Groningen's 20-hectare botanical gardens are the biggest in the Netherlands and have been entertaining guests since the 17th century. Hortus Botanicus Haren, only 5km south of the city, boasts over a thousand different species of plants from around the globe throughout its gardens and greenhouses. The biggest attraction by far is the wide variety of gardens including the Chinese garden with the intriguing name of The Hidden Empire of Mingh, which also contains a replica of a Chinese teahouse. The Celtic garden is also worth a look and the whole place is great fun for kids due to its interactive stops along the way. Don’t leave without visiting the extensive gift shop.