Mechiel Blokland

A fairy tale in progress: the magic of De Tovertuin on Brabantse Wal
It is a chilly morning on Brabantse Wal. On the site, the sound of hammers, sawyers and laughing voices can be heard. Between piles of wood and colourful designs, a fairytale world is slowly but surely emerging: Woezel & Pip's De Tovertuin . Anyone walking around here will immediately feel that this is not going to be an ordinary holiday park, but a place where fantasy and nature come together.

"Anyone can build a park," says Mechiel Blokland, director of De Tovertuin. "But we want guests to remember us for our hospitality. That children and parents leave here with a smile and the feeling that they were really welcome."

From theatre to theme park
The adventure began not here, but in Alblasserwaard. From the theatre productions of Van Hoorne Studios, the dream grew to show children their heroes not only on stage, but also in a real living world. With Adventure Farm Molenwaard, they proved that such a thing is possible. When the opportunity came to take over a park on Brabantse Wal , the choice was quickly made.
"The location is unique," says Mechiel as he looks out over the green surroundings. "We come from the meadows with straight ditches. Here you have forests, heathland and sand drifts. This fits perfectly with the stories of Woezel and Pip. It feels like it was always meant to be this way."

A day full of wonder
A world of experiences unfolds on the floor plan. A 2,500-square-metre indoor hall where shows, catering and fun come together. Three restaurants in the style of Woezel and Pip: an à la carte, a buffet and a pancake restaurant. Outside, children will sail boats past Auntie Peerenboom, escape from the maze or run through the themed areas forest, heathland, sand dunes and fens.

Each day starts with a welcome show and ends with a parade, complete with Woezel, Pip, Buurpoes and Charlie. "The best moment?" Mechiel smiles. "That will soon be when children meet their heroes in real life and get to have their picture taken. That remains magical."

Playing and learning in nature
What makes De Tovertuin extra special is the cooperation with the Forestry Commission. Right next to the park is the Kalmthoutse Heide, a pearl of the Brabantse Wal. Together, they develop educational programmes. Children can get a nature friend diploma, or be trained as a junior forester for a weekend.

"In our library forest, the Wise Fern tells about nature and why we should treat it sparingly," Mechiel explains. "We want children to not only play here, but also learn something that they will take with them throughout their lives."

Four seasons of magic
Doing business in this region feels like coming home. Mechiel: "It really is a warm bath. The municipality, neighbours, local businesses: everyone thinks along and is ready to help. Even in the search for staff, we notice this support. We still need 200 people and the reactions are enthusiastic."

The first guests are expected in March, exactly when spring awakens. As blossom appears outside, the doors of De Tovertuin also open. Summer promises long days full of shows and outdoor games. In autumn, the forests around the park turn golden and orange, and children can discover nature up close. And in winter, De Tovertuin turns into a fairytale world full of lights, with the warmth of holidays and the atmosphere of St Nicholas and Christmas felt in the park.

"We want to be a four-season park," Mechiel explains. "So there is something to experience all year round. From toddler weeks outside the holidays to big Christmas trees and a winter park. By doing so, we bind a permanent group of employees ánd give guests a 9+ experience."

The fairy tale begins here
Whoever soon walks across the entrance square of De Tovertuin will enter a world where stories come to life. Where children run around with red cheeks and parents forget for a moment that they are adults. With De Tovertuin , the Brabantse Wal not only gains an attraction, but a new pearl that combines nature, games and hospitality. Mechiel is visibly proud: "We can't wait to see the first children walking around happily. That's what we do it for."

View the website of De Tovertuin

October 2025