There’s something magical about mazes that grabs my imagination. They’re more than just puzzles to solve – they feel like little adventures waiting for you to step into, right here in the real world. Throughout history, people have built incredible mazes designed to challenge us, confuse us, and sometimes even hide ancient secrets.
From royal garden mazes to legendary labyrinths, each one offers its own unique mix of history, architecture, and mystery. If you’ve ever enjoyed the thrill of losing yourself in a winding path, these real-life mazes could be the perfect escape for you.
The Hampton Court Maze, England
One of the oldest surviving hedge mazes in the UK, the Hampton Court Maze was planted in the late 17th century for King William III. It’s not huge by today’s standards, but it’s known for its winding paths and dead ends, which can keep you wandering for over an hour. The maze was originally designed as a “wilderness,” a place for quiet contemplation, but it’s also notorious for making people lose their way. If you’re up for the challenge, see if you can beat the odds and navigate this historic maze with your sense of direction intact.
The Labyrinth of Knossos, Greece
Though not a hedge maze, the Labyrinth of Knossos is one of the most legendary mazes in history. Built around 4,000 years ago, it’s said to have housed the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull creature from Greek mythology. The ruins of the ancient Minoan palace in Crete are what remains of this once great structure. While you won’t find any Minotaurs lurking there today, you can still explore the maze-like corridors and halls of this archaeological site. Walking through its remains feels like stepping into a myth that has fascinated people for centuries.
The Château de Villandry, France
The gardens at the Château de Villandry are among the most stunning in Europe, and they include an elegant hedge maze designed in the 20th century to complement the château’s Renaissance style. This maze is made from hornbeam hedges, and though not particularly difficult, it’s full of charm. It’s a serene and scenic experience, offering a glimpse into the refined tastes of the French aristocracy. If you’ve ever dreamed of strolling through a perfectly manicured French garden, this maze is the place to do it.
The Longleat Hedge Maze, England
The Longleat Hedge Maze is one of the largest mazes in the world, stretching over 1.75 miles in length. Located in Wiltshire, this maze was created in 1975 and features more than 16,000 English yew trees. What makes Longleat unique is its raised bridges, allowing you to occasionally get your bearings – if you can find them. With its winding paths and surprises around every corner, Longleat is an exciting and challenging adventure. It’s perfect for those who love getting lost in the moment, and possibly for quite a while!
The Reignac-sur-Indre Maze, France
Covering a massive 4 hectares, the Reignac-sur-Indre Maze in France is the largest plant maze in the world. This maze is made from corn during the summer and sunflowers later in the year, meaning it changes with the seasons. The maze is redesigned every year, so no two visits are the same. It’s an agricultural marvel as much as it is a fun challenge, and it draws maze enthusiasts from around the globe. If you think you can handle getting lost in a living, ever-changing landscape, Reignac-sur-Indre is waiting for you.
The Chartres Cathedral Maze, France
Inside the famous Chartres Cathedral lies a stunning labyrinth, dating back to the 13th century. Unlike outdoor hedge mazes, this one is made of stone and embedded into the floor of the cathedral. Pilgrims used to walk the maze in meditation, symbolizing their spiritual journey. At about 40 feet in diameter, this intricate design continues to attract visitors seeking contemplation and quiet reflection as they trace its ancient paths.
Ashcombe Maze, Australia
The Ashcombe Maze, located in Victoria, Australia, is the oldest and most famous hedge maze in the country. Planted over 40 years ago, it features more than 1,000 cypress trees. The walls stand three metres tall and two metres thick, making this a real challenge for any visitor trying to find their way out. The Ashcombe Maze also has beautiful rose gardens and a lavender labyrinth, offering more ways to get lost in nature.
The Peace Maze, Northern Ireland
This maze, located in Castlewellan Forest Park, was planted in 2000 to commemorate the Northern Ireland peace process. The Peace Maze is one of the world’s largest permanent hedge mazes, with over two miles of pathways. Visitors are encouraged to ring the peace bell once they’ve reached the center. The journey through the maze is symbolic of the path to peace, making it a thoughtful and engaging experience for all who visit.
The Horta Maze, Spain
The Horta Maze in Barcelona is one of the oldest mazes in Spain, dating back to the late 18th century. Situated within the sprawling Horta Labyrinth Park, this cypress hedge maze is part of a neoclassical garden. It was originally designed by Italian architect Domenico Bagutti. Visitors can enjoy wandering its narrow, shaded paths and discover statues of mythological figures like Eros, adding an element of whimsy to this historical site.
The Hever Castle Yew Maze, England
Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, features a classic yew maze created in 1904. The maze sits within the castle’s extensive gardens, offering visitors a challenge as they navigate its twists and turns. Hever Castle is also home to a water maze, where stepping on the wrong stones can cause water to spray up, adding an extra layer of fun for adventurers. The combination of history and playful design makes this maze a family favourite.
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Old wives’ tales have been passed down through generations, often dismissed as mere superstition. However, many of these age-old beliefs are rooted in truth. From health tips to weather predictions, these stories from the past can surprise us with their accuracy. Here are 17 old wives’ tales that are actually true.
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Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
