The Heilig Bloedprocessie winds through the streets of Boxtel’s town centre every year on the first Sunday after Pentecost; discoveries here also range from late Gothic architecture to forests, heathland and water. This means there are very different options for your stay: local history, nature or activities on the water.
Landscapes and routes around Boxtel
The municipality of Boxtel lies in the heart of the Groene Woud. Various cycling and walking routes pass through the municipality and its neighbouring municipalities. As route layouts can change, it is worth checking the latest plans before setting off. Kampina lies between Boxtel and Oisterwijk and covers more than 1,200 hectares of forest, heathland and stream valleys.
Landgoed Sparrenrijk lies north of Boxtel, with straight, tree-lined avenues arranged in a rectangular pattern. More than 30 bird species breed there, and there are also many mushrooms. De Geelders lies north of Boxtel and east of Liempde. The 350-hectare area includes coppice woodland banks, deciduous forest with avenues, poplar plantations, heathland, grassland and fields. De Scheeken lies south of Liempde, between Landgoed Velder and the Dommeldal. The areas differ in their landscapes, ranging from avenues and forest to heathland, meadows and stream valleys.
Water and routes for exploring
Recreatieplas De Langspier is a natural swimming lake between Boxtel and Esch. It has designated swimming areas, an extensive sandy beach and green sunbathing lawns. Facilities include swimming, a playground and beach volleyball; amenities may vary by season. If you would rather get out on the water, you can paddle the “Rondje Boxtel” canoe route with Kanovereniging De Pagaai in Boxtel. Check the current conditions for the trip in advance.
The 2.9-kilometre Reli-route Boxtel-Centrum starts at Breukelsplein, passes through the centre and returns to the starting point via Stapelen. Another way to discover history on foot is the historic Boxtel route, with twelve historic stops. The routes offer different points of reference: one has a set distance and a circular route, while the other features historically significant stops.
Museums, architecture and tradition
At the Oertijdmuseum, visitors can walk through a dinosaur forest and watch fossils being prepared in the laboratories. The museum is the largest geological museum in the Netherlands. Check access conditions in advance for specific areas. Kasteel Stapelen in Boxtel is more than 700 years old and retains many historic features. The Sint-Petrusbasiliek is a late Gothic cruciform church built in the 15th and 16th centuries. Occasional guided tours may include a climb up the tower to the first lantern, which offers views over Boxtel; tour availability may vary by season.
The museums also offer different perspectives. MUBO presents cultural heritage and modern art; through the Canon van Boxtel, it tells the history of Boxtel from prehistoric times to the modern era. Museum Vekemans explores 350 years of history through everyday objects, paintings, prints and drawings. Its collection also includes art objects, Brabantse poffers, and items related to washing and ironing. Museum de Canonije is housed in a centuries-old building also known as the Kanunnikenhuisje, and presents memories of the canonry in Boxtel. Its collection includes objects, images, written documents and photographs, as well as a documentary film.
The Heilig Bloedprocessie is included in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Sunday after Pentecost falls on a different calendar date each year. For a different museum experience, Classic Park focuses on classic and exclusive vehicles; its collection changes over time.
Liempde and village history
Liempde has monumental farmhouses, an authentic village centre and traditional events such as Boerderijendag and Boeremert. From the ’t Meulke observation tower, you can look out over the meadows of the Dommeldal, the poplar-lined landscape and the characteristic “bolle” fields. The tower is also a place for birdwatching; quail and partridge, among other species, breed there.
D’n Liempdsen Herd is a visitor centre in a former monumental Langgevelboerderij. As a tourist information point, it provides information about the area around Liempde and about walking and cycling routes. The Dorpsmuseum De Kleuskes showcases Brabant family life and the village life of clog makers. The former farmhouse has been preserved as it was when it was vacated in 1982. Museum visits are arranged by appointment.
Local produce and getting there
At the D’n Buff water buffalo farm in Boxtel, you can try or buy buffalo mozzarella, ricotta, buffalo burgers and other water buffalo milk products. The range may change.
Discover more places: Boxtel, Liempde.
Discover more destinations: Cranendonck, Sint-Michielsgestel, Schijndel, Drimmelen, Rucphen, Goirle.
Return to the main travel overview: North Brabant.
