Britain’s Best Mazes
Countryside | Family | Outdoor Activities | Pub | Pub Accommodation | Short Break | Staycation | Walking | Posted 2024.02.13
Join us as we go through some of Britain’s most fascinating mazes, where history, design, and adventure combine to create unforgettable experiences. In this blog, we’ll delve into the mazes scattered across the UK, each with its own unique charm and history.
To add a touch of convenience and relaxation to your maze exploration, we’ll also highlight a couple of charming pubs nearby, providing the perfect retreat to unwind and share tales of your maze conquests.
Britain’s Best Mazes
Leeds Castle, Kent
In 1987, the maze at Leeds Castle was crafted using 2,400 yew trees, forming a square layout. When seen from the mound or the air, the pattern is circular, a distinctive feature unique to Leeds Castle and adds to the difficulty in solving it. The pattern was also designed to incorporate both a crown and a chalice, two symbols which represent Leeds Castle.
Once you’ve made it to the centre of the maze, plunge below ground to the incredible magical grotto. The grotto features spooky twists and turns, claps of thunder, and mythical creatures who show you the way back to above ground.
Opening times: Daily 10:00am – 16:00 / 17:00pm
Pubs with accommodation nearby:
The Wishful Thinker
The Red Lion
Miller & Carter Maidstone
Longleat Hedge Maze, Wiltshire
Integrated into the Longleat estate in 1978, the Longleat Hedge Maze stands as the largest maze in the United Kingdom, comprised of over 16,000 English yew trees. A visit to the Hedge Maze can take from a brisk 20-minute exploration to a more leisurely 90-minute venture.
Longleat’s Hedge Maze is not only the largest in Britain but also the longest worldwide, featuring six raised bridges and 1.7 miles of winding pathways.
While at Longleat, seize the opportunity to explore other attractions on the estate, including the historic house, gardens, and safari park.
Opening times: Daily 10:00 am – 18:00pm
Pubs with accommodation nearby:
The Bradley Hare
The George Hotel & Granary
The George Inn
Minotaur Maze, Northumberland
The best-known maze story is that of the Minotaur. In Greek mythology, the Minotaur was a creature with the head of a bull on the body of a man. He was contained, by the Cretan King Minos, in the centre of the Labyrinth, and fed seven Athenian youths and maidens every nine years.
Drawing inspiration from this ancient myth this maze sits inside the luscious grounds of Kielder Castle. The maze, built from basalt stone and glass, was opened in 2006. Inside this maze explore various special features that include a set of stairs taking visitors above the walls and enabling them to consider possible alternative routes within the maze.
Opening times: Expect to reopen later in 2024
Pubs with accommodation nearby:
The Pheasant Inn
The Holly Bush Inn
The Crossings Inn
Horrible Histories Maze at Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
Embark on a journey through time and delve into history at the Horrible Histories maze! Engage in entertaining challenges as you navigate through historical eras: invade a Viking ship, endure the trenches, uncover sinister plots, and escape the maze before things take a horribly wrong turn.
The maze’s story revolves around a mischievous rat disrupting time periods. Visitors enter the maze to become lost in time and must work to put them back in order. Amidst the journey, learn all sorts of interesting facts about each time period.
The Horrible Histories maze stands out as an interactive labyrinth, going beyond the typical quest to reach the centre. Upon entry, visitors take a book by the entrance and collect stamps on their way around the maze.
Opening times: Daily 10:00am – 16:00pm (may close in adverse weather conditions or due to low light levels)
Pubs with accommodation nearby:
The Old Coffee Tavern
The Rose & Crown
The Globe
Blenheim Palace’s Marlborough Maze, Oxfordshire
Opened in 1991, Blenheim Palace’s Marlborough Maze stands as a captivating labyrinth. The maze is two miles in length and is made up of hundreds of yew trees in a design inspired by the rich history of Blenheim Palace.
Notably, the maze pays homage to Winston Churchill, born at the palace, with the inclusion of a distinctive ‘V’ sign. In the maze you can recognise various military symbols included in the convoluted design, including cannonballs, trumpets and flags – commemorating the 1st Duke of Marlborough’s historic triumph at the Battle of Blenheim. Stepping into the heart of the Marlborough Maze reveals a carefully crafted arrangement of low hedges spelling out the word ‘Blenheim’.
Opening times: Daily 10:00 am – 17:00pm
Pubs with accommodation nearby:
The Marlborough Arms
The Kings Arms
The Duke of Marlborough
York Maze, Yorkshire
The York Maze is made up of over 1.5 million maize plants and covers an impressive 32 acres of land. York Maze is famous for its ‘Giant Maize Maze’, recognised as the largest in Europe, made from over 1 million maize plants. Each new season, starting July, is marked by a fresh design on the Giant Maize that pays homage to a piece of popular culture, which has included Harry Potter, Dr. Who and Star Wars.
Beyond the diverse maze offerings, York Maze provides an extensive array of entertainment with over 20 rides, attractions, and shows, all themed around maize and corn. Visitors can revel in experiences such as Cornula 1, the Cobstacle Course, and the Cornival Show.
Opening times: Sat 13th July – Mon 2nd Sept 2024 10:00am – 18:30pm
Pubs with accommodation nearby:
The Golden Fleece
The Fat Badger
The Judge’s Lodging
Cornish Maize Maze, Cornwall
Nestled on a working farm within the Duchy of Cornwall Estate, the Cornish Maize Maze graces the landscape each year from July to September. Past iterations of the maze have featured captivating designs, such as a Mayan jaguar, a dinosaur, and a wizard. In 2023, the theme took a whimsical turn with “Dr Moo.”
Once you’ve successfully navigated through The Maze, the adventure doesn’t end there. Explore the range of on-site facilities offering delightful experiences. Visitors can bounce on trampolines, swing on swings, climb to the top of a huge bale tower, play giant games, dig in the massive sandpit and meet lots of farm and rare breed animals.
Opening times: End of July – Early September 10:30am – 17:00pm
Pubs with accommodation nearby:
The Halfway House
The Weary Friar
Inn on the Shore
Written by Issy Matthews
