Beaching at Baggelhuizerplas

The Baggelhuizerplas is a recreational lake on the western side of Assen, the capital of Drenthe, and it offers a sandy beach and grassy banks where locals go to swim and relax in warm weather. It is the kind of place that rarely features in guidebooks but is cherished by residents, and it gives a sense of how Dutch towns make use of former gravel and sand pits by turning them into leisure areas. The lake is a good choice for a family day out that is simple, cheap and green.

The beach is the main attraction. A gentle slope into the water makes it suitable for children and for less confident swimmers, and the water is generally calm. Visitors bring towels, picnics and games, and the grassy areas next to the sand provide room to spread out. As with all natural swimming spots in the Netherlands, it is sensible to check the water quality notices during summer, since algae can occasionally close beaches for a time, and to follow any lifeguard instructions that are posted.

Assen itself offers a range of other attractions. The Drents Museum is one of the best regional museums in the country, with archaeology that includes the famous Yde Girl, a bog body from the Iron Age, as well as art from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The Gouverneurstuin, the Governor's Garden, is a neat historic garden near the centre, and the Asserbos is a pleasant woodland for walking. Motor-sport fans know Assen for the TT Circuit, the venue of the Dutch round of the MotoGP world championship, held each summer.

Cyclists and walkers can combine the lake with the surrounding Drenthe countryside, which is characterised by woodland, heath and brooks. The city is connected by good cycle paths, and the lake is easily reached by bike from the centre. In summer evenings, the water is a popular place for a last swim after work.

The Baggelhuizerplas suits families, swimmers and picnickers who want an unpretentious day by the water. There are few facilities compared with the big coastal beaches, so bring what you need, including drinks, sun protection and a bag for your rubbish. It is best on warm, calm days in summer, and weekdays are usually quieter than weekends. Assen’s lake is a simple pleasure. Facilities are basic. Surrounded by trees and grass, it feels far from the city.