycling lanes mostly, so it is quite safe to put young children on the front or back of the bike. If you prefer to explore tourist or cultural attractions further away, you use the car, taxi or public transport.
ABOUT US
Jim and I have been living in Oirschot for three years. I (Leni) was married in Ireland, where I lived for 26 years. Since I returned to Holland in 2000, and particularly since Jim and I moved to Oirschot in 2003, we have been very popular with our Irish and English friends and family. Why? Because of all the reasons outlined above and because Ryanair extended its service to Eindhoven airport. This is a small airport. We get there by minor roads, avoiding the motor way. Moreover, you can cycle to and from the airport. I have done it myself and it is the best way to travel!
We organise everything. You need to arrive and enjoy yourself.
