Looking for a challenge that appeals to the whole family? Getting lost has never been such fun! Here are 17 magnificent planted puzzles around the UK to visit and explore.
The best mazes to visit in the UK
The Amazing Cornish Maize Maze, Cornwall
Situated on a working farm on the Duchy of Cornwall estate, this maze in Cornwall changes each year. Previous designs for the maze have included a Mayan jaguar, a dinosaur, and a wizard. What will this year's theme be? There's only one way to find out – open from the end of July until October, it is a beautiful spot to run around and enjoy the Cornish sun.
Castlewellan Peace Maze, County Down
Unusually, the Castlewellan Peace Maze comes with a message. Planted in 2000 by the local community, it represents ‘the path to a peaceful future for Northern Ireland’. Amen to that. Its 6,000 yew trees form hedges that stretch for over two miles. There’s a peace bell at journey’s end and some lush views of the Mourne Mountains – which we nominated as one of the most rejuvenating places in the UK – to enjoy while getting there.
York Maze, Yorkshire
Hooray for corny word play! This is the largest maize maze in Europe, made up of over a million maize (okay, sweetcorn) plants spread over an area the size of eight football pitches. Every year the design changes, and once you’ve solved it, the park, near York, has several other mazes to crack including a mind-bending maze of Illusions and a knee-grinding Mineshaft Maze.
Conwy Valley Maze, Conwy
Horticulturalists, step this way please. The world’s largest garden maze not only covers two acres of the beautiful Conwy Valley in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), but also contains a variety of themed gardens. Thus, should you lose your way you may well find consolation in the Rose Garden, Japanese Zen Garden or Butterfly Garden. Or you can gaze studiously at one of the many sculptures and pretend you’re not lost at all.
Longleat Hedge Maze, Wiltshire
With six bridges and 1.7 miles of pathways to explore, Longleat Safari Park's hedge maze will keep the family entertained for a long time. Meticulously kept with high reaching walls, this is a fun attraction that children of all ages will enjoy in the park.
Hever Castle & Gardens, Kent
Hever Castle boasts two puzzle mazes in its grounds: an Edwardian yew maze and a splashing water maze (pictured). Navigate the stepping stones while trying to not get splashed as you make your way towards the centre.
Minotaur Maze, Northumberland
Inspired by the Greek myth of Minos and the Minotaur, this maze is set entirely in stone and sits inside the luscious grounds of Kielder Castle. This unusual maze rewards your success with a glittering room made from thousands of glass shards.
Noah's Ark Zoo Farm's Great British Wildlife Maze, Somerset
At Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm maze, celebrate British wildlife by answering questions along the way to get to the centre. It's now the longest maze in the UK, with 2.1 miles of yew hedging. For the very little ones, there's a mini maze next door for practice.
The Forbidden Corner, Yorkshire
Get lost in a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers in a four acre garden in Tupgill Park. The maze was originally developed in the 1980s for private use, but after enormous curiosity was opened to the public. Bizarre statues and oddities can be found throughout the tangle of pathways.
Dragonfly Maze, Gloucestershire
If a maze alone isn’t enough to get the juices flowing, you can pit your wits against the Dragonfly Maze. The artist and author Kit Williams (of Masquerade treasure hunt fame) has left 14 clues among the yew-hedge paths. Only after tracking down all of them can you solve the puzzle and discover the golden dragonfly.
Traquair Maze, Peeblesshire
The largest hedge maze in Scotland is tucked behind Traquair House, the country’s oldest inhabited home, lived in by the Stuart family since 1491. Composed of Leyland cypress and colourful beeches, this maze in Peeblesshire has no dead ends and questers must find four ‘sub-centres’ before reaching their goal. Head there on Easter Sunday and you can also hunt for 6,000 mini eggs (as long as you’re under 10).
Glendurgan Garden Maze, Cornwall
In the beautiful subtropical gardens of Glendurgan, you will find a most mysterious maze. The cherry laurel hedges were planted over 175 years ago, and it is still drawing in visitors from all over.
Hampton Court Maze, Surrey
We would be foolish to leave out the maze at Hampton Court Palace, which is arguably the most famous maze in the world. Once home to King Henry VIII and his six wives, Hampton Court now offers a spectacular day out of history brought to life, and the maze is certainly not to be missed.
Julian's Bower, Lincolnshire
For something historical, the last remaining of the enigmatic Julian's Bower turf mazes can be found in Alkborough, North Lincolnshire. Its origins are unknown, but there are theories that it was carved by monks in the 13th century.
Pitmedden Gardens, Aberdeenshire
For the green-fingered amongst us, Pitmedden Gardens provide the ultimate inspiration. These painstakingly prepared gardens, which contain over 30,000 annual bedding plants, are wonderful to behold, and the traditional maze in their midst is a real treat.
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Tucked into Blenheim’s walled gardens, the Marlborough Maze is a full two miles long, making it the second largest hedge maze in the world. Its 3,000 yew trees create a maze that recalls the belligerent exploits of the 1st Duke of Marlborough, so expect your path to form the shapes of cannons, flags and drums.
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Leeds Castle, Kent
With a unique and fiendishly clever design – setting a circular crown-like pattern inside a square – the yew maze at Leeds is said to be one of the nation’s most challenging. It’s fitting then that those who make it to the centre are rewarded with a visit to a spine-chilling subterranean grotto. Keep an ear out for the roaring thunder and one eye on the mythical creatures.
Main image: Castlewellan Peace Maze / Credit: Getty
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