Top 20 Castles around Herentals

Several castles in the region are considered family-friendly. Borrekens Castle, De Merode Castle, Westerlo, Zoerselhof Castle, and Jeanne de Merode Castle (Westerlo Town Hall) are all categorized as such. Many offer expansive grounds or parks that are great for children to explore.

Yes, several castles are set within beautiful natural environments. De Merode Castle, Westerlo features a large 60-hectare park with a pond. Kasteel Le Paige in Herentals is surrounded by an arboretum with over seventy different tree species and a pond, which is freely accessible daily. The wooded surroundings of Kasteel Herlaar are also popular for walks, though the castle itself is private.

The castles in the Herentals region boast rich histories. De Merode Castle, Westerlo, for instance, is over 600 years old and has been linked to the De Merode family for centuries. Borrekens Castle dates back to around 1270, with its original floor plan largely preserved. Kasteel Le Paige, built in 1892, showcases a blend of architectural styles and has served as a cultural center after restoration.

Yes, Kasteel Le Paige and its arboretum are generally accessible. The arboretum is open daily for visitors, with extended hours in the summer. The castle itself is freely accessible during exhibitions, as it serves a socio-cultural function and hosts regular events. It is part of Herentals' cultural center 't Schaliken.

Yes, some castles in the area are privately owned. Borrekens Castle is privately owned and not accessible to the public, though its beautiful garden and surrounding paths can be enjoyed. Kasteel Herlaar, located in nearby Herenthout, is also privately owned and not accessible, but its wooded surroundings are popular for walks.

The region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'Le Paige Castle – Borrekens Castle loop' or 'The Zwart Water nature reserve – Le Paige Castle loop'. For hiking, consider routes like 'The Zwart Water – Kempense Heuvelrug loop'. Running trails, including 'The Zwart Water – Singletrack in the Forest loop', are also available. For more details on these activities, visit the Cycling around Herentals, Hiking around Herentals, and Running Trails around Herentals guides.

Yes, there are routes designed to take you past some of the notable castles. For cycling, the 'Le Paige Castle – Borrekens Castle loop' is a good option. For walking, the paths around Borrekens Castle are a major attraction, and the Lindendreef takes you directly to it. The arboretum around Kasteel Le Paige also offers pleasant walks.

The arboretum around Kasteel Le Paige has extended opening hours in the summer, making it an ideal time to visit for enjoying the natural surroundings. Generally, spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring castle grounds and parks. Some castles, like De Merode Castle, Westerlo, host annual Castle Feasts in July, which can be a unique time to visit.

While specific cafes directly at every castle are not listed, the town of Herentals and surrounding municipalities offer various dining options. Kasteel Le Paige, serving as a cultural center, may have facilities during events. For other castles, it's advisable to check local amenities in the nearby towns before your visit.

Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of historical architecture with beautiful natural settings. The peaceful atmosphere of castle parks and arboretums, like the one at Kasteel Le Paige, is often highlighted. The opportunity for walking and cycling around these historical sites, such as the paths surrounding Borrekens Castle, is also a popular draw.

Yes, some castles have been repurposed. For example, Jeanne de Merode Castle in Westerlo has served as the town hall since 1973 and has a very impressive appearance. Kasteel Le Paige in Herentals, after restoration, now functions as a socio-cultural center, hosting exhibitions and events.

While specific viewpoints are not detailed for every castle, the expansive grounds and elevated positions of some castles naturally offer scenic views. De Merode Castle, Westerlo, with its 60-hectare park, provides picturesque settings. The arboretum around Kasteel Le Paige also offers a tranquil environment for enjoying nature.