De Smulhoeve

Livery yard in Kaatsheuvel, North Brabant

A fairytale come true...

Kaatsheuvel is full of fairytales but don’t be fooled because this stunning livery is very real! Karin Smulders, her husband and their three outgoing kids Mees (17), Suus (15) and Faas (11) live here. The parents of Karin live next to the farm and especially Farmer Cees, the father of Karin, you will often see him on the farm. The livery is home to a few boarding horses and, of course, horses and ponies of their own. Farmer Karin’s herd nowadays has more than 45 horses, ponies and shets. However, the lead role goes, without a doubt, to their Shetland ponies: Tommy, Bami, Nasi, Roxy, Rocky, Udo, Knofje, Joe, Baron, Billy, Bart, Willem, Micha, Messie, Elvis and Stippel. These incredibly sweet and trustworthy ponies are excellent fun for your mini-Farmers! But it’s not all about horses and ponies at FarmCamps Smulhoeve! Here there are two kinds of camps; pony camp and football camp! This family may be horse crazy but they are also mad about football and that’s hardly surprising when you discover that their father played professional football for a number of years. This sporty family are perfectly happy to see the guests playing football and there is a tennis court here too! So FarmCamps Smulhoeve has something for everyone – even if you’re not a fan of ponies there is still plenty to see and do here. This farm is ideally situated with a short bike ride to the Efteling theme park or a walk to the Loonse and Drunense dunes.

Out and about with the sweet ponies!

This is what makes this farm so much fun!

Take a sneak peek at De Smulhoeve...

Where do I sleep

Situated on the outskirts of the town of Kaatsheuvel is this delightful horse livery owned by the Smulders family. In just a few minutes’ walk from the farm you find yourself at the stunning Loonse and Drunense dunes, a unique nature reserve with incredible shifting sand plains, beautiful heathlands and aromatic pine trees. At FarmCamps Smulhoeve you can choose from 3 types of luxury tents: 6 Ranch tents, 4 Lodge tents and 9 Barn tents. The tents are fully equipped and even have their own bathroom. The Lodge tent include a bathroom with a large shower cubicle. In the Barn tent you also have your own bathroom but with a comfy bathtub. With the Ranch tent you can experience our unique ‘Hay! Hay! Bathroom trailer’ complete with a bath and shower next to your tent. It’s all about luxury – all you have to do now is choose…! This FarmCamps farm is located on the main road between Kaatsheuvel and Waalwijk but when you’re on the farmyard you’ll have no idea you are so centrally located because you won’t even notice the traffic. Just past the stables and you’ll find yourself in the middle of peace and tranquility, overlooking the beautiful Kaatsheuvel countryside. Behind the campsite there are sports fields, when the wind is at the wrong direction you can hear the highway at night. Our 19 luxury tents are all pitched on a large field with wide open views onto the grazing pastures where you’ll not only watch the horses and ponies, but you’ll also spot a few cows from the neighboring farm. On this location, it is not possible to camp using your own equipment. It is also not possible to bring your own horse or dog to the farm.

Luxury Ranch Tents

Luxury Ranch Tent with Hay Hay Bath trailer next to the tent. Spaciously furnished with, among other things, a cozy living space.

Luxury Lodge Tents

Luxury Lodge tent with bathroom in the tent. Spaciously furnished with, among other things, a cozy living space.

Luxury Barn Tents

Luxury Barn Tent with bathroom in the tent. Spaciously furnished with, among other things, a cozy living space.

Finding out is fun!

No farm adventure would be complete without learning a thing or two from the professionals and Farmer Karin takes care of this personally. On this farm it is all about horses and ponies. When you book a cuddle pony, you can groom, cuddle and take the pony for walks. Do you also want to ride? Then you can book for taking car for your own pony! But don’t forget you can also get stuck in helping to feed the goats, chickens, pigs, alpacas and rabbits too. For those who prefer a cuddle or two, you can lie in the hay barn with the bunnies and enjoy their soft little noses nuzzling up to your cheeks. If you are more in the mood to play then you won’t be disappointed! Here you can climb and tumble in the Haybarn, there is a large playground where you can play football and tennis, or you can have a go at go-karting or simply mess around in the water or sandpit. Here there are no rules – just enjoy yourself!

Farmer’s Passport

During check-in all children are offered a Farmer’s Passport from FarmCamps. These are loaded with fun and educational activities which they can do independently or together with their farmer. Your mini-farmers can discover and experience real life on a farm. For each completed task they will receive a stamp in their Farmer’s Passport. When their work is done they will graduate with their own farmhand diploma!

Farm Tours

During your stay Farmer Karin will show you the ropes with a guided tour of the farm. She will share with you the pleasure they get from working the land and caring for their horses. Experience this unique chance to go where only farmers dare to go and soak up the special stories they´ll share with you about the farm they love and care for.

Cuddle hour

Every morning after feeding the animals you can brush one of the Shetland ponies of farmer Karin, under the supervision of your parents or grandpa/grandma. Do you really want to take care of your own pony, take it to your tent or go horseback riding. Then you can ask whether it is possible to reserve a ‘care for your own pony or a cuddle pony.

