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- Posted: 02/07/2025
Beekse Bergen: An Honest Family Review 2026
Chloe Gallagher
The Travel Mum | Neurodiverse
Out of all the places we explored in The Netherlands, our Beekse Bergen family holiday was easily one of our favourites!
Before our trip to the Netherlands, I’ll admit I didn’t expect it to be quite so family-friendly. Of course, I’d heard about the bikes, the tulips, and the picturesque canals. But what caught me completely off guard was how thoughtful so many places were when it came to traveling with children, especially as a neurodiverse family.
Our Beekse Bergen Family Holiday
Nestled in the southern Dutch countryside near the town of Hilvarenbeek, Beekse Bergen is far more than a zoo or a holiday resort. It’s an immersive wildlife destination where you can wake up to the sight of giraffes, watch rhinos pass your car window, or spend your afternoon floating past zebras on a boat safari.
Unlike busy, overstimulating theme parks, Beekse Bergen feels calm and expansive. The pace is gentle, the layout spacious, and the overall atmosphere surprisingly serene. For families with sensory-sensitive or neurodiverse children, it’s the kind of place that offers flexibility and options.
A Safari with so many options
One of the best things about a Beekse Bergen family holiday is the variety of ways to explore the park – by car, boat, or on foot, whichever works best for your family that day.
We particularly appreciated the car safari, which lets you stay in your own vehicle while driving past wildlife like lions, rhinos, and zebras. It gave our children a calm, secure environment to enjoy the animals up close without the unpredictability or noise of crowded attractions.
The boat safari was a highlight too – a quiet, scenic ride through animal habitats, perfect for a chilly January afternoon. When we opted to walk, we found the trails dotted with small climbing and balance areas, natural playgrounds that kept the kids engaged without overwhelming them. With space to roam and rest whenever we needed, the park felt incredibly family-friendly and flexible.
Where to Stay at Beekse Bergen
Lake Resort – a relaxing setting
We stayed at the Lake Resort, and it couldn’t have been more peaceful. Our lodge looked right out onto a beautiful lake, and each morning began with the kids eagerly feeding the geese from our deck. It was a short walk to the resort centre, where we found an indoor pool, a relaxed restaurant, a small shop, and a lakeside play area.
It was so calm, and the facilities just right for a family wanting to unwind after a day of adventure.
Safari Resort – Giraffes on Your Doorstep
For a more immersive wildlife experience, the Safari Resort offers lodges that back directly onto animal enclosures. Imagine sipping your morning coffee while giraffes stroll by just metres away. These lodges offer a little more luxury and an unforgettable experience, especially for animal lovers.
Eurocamp – A Budget-Friendly Alternative
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Eurocamp has accommodation at Beekse Bergen too. Their accommodations include safari tents and mobile homes, with access to many of the same on-site amenities. It’s a great way to enjoy the park and surroundings without the higher resort prices. The Eurocamp area is well-suited for families and gives you access to both the Lake and Safari resorts’ facilities – including their incredible pools!
Click the link below to find a bargain break at Beekse Bergen with Eurocamp:
Getting to Beekse Bergen
Beekse Bergen is located just outside Tilburg, in the southern Netherlands. It’s very accessible, and there are several travel options to suit your family’s preferences.
By Car
Driving is the most convenient way to get to Beekse Bergen, especially if you plan to do the car safari. From Amsterdam, the journey takes around 90 minutes, and on-site parking is available at both resorts.
By Public Transport
You can also reach the park by taking a train to Tilburg, then continuing by local bus or taxi to Beekse Bergen. It’s a bit less flexible, but still manageable, particularly if you’re staying in the Lake Resort or Eurocamp area.
By Plane
The nearest international airports are:
- Eindhoven Airport (around 30 minutes by car)
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (about 90 minutes by car or train)
From either airport, you can rent a car or take public transport to reach Beekse Bergen. We found bargain flights to Eindhoven and got a taxi from the airport. It was a really easy journey, would get a car next time to enjoy the local area.
Beyond the Park: Exploring the Local Area
While Beekse Bergen offers plenty to keep families entertained, its location makes it easy to explore more of what the region has to offer.
One major highlight nearby is Efteling, the Netherlands’ most famous theme park, just a 25-minute drive away. Efteling is a fairytale-themed park with beautifully designed rides, gentle attractions for younger children, and immersive storytelling that appeals to all ages. It’s a wonderful day trip, especially if your children enjoy magical worlds without the intense thrill rides found at other theme parks.
You’ll also find the lively city of Tilburg just 10 minutes away. It’s home to family-friendly cafés, museums, and shops if you fancy a change of scenery. For nature lovers, the surrounding countryside is full of forest trails, lakes, and cycling paths—many of which are easily accessible from Beekse Bergen.
Thinking about a trip to Amsterdam? You can read more over on Jen’s blog here:
We left Beekse Bergen feeling rested, reconnected, and already planning a return. It’s the kind of destination that works beautifully for all kinds of families, and our Beekse Bergen family holiday offered the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, whether you’re looking for wildlife adventures, peaceful lakeside mornings, or simply the freedom to explore at your own pace. With its mix of unique safari experiences, thoughtfully designed accommodation, and easygoing atmosphere, Beekse Bergen offers something truly special: a family holiday that’s both exciting and relaxing. If you’re after a trip where kids can roam, parents can unwind, and every day brings a little magic, this might just be your perfect spot.
Have you been to Beekse Bergen, or are you planning a trip? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear your experience or answer any questions!
Written by: Chloe Gallagher
The Travel Mum | Neurodiverse
We are a neurodiverse family of five, passionate about making travel more accessible and inclusive for families with diverse needs. We understand that travel isn’t always easy, but believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy exploring the world in a way that works for them.
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