The perfect daytrip

Up in the air
Haute cuisine in a hot air balloon

You don’t have to be tied down to a specific place to enjoy a special day out. In fact, sometimes you don't even need to have both feet on the ground. At CuliAir Sky Dining, you literally go up into the sky. How does that work? This once in a lifetime experience was created by top chef Angélique Schmeinck, who you might have seen cooking up a storm on 24Kitchen television channel. And now she is doing the same, in a very special way: high in the sky, in the only hot air balloon restaurant in the world. You might be thinking: does a hot air balloon even have room for a kitchen? Yes – the creative chef uses the heat from the hot air balloon as a huge oven, and the most delicious dishes emerge. How about Scottish lobster cooked in a hot air balloon? That’s the pinnacle. Add a phenomenal view to this culinary spectacle and your day will be complete.
culiair.nl

Hop on a boat
Cruise to Lighthouse Island

Anyone boarding the boat to Vuurtoreneiland (“Lighthouse Island”) in Markermeer lake, off the coast of Durgerdam in North Amsterdam, is not just expecting a day out, but a mini-holiday. Peace and quiet reign on the deserted private island: the only buildings are a lighthouse (the only lighthouse in Amsterdam), a dilapidated fortress and the summer restaurant. From May to September, you can dine on the island in a transparent glass greenhouse, sheltered from any rain and wind. During the winter months, from October to mid-May, the culinary activities move to the winter restaurant in the fortress, in the shellproof barracks to be precise. And it's no sacrifice at all: with blankets, candles and a fireplace, the staff create an intimate mood.
How do you get there? From Veemkade near Amsterdam Lloyd Hotel, the historic IJveer XIII will take you across the IJ to Markermeer lake near Durgerdam. The first snacks are served during the hour-long boat trip. Before you know it, you can see the island in the distance and leave the boat. It’s quite a special experience, as the island in the IJdoornpolder only recently opened to the public. Until then, only the Engel family were able to access it, watching over the unspoilt nature like lighthouse keepers. Nowadays, the Dutch Forestry Commission (Staatsbosbeheer) is tasked with protecting and conserving ecological values. As a visitor to the island, you also make a contribution to nature conservation. You might even spot stray animals or rare flora. There is plenty of time to discover the small island in between the six courses. You can look out at the horizon for hours on end while enjoying the harvest from the Beemster and local vegetables. The menu contains a wide variety of vegetables, complemented by fish and meat prepared on an open fire using the head-to-tail method. That way, nothing is wasted. Satisfied and refreshed, it’s time to go home, but not without dessert, which you can enjoy back on board the boat. What a day.
vuurtoreneiland.nl

Walk the walk
Dreamy country walks in Somerset

Castles, estates and lush gardens... It sounds like a fairy tale, but the English county of Somerset has it all. The county is full of country walks, from a coastal walk along the northern cliffs of Exmoor National Park, to a climb to medieval Dunster Castle, to a visit to the fragrant gardens of the grand Montacute House. The options are endless. How about a hike to Glastonbury Tor? Outside of the city, the medieval St Michael’s Tower stands on a hill at the end of a spiralling path. Here, you can picture yourself in the time of King Arthur and everyday life seems a long way away. A visit to Durslade Farmhouse in Somerset, which dates from the 18th century, brings things a little closer, and Hauser & Wirth art gallery is bursting with contemporary art. Surrounded by a lush landscape garden designed by Dutch landscape architect Piet Oudolf, you can enjoy a lovely stroll, soak up the artwork, dine and even spend the night. Stock up on local delicacies at Durslade Farm Shop before taking a walk, or rock up at Roth Bar & Grill for a seasonal dish made from produce from the farm and walled garden.
At the end of the day, you can retreat to the artistic rooms with their Egyptian cotton bedding. If you’re clever enough, you’ll time your visit to England so that it coincides with the famous Glastonbury Festival, which is finally happening this year after being cancelled. On the grounds of Worthy Farm – a hilly landscape between the villages of Pylle and Pilton – artists such as Billie Eilish and Diana Ross will shake the English landscape to its core. But enjoy what nature has to offer first of all. Enjoy!
dursladefarmhouse.co.uk
glastonburyfestivals.co.uk