Oud Gastel is an atmospheric village where the past can still be felt in every street. Stroll through the historic centre, visit the characteristic Mast Tree House and literally step back in time. Or explore the area on a nostalgic solextour through the West Brabant countryside. Behind every bend awaits a new story, a surprising view or a piece of hidden history. Oud Gastel is small in size, but big in experience.
Oud Gastel is one of the villages in the municipality of Halderberge. With a lively club life, there is always something to do. The national triathlon, tractor pulling and Sfeerpop are well-known events organised in Oud Gastel. Oud Gastel also has a wonderful history hidden away. In the local history house and the Mast Tree House discover the stories connected to Oud Gastel's past.
If you want special food & drinks, you will be well placed at Café onder de Toren or at Gastel Sfeer, where the horse tram used to cross the Roosendaalsche Vliet by ferry.
The name 'Gastel' is first mentioned in written sources in the year 1275. The Abbey of St Bernard is given a piece of land. The monks and brothers of the abbey are asked to further cultivate the land of Gastel. So the oldest history known to Gastel is of the Parish. Until 1287, 'Gastel' belongs to the land of Breda. After this, it comes into common possession of the Lords of Breda and Bergen op Zoom. In 1458, the entire area comes under the Land of Bergen op Zoom. In 1533, this land was elevated to the Markiezaat.
In 1747, Bergen op Zoom was besieged by the French. Oud Gastel also felt the consequences: 'foreign' soldiers were billeted here and the population had to give up a lot of cattle and forage to the French. A field entrenchment, Fort Willem, was built on Gastelsedijk West. This was part of the line to stop the French. Also in 1914-1918 during World War I, soldiers were billeted in the village as part of the mobilisation. Numerous Belgian refugees also found shelter in the village. At the end of the Second World War, Oud Gastel was liberated on 30 October 1944.
There is plenty to see and do in Oud Gastel! As a disembarkation point, Oud Gastel is a fine place where you can perch on many a terrace, such as at Under the Tower or Carpe Diem. But there is more! In summer, during the cherry season from mid-June, pick your own cherries at Voorbraak Kersengaard, get cherries "from the wall" or buy delicious cherry products such as wine, beer and chutney.
Culture and history lovers get their fill in The Mast Tree House of the mayor Mastboom family who bequeathed the house as a museum. The house can be visited in suspended decay, preserved as it was.
Inspired and would you like to stay in Oud Gastel for more than one day? A midweek, week or weekend, for example? There are various B&Bs, hotels and campsites in and around Oud Gastel. Spend the night in a monastery, a campsite in the middle of the woods or with a wide view in the polders. Various accommodations offer great packages. View all accommodation options.
There are several highlights and museums to visit in Oudenbosch. But Halderberge has much more to offer during your visit to West Brabant. At the Tourist Information Point in Oudenbosch you will find all the information you need for your visit to Halderberge or West Brabant. Our volunteers will be happy to help!
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