Eindhoven
In the last few years, I've made several day trips to Eindhoven flying from Stansted Airport. Ryanair's summer schedule offers several flights a day between the two airports making say trips quite possible. The first flight out was at 06.15 and the return flight at 21.50 in the evening which makes doing a day trip so simple, with plenty of time to look around without having to rush.
The air fares were also very reasonable and there is always a fare for £9.99 or less, making the return fare of £19.98 plus £3.00 each way for a seat. If the flights are booked at the right time, and traveling mid-week, then this low fare is available, otherwise the weekend fares can cost twice the price or slightly more. Making the comparison between the cost of a short rail journey to a nearby town, it's not too difficult to see the advantages of these day trips using Ryanair to Eindhoven or other destinations.
Once you arrive at the airport, there are several options for getting into town. Taking a Taxi is one, but as the busses are so frequent (either the 400 or 401) costing €2.75 each way this is the best option. The bus station in Eindhoven is next to the railway station, which is very convenient for any onward travel, as there are connections to almost everywhere by train including Amsterdam.
Eindhoven is a lovely place to visit. There are several museums including the DAF Museum, charting the former car manufacturer. There is the Phillips Museum, charting the history of the light bulb and the numerous products that the Phillips Corporation have produced. The museum contains many examples of these early products including their first television set. There is also the award winning Van Abbe Museum of art, which many will find appealing to visit. Saint Catherine's Church is also a must visit location, as the church contains several small history displays which were very informative. It's also an enjoyable place to sit and reflect, taking in the grandeur of this fine building.
There are several green spaces to walk around including the Anne Frankplantsoen (Anne Frank Gardens), where there is a statue to Anne Frank by the river. The town is architecturally pleasing, with a selection of chain and boutique shops, along with a selection of cafés and restaurants catering for every taste and budget. The outside eating area of these cafés do get very busy especially in the more popular like the market Square. Eindhoven is definitely worth a visit.
Helmond
The small town of Helmond is located about nine kilometres east from Eindhoven. On arriving at Eindhoven Airport, I took the bus into town (either the 400 or 401) to the main bus station, located next to the railway station. The trains to Helmond were very frequent and only €6 for a return ticket. Helmond is a delightful place to visit with the main tourist attraction being its castle. Helmond Castle began construction in 1402 and is the largest moated castle in Holland. The castle interior is very interesting with numerous rooms open to the public. The information boards within the rooms are in English as well as Dutch and there is a little café and shop inside also.
The town is quite delightful, as you would expect from a provincial town with many shops and restaurants. It was here that I discovered a bakery called Bakker Bart, which serves coffee, cakes, pasties and filled rolls. Just the perfect place for me to enjoy a light snack and a sit down. Bakker Bart have branches around Holland including one in Eindhoven. With a takeout option available, this allows you to enjoy your food in an outdoor location, like the park which surrounds the castle.
On one of my day trips to Eindhoven, it was easy to go to Helmond in the morning before spending time in Eindhoven in the afternoon. There is so much to do within a ten-kilometre radius of Eindhoven. It's just a question of where to go first and plan your day carefully before you leave.