A circuit of the small Leiden canals is a ‘must-do’ – joining the crowds in their sloops. Stop off at the numerous quays or bars for refreshment en route, or do as the Dutch do and pack a picnic hamper. 

Unfortunately as Lady Alison’s tender doesn’t have an outboard we had to make it a Rondje Roei, but four hours later we certainly felt like we’d had a good tour of the city. Be careful with navigation, as some of the bridges are no longer navigable.

Spotted outside a house boat on the outer Zijlsingel, this unusual sculpture of a bike made from twigs didn’t quite make it into the top ten…

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