Enjoy some summer holiday fun at Cowdray’s Maize Maze

With its horse, plough and tractor design, the Maize Maze is a fun summer day out for everyone. It features a stamp trail, viewing platform as well as teas, coffees and light refreshments provided by the Farm Shop Café. There is even a Cowdray Lifestyle pop-up to browse in.

Returning this year, with a theme of ‘Farming Through the Ages’, Farmer Barney reflects on farming practices including how they have developed from the Stone Age as well as him discussing future farming techniques.

Planted over two hectares by Cowdray’s farming team, the Maize Maze is set in a beautiful location with views of the world-renowned Lawns polo fields stretching out towards Cowdray Ruins.

Last year visitors were greeted by scenes of green and golden yellow maize rippling in the summer sunshine and a field of brightly coloured cheery sunflowers. This year there is a mix of sunflower varieties as well as strips of other flowers such as cornflowers and poppies.

The Maize Maze has taken a long time to plan with many logistics to sort out. The project is being overseen by Nick McDonald, Cowdray’s Land and Environment Manager, with many members of staff across the Estate helping with the project.

“This is a community focused project, teaching children about farming as well as being a bit of summer holiday fun,” said Nick. “It is a massive group effort from so many people across Cowdray to ensure the Maize Maze is a success.

“Last year the feedback was unanimously positive, with many people taking the opportunity to visit the Estate who had never been here before. We are hoping the same will be the case this summer too.”

At the start, young maze-goers will be given a stamp sheet to complete collecting eight hidden stamps along the way. If they answer the questions correctly a stamp could be added to their sheet.

Once through the maze, there is flower picking patch, where visitors can pick a bunch of flowers to take home. There is also a photo area for visitors to take pictures against the stunning backdrop as well as a piano and haybales for children to play on.

There will be plenty of refreshments and a marquee to sit under to enjoy them, with picturesque views towards Cowdray Ruins.

The Maize Maze opens on Thursday 1st August and runs through to Monday 26th August. It is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm on Sunday to Thursdays and 10am to 8pm on Friday and Saturdays.

Adults and children are £6, and three years old and under are free. Flowers cost £5 a bunch.

Tickets are available both online and on the gate with a percentage of ticket sales going to Cowdray’s nominated charity for 2024 Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex.

To buy tickets and to find out more, please visit our website on: cowdray.co.uk/maize-maze/