The TT Assen held each June is a truly special event on the MotoGP™ calendar and one of the biggest annual sporting occasions in the Netherlands. Thousands of fans flock from across Europe to create a fantastic atmosphere and to play a part in the continuing heritage of this festival of motorsport.

Known as “The Cathedral” of motorcycle racing, Assen proudly holds the honour of being the only venue to have uninterruptedly held a round of the Motorcycle World Championship every year since its creation in 1949.

The Netherlands is a popular place to visit, with 15 million people holidaying in the country each year, many of them from nearby Germany and the United Kingdom. Around five million people per year visit Amsterdam - the Netherlands´ largest and most colourful city, with its famous intricate canal network and buzzing nightlife.

Beyond Amsterdam, with its army of cyclists, rich sea-faring and trading history, and its many museums and art galleries, there is still much more to see in the Netherlands.

Other large cities such as Utrecht, The Hague and Rotterdam are dynamic and vibrant places to live – or just to spend a few days in.

Away from the cities and larger towns you will discover quaint villages with centuries of history, endless tulip fields, iconic windmills, and beautiful churches.

Heading north, the city of Assen in the province of Drenthe and the nearby city and province of Groningen, are also well worth checking out.

Excellent coffee and beer are easy to find in the Netherlands and that is the case in both Assen and Groningen. In addition to drinks there is plenty to eat, with quality platters of Dutch cheese and meat always well presented.

Also try Erwtensoep (green split pea soup), Bitterballen (deep-fried breaded meatballs traditionally made with beef) or Dutch asparagus. All are delicious, whilst for a sweet treat order Stroopwafel for desert or to accompany a coffee. Generally, the Dutch eat lunch and evening meals earlier than countries in more southerly areas of Europe so it’s worth keeping kitchen opening hours in mind.

The Netherlands could not be easier to explore via public transport with the regular bus and train services efficient and on time. The established national road network to and from Assen and Drenthe makes driving or riding a motorbike a pleasure here. Remember to always be respectful of the many Dutch cyclists on the roads as they often have right of way over vehicles.