The Hampton Court Maze dating from the 1690s is probably the most famous and earliest garden maze. Mazes became popular again in the 1970s and nowadays farmers create mazes in their fields of maize. Here six examples of prestigious mazes from throughout the world.
Source https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Alfred and Sarah Fox planted Glendurgan's maze over 175 years ago to entertain their 12 children. Unlike many other mazes which are planted symmetrically, the cherry laurel hedges twist and turn like a snake. This feature makes it particularly difficult to find the gazebo in the centre.
Source dusanmil89 on Atlas Obscura
This maze, which was completed in 1792, is part of the oldest garden in Barcelona.
It has been enhanced over the years by a romantic garden, a waterfall and flower beds. Statues of Theseus and Ariadne welcome you at the entrance of the maze. The paths, flanked by large cypress trees, entice you into many dead ends before you eventually discover a statue of Eros at its heart.
The VanDusen maze of over 3,000 cedars was planted in 1981 to a traditional Elizabethan design. The cedars have been cut in the shape of pyramids. There isn't a feature at the centre apart from a larger tree. A terrace looking down on the maze enables parents to keep an eye on their offspring.
Source Stan Shebs on Wikipedia
Source bishib70 on Flickr
This maze of over 6,000 yew trees was planted in 2001 after the Peace Agreement had been signed. Each tree was planted by a Northern Ireland citizen. It takes the accolade of being the second largest permanent hedge maze in the world. The hedges are kept lower than most mazes, so people can see each other as they walk round.....a nod to the new friendship between the communities. At the heart of the maze is a Peace Bell.
The hedges at Ashcombe were planted in the 1970s using over 1,000 plants. They have grown together to form a seamless organic hedge, which appears to be a single plant. The fountain at the centre of the maze is not the only thing you will have to find at Ashcombe, as they have an annual Great Gnome Hunt. Gnomes are hidden at the base of the hedge for families to find.
Source http://ashcombemaze.com.au/mazes-and-gardens
Source John Candy on Flickr
Longleat is the Daddy of all mazes being the longest in the world at almost 2 miles and comprising 16,000 yew trees. Six raised bridges and a central tower enable visitors to plan their escape route. If you are not satisfied with conquering Big Daddy, then there are several smaller garden mazes.....the Sun Maze and The Love Labyrinth.
