Convention differs between the UK and Benelux/Germany. In the UK, VFR arrivals are expected to contact the approach frequency first if it exists (even outside controlled airspace). In the NL and Germany, contact is made with the tower, and approach is often not involved at all for VFR flights.
Interesting. And here is the standard American (and probably ICAO) way for the entire flight between two big airports:
Check ATIS --> Clearance [for IFR] --> Ground --> Tower --> Departure --> Center [for IFR] --> Check ATIS --> Approach --> Tower --> Ground