Sometimes, as a city dweller, you just want a big shot of fresh air and you can score that here. A 15-minute drive from Amsterdam, somewhere between Broek in Waterland and Monnickendam, lies Theetuin Overleek. A bit quaint and above all delicious no nonsense, this café with a huge garden on the water. In Overleek you can drink a iced latte and eat your fresh scones with your feet in the grass, while you look out over the meadows. In the meantime, the chickens happily scratch around. The kids climb in the plum tree or play with the rabbits, and every now and then come to fill up with a glass of home-made lemonade. For those who spontaneously develop into nature lovers: you can rent a whisper boat for at least 1,5 hours to explore Waterland further. Bring a well-filled picnic basket and set sail. Tea garden Overleek

Survived 6 * Monnickendam