Arcen Castle Gardens

Who is this a real getaway for?

Arcen Castle Gardens is ideal for garden lovers, couples and families who enjoy spending time outdoors together. Children don’t just have to look at flowers here either. With a treasure hunt, Adventure Mini Golf and a play beach with a pull-along raft, there’s plenty to discover. If you’re mainly looking for fast-paced rides and plenty of action, an amusement park is probably a better fit. Here, it’s all about peaceful strolls, taking in the sights and enjoying each other’s company.

When will you visit?

In spring, you’ll see fresh colours and spring flowers. During the summer, the roses are in full bloom, and in October the gardens take on warm autumnal hues. It’s best to choose a dry day, as much of your visit will take place outdoors. In the autumn, ‘Herfstig!’ and ‘Enchanted Gardens’ give the park a completely different atmosphere.

What to expect.

As soon as you walk through the gatehouse, you automatically leave the hustle and bustle behind you. Surrounding the historic Arcen Castle are more than fifteen gardens, each with its own unique atmosphere. You’ll stroll from clean lines and babbling water to sheltered paths, fragrant flowers and tranquil ponds. In the Rosarium, thousands of roses colour the flowerbeds, whilst the Oriental Water Garden invites you to pause for a moment and take in your surroundings.

The gardens constantly change with the seasons. In spring, you’ll see fresh blossoms and spring-flowering plants; in summer, the roses are in full bloom; and in October, the leaves and autumn flowers take on warm hues. You can tell from the well-tended borders and surprising vistas just how much care has gone into the park.

Children don’t just have to walk neatly along the paths here either. They can set off on a treasure hunt, have a go at Adventure Mini Golf and play on the play beach with a towable raft. In between, you can settle down on a bench or terrace for a coffee, a slice of Limburg vlaai or lunch. Did you know that the Rosarium boasts thousands of roses of over two hundred varieties? So there’s always something new to see along the way, without having to rush.

Why this will be your favourite stop in the region

Here, nature, history and a peaceful day out come together beautifully. Arcen lies between the River Meuse and the green countryside of North Limburg, with the village centre, walking routes and other well-known spots nearby. This makes it easy to combine a visit to the gardens with a drink on a terrace in Arcen, a walk along the Meuse or a visit to the Hertog Jan Brewery. But feel free to spend the whole day in the park. There’s plenty of space to simply settle down and relax.

Practical information

Allow half a day to a full day for a relaxed visit. Arcen has a green and friendly atmosphere, with the River Meuse and the village centre nearby. There is a spacious, paid car park next to the gardens. Dogs are welcome on a short lead and require their own admission ticket. The castle is not accessible to dogs, and during Enchanted Gardens, dogs are not permitted in the park. Most paths are suitable for wheelchairs, walking frames, pushchairs and handcarts. Some gravel paths are more difficult to navigate. You can book a wheelchair free of charge in advance at the entrance.

There are various catering outlets in the park, serving coffee, Limburg vlaai and lunch dishes, amongst other things. You are welcome to bring your own food and drink, but these may not be consumed in the restaurants or on the associated terraces. The rose picnic can be prepared as a vegan option on request.

When are the gates open?

Arcen Castle Gardens are open daily from 28 March to 1 November, from 10.00 to 18.00. Different opening hours may apply during events and in the winter months.

Our tip

Book a picnic between May and September and find a quiet spot together amongst the greenery. Orders can be placed for two adults or more and must be made no later than 3.00 pm one day in advance. That way, all you’ll have to do during your walk is choose which garden to lay out your picnic blanket in.