Horseshoe decorating

Why not take a great souvenir home and decorate a horseshoe together with Farmer Karin? A horseshoe can even bring good luck if you hang it on the wall at home!

Pony walks

If you fancy a nice ride outside the farm, then join the walking tour with one of the cute little Shetlands? And of course you sit on your pony while your parents walk next to you and hold the pony. No riding experience is needed. You’ll be off for a super adventure in the Loonse and Drunense dunes together with the other guests.

Horse riding for adults

Good to know that Mum and Dad don’t get left out! Once a week they can ride in the outdoor arena on one of the horses of Farmer Karin. This is not a lesson, so experience is required.

Pony riding

Do you really love horseriding? Then book an hour of riding in the riding arena. This is possible twice a week. If you have no riding experience, your parents will walk next to the pony. Please note: Farmer Karin does not provide riding lessons on the farm!

Care for your own pony

Always wanted your own pony? Well, here you can! You will be responsible for your ‘own’ pony during your stay. Together with one hour of driving each day, you will take care of your pony, including brushing, feeding, mucking out the stable and putting your pony out to pasture. You can choose for a Shetland pony (up to 40kg) or one of the other ponies or horses (up to 75 kg). Minimum age is 3 year old.

Cuddle pony

At FarmCamps De Smulhoeve you can do almost anything with your ‘cuddle pony’; take him or her out to the meadow, or for a tour round the yard, feed and walk him or even take your pony to visit your tent! The only thing you can’t do is riding. Minimum age of 3 years. Please note on a cuddle ony you can not ride.

Playing

If you like to play, then you’re in the right place! You can play football here, build huts in the bushes, ride the go-karts or play with sand and do somersaults on the trampoline.

Practical & delicious

In the weekends and Dutch Holiday periods you can order a delicious breakfast delivered to your tent by Karin the Farmer. Handy! Don’t feel like cooking full stop? Take a seat on the terrace and Karin will prepare you the yummiest pizzas ever. (twice a week) And of course there is always the small on-site farm shop where you can pick up your basics and a few treats, together with ordering fresh bread – now that’s handy! No one likes going home with a bag of dirty washing, so we recommend you order the towel bundle and rent some genuine FarmCamp overalls for the kids. Your mini-farmers will not only look great but their clothes will not get so dirty either! You can order all your extras at the point of booking, but if you are not sure yet don’t worry, you can also order them on the spot.

Breakfast in Tent!

A deliciously fresh farmers breakfast delivered to your tent including fresh bread, milk, juice, yoghurt, eggs (you cook these to your own liking) and of course a variety of condiments.

Pizza night

Farmer Karin also organizes cozy pizza evenings. Check the activity board for the exact date during your stay.

Baby bundles

No need to lug around your own baby gear! This package includes a baby bed, high chair and a changing mat. Don’t forget to bring your baby’s own bed linen though.

FarmCamp Mini-Farmers Overalls

Not only will your mini-farmers look very cool in these red overalls but you’ll be sure their clothes don’t get ruined!

Towel bundles

Includes 1 x large and 1 x small white towel. Perfect for leaving washing behind at the end of your holiday!

A welcoming bed

For €5.50 per bed we’ll make sure your beds are ready and waiting for you. Fall into them as soon as you arrive and let the relaxation begin!

Not a moment’s boredom!

Watching other families enjoy themselves here shows us how few leave the farm since there is so much to see and do. Here the kids are in their element and don’t have time to get bored! That´s why the parents are having a great time too. But if you do want to discover the local environment in the North-Brabant province then we recommend a trip to the Loonse and Drunense dunes which are a short walk away and dotted with delightful restaurants along the way like De Roestelberg or Het Genieten. Indoor playing fun you can find at Monkey Town and Jump XL. Visit any one of the lovely villages and towns in Brabant and enjoy a drink on their terrace, or take a day trip to the Efteling – not even a full kilometer away from the farm! Something for everyone!

Water

Zidewinde outdoor pool

In Sprang-Capelle, just a few kilometers from the farm, you will find this outdoor pool with 4 heated lanes, a 30 meter long slide, two diving boards, a separate children’s pool and a sunbathing area.

Water

Olympia swimming pool

If the weather is not on your side then spread your wings a little further at the indoor Olympia swimming pool in Waalwijk. Here you can splash around in three pools, complete with a 46 meter long water slide, rapids, a paddling pool and a whirlpool.

Water

De Kurenpolder

In the Kurenpolder is a lovely lake with a beach, playgrounds and also a climbing park. There is also no shortage of catering. Perfect for a day out with the kids.

Water

Swimming pool Het Run

The biggest open air swimming pool in the area is less then 10km away from the farm. The pool is heated, the showers are great and so are the places where you can get something to eat or drink.

Water

Swimming pool De Groene Wellen

This beautiful outdoor swimming pool in Udenhout is less than 20 minutes away by car and less than half an hour by bike. The swimming pool has a wonderful catering facility, a large lawn for sunbathing and a very large slide. Perfect for a wonderful of swimming!

