High dikes surround polders where pedigree cattle graze in rich pastures and historic lifting bridges are silhouetted against the clouds just as you remember them in old Dutch paintings.

But it's not just the timeless natural beauty and the bracing air that makes Noord Holland so inviting. It is also one of Holland's most culturally rich regions, careful to preserve it's long standing traditions and industries, packed with historic towns and villages, rich in museums and artifacts, and boasting outstanding architecture.

Volendam
Volendam's folklore is as alive as ever! Some of the main attractions here are the town's displays of traditional costumes and the fresh fish, which can be eaten near the picturesque harbour. The town's unusual houses are built in any which way. Make sure you don't lose your way in the maze of narrow streets and alleyways.

Zuiderzeemuseum
Relive the region's history in the outdoor Zuiderzeemuseum in Enkhuizen, which can only be reached by water. Around a hundred dwellings, small shops and workshops provide a good picture of life in the Zuiderzee fishing villages of centuries ago.

Picture perfect Zaanse Schans
The picturesque village of Zaanse Schans is a reconstruction of a residential and working neighbourhood at the turn of the century. In this open-air museum you'll find many wooden houses, mills and warehouses from the 17th and 18th century. Altogether, the Zaanse Schans has nine mills including an oil mill and windmill. A boat tour leaves from the mustard mill for a trip around the mills and houses of the Zaanse Schans every hour. In addition, visitors can pay a visit to the bakery museum, the Netherlands Clock Museum, a clog and cheese maker.

Aalsmeer flower auction
Get up early to see the centre of the world's flower industry in full action. 17 million flowers are sold and exported every day at the Aalsmeer Flower Auction. You can watch from a vantage point, including English language commentary.

Alkmaar
Holland's association with cheese goes back centuries. To see the traditional cheese market visit Alkmaar on a Friday morning. Sellers and wholesalers do business as they have for 600 years. But Alkmaar is not only about cheese. Wander along the picturesque canals lined with medieval monuments and explore the enchanting old town square, a labyrinth of quirky and colourful streets and many courtyards.

Ride the Medemblik steam train
The local Medemblik people are well used to the steam train loudly chugging past, clouds of steam in its wake. The steam train dates from 1926 and leaves from Hoorn to Medemblik daily. Finding its way through the magnificent and stately landscape, it's a great way to explore this part of Noord Holland. On arrival in Medemblik you can explore the historic city or travel further to Enkhuizen onboard a saloon-steamer to discover more about Holland's nautical past.
Please note that the Steam train doesn't run on Mondays in May, June, September and October (with the exception of May 31).

Cape Holland in Den Helder
Holland's newest attraction park in Den Helder features a replica of the 'Prins Willem' - the East India Shipping Company's largest vessel. On top of this it hosts several nautical attractions and interactive exhibitions for the whole family.

Texel Island
Only 15 miles long and 5 miles wide, Texel has also been called 'Holland in Miniature'. Broad sandy beaches, wad-excursions, nature reserves, forests and picture postcard villages all make Texel island a real summer haven far away from it all. Less than twenty minutes by boat from Den Helder, the island offers space and tranquility in abundance. And if that isn't enough to revel in, check out the Maritime and Beachcombers Museum in Oudeschild. Or simply chill out and watch (and envy) the myriad of birds that have made Texel Island their home.

Afsluitdijk
There's no more dramatic demonstration of Dutch hydro-engineering prowess than the 30 km long Afsluitdijk, connecting the Friesland province with Noord Holland. Stop halfway across to see the memorial to designer/engineer Cornelis Lely and enjoy panoramic views from the observation tower.

Read more about the 1000 Dutch Delights at: http://www.1000dutchdelights.com/