Het Heijderbos
Looks like you've found your way to my review of Center Parcs Het Heijderbos. This is one of the less commonly spoken about sites in europe, but it's actually one of my old favourite parks. I've been visiting this park since my early teenage years.
It's a moderate to large sized park with two main attraction, the most fearsom Aqua Mundo I've experienced and the more recently added Jungle Dome - I say recently added, my guess is this was added around about 2010, which is when I first experienced it.
The park is probably s bit less talked about because it's a little further to get to from the UK. The easiest route is normally from the Hook of Holland ferry which is 1.47 hour. car drive. The roads are fairly easy and you'll soon be in the pool await cottage opening time! You can of course drive from the tunnel at Calais but it's a painfully long journey through France, Belgium and Holland. Personally I'd only consider this route if you live near Folkstone. If you can get a flight from your local airport to Eindhoven that is also a nice option as it's just 57 minuts drive to the Het Heijderbos from there - taxi might be your best option but certainly won't be cheap.
Signature Feature
The rapids has to be the killer feature of the park, but it does have an extra special area to show off. It has an indoor area called the Junge Dome. It feels a little like a tropical explorer trail with high walkways through the indoor vegetation. If you've been to de Vossermeren it's a little bit like Discovery Bay althought rather than pirate themed it's more about nature an exploring. Sponsored by WWF this is all abour learning.
Some parks, particularly in the UK put a price on everything, so visiting a park that has invested in something special like the Jungle Dome is really worthwhile. If you're there for a week you have two major activities for free - the Jungle Dome and the Aqua Mundo.
It’s suitable for most ages although the appeal might not be there for really young ones.
Aqua Mundo
Het Heijderbos was the first park I eve visited abroad with my family back in the 80s/90s so the Aqua Mundo and is Rapids were something like a baptism of fire for me into Center Parcs and how the Dutch build their pools! The rapids were certainly most brutal I've been down and visits in more recent years have helped them keep that status in my mind. Other visitor have reported that other rapids such as those at Le Lac are more fearsome.
Center Parcs have invested in the pools since it's opening with the Duo Racer which features at other parks also.
I'm going to keep this pool on my top rating until I find something better!
Aqua Mundo Overall
Slides
Rapid
Good for Little Kids
Good for Big Kidz
Cottage Reviews
Getting the right cottage is a big part of your holiday. Some people like to be near the action and accessibility is important, whereas other prefer to be more remote and enjoy a stroll. Wherever we can get first hand reviews of cottages we'll aim to list them below to help you make the right choices for your holiday.
Find that park!
Address
Hommersumseweg 43, 6598 MC Heijen, Netherlands
FAQs
Can I leave the park during my stay?
Yes, but the real issue is getting to your car which might be parked far away
Can I leave my car outside my lodge or cottage?
Nope. Unless you ask for exception you’ll be politely asked to move it to the car park?
Is this Center Parcs hilly?
No. It’s Holland -super flat for walking and bicycles
What’s the Wild Water Baan?
It’s the rapids!
What’s the Aqua Mundo?
Center Parcs Europe’s term for swimming pool complex -translation Water World
Are pets allowed in the park?
Dogs are allowed but there are specific areas for off lead exercise. Not all lodges allow dogs.
Is Swimming included in the cost?
Yes - swimming is always free at Center Parcs main pools.
Can I bring my own food and drinks into the park?
Some parks are more strict on this than others especially if they have their own restaurant open
Is there parking available at the park?
Yes, there is ample parking space available at the park for visitors but cars are normally not let in except change over days for safety.