Tucked into a residential corner of Hilversum south-east of the station, the Pinetum Blijdenstein is one of those quiet specialist gardens that should be far better known. Three hectares of dark green needles, weeping conifers, redwoods, and curious living fossils, all carefully labelled.
Open daily, free for foundation members and a small fee for everyone else. Bring kids; they like the giant cones. The neighbouring botanical garden of pre-flowering plants and the small visitor centre with seasonal exhibitions round it out.