Discover Leidschendam from a holiday apartment: locks, churches and Vlietland

Those choosing a holiday apartment in Leidschendam can tailor their stay around very different local highlights: in the centre, lock construction, churches and historic buildings come together with walks, events and discoveries for the whole family.

Locks, churches and distinctive local landmarks

The lock complex in Leidschendam dates from 1886 to 1888. It is a well-preserved and complete example of a 19th-century lock complex with a double chamber. The Basilica of Saint Peter and Saint Paul makes a striking contribution to the townscape: it stands by the lock and is culturally and historically significant as a representative example of the revival of Catholic church building in the Gothic Revival style after the restoration of the episcopal hierarchy in 1853.

The Dorpskerk, also known as De Peperbus, is part of the town’s older history. It is the oldest church in Leidschendam and was first put into use in 1653. The church is still in use; activities open to everyone take place there during the week. The De Salamander sawmill near the Vliet Canal also has a major influence on the appearance of the old centre.

Historical discoveries in the centre

The BeleefRoute in the centre of Leidschendam is a historical walk along historic buildings in and around the lock area. It stops at commercial buildings and distinctive homes, explaining the history of the buildings and their former residents. In the “BeleefRoutes” app, the route includes quiz questions at various points, which children can solve together with their parents if necessary. This makes it possible to combine a walk through the centre with observing and asking questions together.

The Nehertoren provides a clear framework for planning individual visits: it can only be visited with a guide. It is also accessible only in good weather; visits are not possible from wind force 5 on the Beaufort scale.

Vlietland, butterflies and a cycling route

The Vlietland recreational area is located close to Leidschendam, halfway between Leidschendam and Leiden and between the Vliet and the A4 motorway. Vlinders aan de Vliet offers a different experience: it is a small zoo with at least 1,500 tropical butterflies. Those wishing to explore Leidschendam by bicycle can include the Vlietzone cycling route: it runs along the Delftsekade past the Peperbus towards junctions 77 and 75.

Which accommodation suits your plans

When choosing your accommodation, the activities you want to enjoy each day may be the deciding factor. For historic buildings, churches, locks and the BeleefRoute, the centre is the focus of your planning. Those wishing to combine Vlietland, the zoo or a cycling tour should also consider the surrounding area and the routes running through it. A holiday apartment or holiday home in Leidschendam can therefore be chosen primarily according to your personal balance between culture, shared discoveries and excursions into the surrounding area.

As another option for planning your trip, you can also take a look at Voorburg.

For the broader travel overview: Leidschendam-Voorburg.