Mazes

Who knew getting lost could be such fun. Some mazes have been around for a while, whilst others are recent additions to established gardens.

The serpentine curves of the laurel maze at Glendurgan Garden in Cornwall intrigue young and old alike. Unusually, this maze is on a slope. It’s jungly, hot and humid. And you have to find your way to the centre of the maze and out again. Excitement mounts!

Every year 330,000 people make their way in (and out, eventually) of the branching maze at Hampton Court Palace, in Surrey. It took half a mile of yew plants to restore this trapezoidal maze in the 1960s, when the original hornbeam hedging was replaced. Can you make the centre in the average 20 minutes? The challenge is on.

For a maze where cheating is not impossible, try the turf maze at Chenies Manor in Buckinghamshire. Gravel paths cut their way cleanly through the grass.

For contrast, navigate your way around the world’s largest symbolic maze, which has to be the Marlborough Maze at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. But don’t worry if you lose a friend or relative. There are two high wooden bridges from which to spy them.

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For any of you garden lovers or those planning a history or heritage themed trip around Britain, the essential "buy before you leave" product is the Great British Heritage Pass. Providing free entry into over 580 castles, gardens and stately homes across the length and breadth of Britain, it really is the key to unlocking Britain's secrets.

For full details and to order click here.