the surroundings
Woods, heath and water around the corner; estates, castles and history within cycling distance.
De Nieuwenhof lies in the countryside of Mill
Between Uden and Nijmegen, on the edge of the Peel region, woods, open fields and quiet paths alternate. From the grounds you walk straight into nature, and you can cycle to heathland, swimming lakes, old estates and castles in no time.
It is also a region with a special history: in 1940 the Peel-Raam defence line ran through here, and you can still see its traces in many places. Below are our tips, all within a fifteen-minute drive or a nice bike ride. Distances are measured as the crow flies from De Nieuwenhof.
Nature and walking
Deer are regularly spotted in the fields around the grounds. A few kilometres further on, the real forest begins.
- ± 3 km
Molenheide nature reserve
Woodland on the edge of Wilbertoord. The name refers to the heath that once lay here; the nature organisation Natuurmonumenten is now bringing it back. Highland cattle graze in parts of the area, there is a large forest pool, and you can see songbirds, birds of prey and deer.
Visit website → - Near Wilbertoord, ± 3 km
De Staatsbossen state forest
Woods near Wilbertoord with quiet paths for walking and cycling.
- ± 4 km
Langenboom woods
Woods managed by Natuurmonumenten near Langenboom, with walking routes.
Visit website → - UNESCO area, ± 12 km
Maasheggen hedgerow landscape
Centuries-old hedgerow landscape along the river Maas, lovely for walking and cycling.
- Sint Anthonis, ± 10 km
De Heksenboom (the Witch Tree)
Well-known landmark in Sint Anthonis, a nice destination for a bike ride.
Water and swimming
On warm days you’re quickly at the water to swim, fish, canoe or just sit by the shore.
- ± 3 km, 10 minutes by bike
De Kuilen recreation area
Popular swimming lake near Mill. Cool off in the water, relax by the shore and get an ice cream or something to eat nearby.
- ± 8 km
Kraaijenbergse Plassen lakes
Large recreation area with swimming water, also suitable for small pleasure boats.
- Wanroij, ± 5 km
De Bergen beach
Swimming and sunbathing at a lake with a beach.
The Raam and the hidden Raam valley
The little river Raam winds through a quiet valley, with a canoe route along it.
- ± 9 km
Along the river Maas
The banks of the Maas are lovely for walking, cycling and picnicking.
- Close by
Fishing in the stream
Along the traces of the war runs a small stream where you can unwind with a fishing rod.
Estates
North of Mill lies a zone of old estates: Tongelaar, Hiersenhof, Ossenbroek and Barendonk. Woods, streams, meadows and orchards alternate, with here and there a ‘wiel’: a deep pool created when the Maas once broke through the dikes. It is one of the richest historic landscapes in the Netherlands.
- ± 4 km
Tongelaar estate
Centuries-old estate on river clay, managed by Brabants Landschap. Fields with strips of woodland, avenues and hedgerows, and badgers living in the wet grasslands.
Visit website → - ± 4 km
Hiersenhof, Ossenbroek and Barendonk
Three estates in the same area, easy to combine in one bike ride or walk.
- Wilbertoord, ± 3 km
Princepeel estate
Large estate on the other side of Wilbertoord. This used to be the marshy northern part of the Peel; today vegetables and flower bulbs are grown here. Huize Princepeel, dating from 1870, is a privately owned national monument.
Castles
Two castles lie a short bike ride from De Nieuwenhof.
- ± 4 km, open on Wednesdays and Sundays
Tongelaar Castle
Its history goes back to a fortified mound from the ninth century. The castle café serves coffee, lunch and drinks, including speciality beers. There are regular themed days and barbecues in summer. Check the website for current opening hours.
Visit website → - Mill, ± 1.5 km
Aldendriel Castle
Medieval castle in Mill, surrounded by a landscape park.
Visit website →
History
On 10 May 1940, one of the first battles of the Second World War in the Netherlands took place around Mill: the Battle of Mill. Traces can still be found all along the Peel-Raam line.
- Close by
Mill railway monument
A broken railway track and steel barriers recall the battle of 10 May 1940, now set in a green landscape.
Visit website → - Around Mill
Peel-Raam line and defence canal
Defence line from 1940, with the defence canal and a row of concrete bunkers. Easy to follow by bike.
- Mill
Duits Lijntje railway
Old railway line to Germany, with a historic station in Mill.
- In the area
Cold War complex
A complex from the Cold War era, to visit on foot or by bike.
- ± 18 km
Overloon War Museum
Large museum about the Second World War; there’s even a cycle path running through it.
Villages and towns
Small villages and old towns, all easy to reach by bike.
- ± 1 km
Mill
The village around the corner, with supermarkets, shops and several places to eat and drink.
Visit website → - ± 3 km
Wilbertoord
Reclamation village on the edge of the Peel without through traffic: a quiet spot surrounded by nature.
- ± 9 km
Fortified town of Grave
Old fortified town on the Maas, lovely to stroll through.
- ± 9 km
Cuijk
Town on the Maas with a tower you can climb.
- ± 10 km
Sint Agatha
Home to the oldest monastery in the Netherlands.
- ± 12 km
Boxmeer
The centre of Boxmeer is nice for shopping.
Eating, drinking and relaxing
The café at De Nieuwenhof is closed, but there’s plenty nearby. A few tips:
- Mill, ± 1 km · our tip
Pizzeria Delfino
Pizza, pasta and Turkish dishes. Highly recommended for takeaway or delivery to enjoy at your hut or tent, but you can also sit and eat there.
Visit website → - Mill
D’n Buurman
Food and drinks in Mill.
Visit website → De Sushi Chef
Sushi to order and take away; there’s no longer a restaurant to sit in.
Strandbar Goeiendag
Beach bar for a drink in the sun.
- Wanroij, ± 5 km
Soft-serve ice cream at ’t Boerenwinkeltje
Soft-serve ice cream at a farm shop, a nice stop on a bike ride.
- Mill
Mill sauna boat
A sauna on a boat, bookable in advance. A special way to warm up.
- Wijchen, ± 14 km
Thermen Berendonck
Sauna and wellness centre for a day of doing absolutely nothing.
- Mill, ± 1 km
Myllesweerd cultural centre
Theatre, film and cultural evenings in the village.
Practical
Bike rental
Rent bikes and e-bikes from Fietsverhuur Oost-Brabant.
By train
Cuijk station is about 10 km away, Ravenstein 15 km and Boxmeer 17 km. A bus runs from Cuijk towards Mill.
More tips
Questions?
Call +31 6 21 94 73 01 or email info@denieuwenhof.nl.
