Company outing in Gouda: six programmes that work

A good company outing needs three things: a place everyone can reach easily, a programme that does not feel compulsory, and food and drink that hit the mark. Gouda delivers all three. The city is twenty minutes from Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague, everything is within walking distance of the Markt, and on that Markt sits Gouds Glas. Here are six programmes we regularly organise for teams, from half a day to a whole evening.

1. City walk and group lunch

Start at the station and let a guide from the Goudse Gidsen Gilde lead the team through the city centre: St John's Church (Sint-Janskerk), the canals, the almshouse courtyards. End on the Markt for a group lunch at Gouds Glas, from 15 euros per person. Half a day that works for everyone, including those who have no appetite for an activity that involves wearing a helmet.

2. Cheese market Thursday

From April to August inclusive, the cheese market takes place on the Markt every Thursday from 10:00 to 12:30. Gather at ours at half past nine for coffee, watch the hand-clapping trade and the weighing in the Waag (weigh house), and then have lunch on that same Markt. The most Gouda programme there is.

3. Cheese & Wine Tasting

From 30 people: four Gouda cheeses, four wines and sixty minutes led by Joost Zekveld. The Cheese & Wine Tasting is the quickest way to get a group that does not know each other well yet talking. Combine it with drinks beforehand and dinner afterwards.

4. Beer Tasting & Cheese and drinks on the Markt

For teams who would rather drink beer: the Beer Tasting & Cheese experience from 30 people, in which beers and Gouda cheeses are tasted together. Then carry on out on the terrace or at the bar with bitterballen and other Dutch fried snacks. On Fridays you naturally join the Friday afternoon drinks.

5. Canal cruise and group dinner

In season, tour boats sail through Gouda's canals. An hour on the water, then to the table at Gouds Glas for shared dining or a set menu from 30 euros per person, with dishes from the charcoal oven and a wine suggestion with every dish. The evening programme for teams who want to eat well.

6. Company party with food and drink stations

For the whole company, from 10 to 200 guests: a party with food and drink stations from 15 euros per person, your own bar and the space of the entire building if you hire it exclusively. Terrace, brasserie, restaurant, wine bar and mezzanine, each with its own atmosphere. Also popular as a corporate Christmas party in December.

How to arrange it

1. Choose a date and count the party. Thursdays in the cheese market season and December fill up quickly.
2. Email [email protected] with the date, numbers, budget per person and what kind of day it should be.
3. Receive one proposal for food, drinks and tastings; for activities in the city we refer you to the local providers.
4. Pass on dietary requirements, and the kitchen will arrange vegetarian and allergen-free options.

Is the team coming by car? Read the parking guide. By train you are on the Markt in five minutes.