The York Maze is located in North Yorkshire, UK, about 10 kilometers from the city center of York. It is the largest cornfield maze in the UK and is open every summer. The maze was initiated in 2006, covering an area of approximately 32 acres (about 130,000 square meters), composed of corn plants, and the total length of the paths exceeds 8 kilometers.
Historical background
The York Maze was built by the family of farmers, Tom Pilsey, with the original intention of adding interesting projects to agricultural tourism. After its first opening to the public in 2007, it quickly became a popular family attraction in the UK. The maze is redesigned with new patterns every year, and the themes often incorporate hot events or cultural elements of the current year. For instance, the Olympic Year adopts a sports theme.
Design and Layout
The corn plants are about 3 meters tall, forming a natural green wall. The maze pattern is planned through satellite positioning technology, and GPS is used for precise planting during sowing. The center is equipped with an observation deck. When tourists reach the top, they can overlook the entire maze. The ground path is approximately 1.5 meters wide and contains dozens of intersections and hidden check-in spots.
Every year, at the entrance of the maze, there are giant patterns with the theme of the current season displayed, such as dinosaurs, spaceships or the Outlines of British landmarks. In 2023, the maze was designed in the shape of Charles III’s coronation crown, attracting a large number of tourists to take photos.
Current situation and activities
The opening period is from July to September each year during the corn ripening season, with an average of over 2,000 visitors received daily. The average customs clearance time is about one hour, and approximately 30% of tourists need guidance from staff. Fun quiz boards are set up in the park. The correct answers can help you choose the right path.
The supporting facilities include:
1️⃣Children’s Play Area (sandpit, slide)
2️⃣Farm Animal Interaction area
3️⃣Outdoor picnic area
4️⃣Corn-themed cafe (offering corn chowder and roasted corn)
Special services
1️⃣Dusk Maze Adventure (Extended open until 20:00 every Friday)
2️⃣Customized birthday party service (including maze treasure hunt game)
3️⃣Corn Harvesting Experience (Open for visitors to participate in harvesting at the end of September
The York Maze combines agriculture with entertainment and has become a typical representative of rural tourism in the UK. Its annual updated design keeps it fresh and is suitable for family outings. In 2019, it was awarded the title of “The Best Outdoor Adventure Destination in the UK” and has now become a signature attraction for summer tourism in Yorkshire.
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