Water

Blauwe Meer recreation beach

With its white beaches and crystal clear waters you’ll easily enjoy yourself swimming, sunbathing or having a drink on the terrace.

Water

Het Genieten

Situated near the farm, on the edge of the Loonse and Drunense dunes, this brasserie also offers an awesome wet play area for the kids. Guaranteed hours of fun while Mum and Dad relax and enjoy themselves on the terrace.

Playing

Efteling theme park

This incredible fairytale theme park is but a short bike ride (less than a kilometer!) from FarmCamps Smulhoeve.

Playing

Playfarm De Vossenberg

In Gilze you will find this cozy farm that has been converted into a play paradise for kids with an indoor and outdoor playground. While the kids are having fun playing, the parents are enjoying a drink and a snack from the extensive menu.

Playing

Monkey Town

Monkey town is only a 5 minute drive away from the farm. This children’s play paradise has indoor soft play areas as well as an outdoor play area, laser games and indoor golf. At Monkey town you will find the best and most spectacular rides for children aged 0 to 12.

Playing

Jump XL

Here children from 7 years old can go wild on the mega trampoline fields. Jumping, practicing somersaults and flopping down in the soft foam tray or on the large air cushion, super cool! Also great for older children ánd parents.

Nature

National Park Loonse and Drunense dunes

This 3,500 hectare nature reserve is also known as the ‘Brabant Sahara’. Discover the great shifting sand plains, heathland and woodlands it has to offer. Romp around in the sand, take a bike ride through the forest or go horseback riding over the dunes – it’s all on your doorstep with just a short walk from the farm.

Nature

Country Estate Huis ter Heide

In this nature park you will find lots of fens, trees, fields and of course the Estate itself. Tip: Discover the National Park Dune Express: a heated train (boarding near the farm) that takes you through this beautiful area.

Nature

Beekse Bergen

Situated in Hilvarenbeek, you can’t miss out on a trip to the famous, award winning safari park Beekse Bergen. An African adventure full of roaring lions, curious giraffes, roaming zebras and many more stunning beasts awaits you! The park also offers an outdoor playground, a large sandy beach with safe bathing facilities and water slides.

Culture

Fortified town of Heusden

Heusden is a beautifully restored fortified town. You’ll find quaint shops, beautiful art galleries, large harbours and terraces. Every Sunday the shops are open and you can enjoy an interesting mooch around this delightful town.

Culture

The Tannery Museum

Did you know that Waalwijk and its surrounding area is known for its leather industry? For centuries they have been making products here from animal skins. In this museum in Dongen, you can see how “leather tanning” was done then compared to now. For children, there is a special treasure hunt through the museum.

Culture

Textile Museum

Experience what it is like to be an artist or exhibition maker in the Textile Museum in Tilburg. You go on a treasure hunt through the museum with the whole family and afterwards you can eat delicious sandwiches in the TextielCafé!

Playing

The kids will never be bored at FarmCamps De Smulhoeve

Average rating

9.4

 5/5

(665 reviews)

Guests about De Smulhoeve:

Our stay was very nice! We enjoyed a lot. Our 3.5 year old daughter has had the time of her life again with cuddling bunnies, pampered her grooming pony and played a lot with new friends. Hello, FarmCamps!

Family van Deuveren

De Smulhoeve on the map

Do you have a question? You can always email us.

Reservations:
reservations@farmcamps.com

Marketing:
marketing@farmcamps.com

We are happy to answer all your questions.

Available on working days between 09:00 and 17:00

t. 088-8889188

Needle in the haystack not found? View the frequently asked questions.

De Smulhoeve

Livery yard in Kaatsheuvel, North Brabant

A fairytale come true...

What a great choice!

Out and about with the sweet ponies!

Take a sneak peek at De Smulhoeve...

Where do I sleep

Luxury Ranch Tents

Luxury Lodge Tents

Luxury Barn Tents

Finding out is fun!

Farmer’s Passport

Farm Tours

Cuddle hour

Horseshoe decorating

Pony walks

Horse riding for adults

Pony riding

Care for your own pony

Cuddle pony

Playing

Practical & delicious

Breakfast in Tent!

Pizza night

Baby bundles

FarmCamp Mini-Farmers Overalls

Towel bundles

A welcoming bed

Not a moment’s boredom!

Zidewinde outdoor pool

Olympia swimming pool

De Kurenpolder

Swimming pool Het Run

Swimming pool De Groene Wellen

Blauwe Meer recreation beach

Het Genieten

Efteling theme park

Playfarm De Vossenberg

Monkey Town

Jump XL

National Park Loonse and Drunense dunes

Country Estate Huis ter Heide

Beekse Bergen

Fortified town of Heusden

The Tannery Museum

Textile Museum

Playing

Guests about De Smulhoeve:

Our stay was very nice! We enjoyed a lot. Our 3.5 year old daughter has had the time of her life again with cuddling bunnies, pampered her grooming pony and played a lot with new friends. Hello, FarmCamps!

Family van Deuveren

De Smulhoeve on the map