Let’s go Dutch: why the Netherlands beats the Med for family holidays

With its sandy beaches, gentle climate and family-friendly resort parks the Netherlands is holiday heaven for kids

‘Fshhhhh,” says my two-year-old, Jemima, as the arrow whips through the air and thunks into its wooden target. Her brother, Seb, five, looks up as the string on his bow twangs back, somewhat startled at his own strength and precision. Robin Hood eat your heart out.

Time to hand over the toddler and have a go myself, as our archery instructor, Lucas, shows me how it’s done. This is one of many family activities at the uber-chic Hof van Saksen family resort, in the Drenthe province of the Netherlands.