Nestled within the beautiful Grade II* registered Bridge End Gardens in Saffron Walden, Essex, lies a true delight for visitors of all ages—the stunning Hedge Maze. This maze is not just a simple path to wander; it’s a piece of living history, crafted with care and restored to bring joy to every person who steps into its winding paths.
The Hedge Maze at Bridge End Gardens has a rich story that dates back to the 19th century. It all began in the late 18th century, when the garden’s development started, and the maze was completed in the mid-19th century. Atkinson Francis Gibson of Saffron Walden laid the groundwork for the garden, and his son Francis carried on the work—including shaping this beloved maze. What makes this maze special is its material: it’s made of yew hedges, which give it a lush, green appearance that stays vibrant year-round.
Sadly, time was not kind to the maze. By 1949, it had fallen into neglect, and by 1983, it was little more than an overgrown thicket. But hope was not lost. In 1984, Uttlesford District Council launched a programme of research and restoration to bring the maze back to its former glory. First, the site was cleared and surveyed. Then, the original maze design was carefully marked out. Workers reconstructed the paths and built up the banks before planting over 1,000 yew plants in December of that year. The hard work paid off: on midday July 13, 1991, Mr. Anthony Fry—great-great grandson of Francis Gibson—officially reopened the maze, making it ready for future generations to enjoy.
This Hedge Maze isn’t just a copy of any ordinary maze. It’s based on the layout of the famous maze at Hampton Court Palace, adding a touch of royal-inspired charm to its design. Over the years, it has been well looked after. In 1987, the maze was replanted to keep its hedges neat and true to the original plan. Later, between 2002 and 2006, the entire garden—including the maze—was restored back to its 1870 layout, ensuring that every twist and turn stays true to Francis Gibson’s vision.
Today, the Hedge Maze is one of the highlights of Bridge End Gardens. While the main areas of the garden are open every day except Christmas Day, the maze (along with the walled garden) is locked at certain times. So, if you’re planning to visit, it’s always best to call the Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre at 01799 524002 first to get the most up-to-date opening hours. This way, you won’t miss the chance to walk through the maze’s yew hedges and experience its magic.
The Hedge Maze also plays a part in local fun. Bridge End Gardens takes part in the Maze Festival, which celebrates Saffron Walden’s three mazes (the other two are a historic turf labyrinth on the common and one in Jubilee Gardens). The festival even includes “The 3 Maze Challenge,” an event that lets visitors test their skills in all three mazes—making the Hedge Maze at Bridge End Gardens a key part of the town’s playful heritage.
Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend adventure or a tourist exploring Essex’s hidden gems, the Hedge Maze at Bridge End Gardens is a must-see. Its winding yew hedges, rich history, and charming design make it a place that feels both timeless and exciting. Every step through the maze is a chance to make memories, and it’s easy to see why it’s been loved by generations.
This post is also available in Afrikaans, Azərbaycan dili, Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Melayu, Basa Jawa, Bosanski, Català, Cymraeg, Dansk, Deutsch, Eesti, Español, Esperanto, Euskara, Français, Frysk, Galego, Gàidhlig, Hrvatski, Italiano, Kiswahili, Latviešu valoda, Lietuvių kalba, Magyar, Nederlands, O'zbekcha, Polski, Português, Română, Shqip, Slovenčina, Slovenščina, Suomi, Svenska, Tagalog, Tiếng Việt, Türkçe, Íslenska, Čeština, Ελληνικά, Беларуская мова, Български, Кыргызча, Македонски јазик, Монгол, Русский, Српски језик, Татар теле, Українська, Қазақ тілі, Հայերեն, עברית, ئۇيغۇرچە, اردو, العربية, سنڌي, فارسی, كوردی, پښتو, नेपाली, मराठी, हिन्दी, অসমীয়া, বাংলা, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, ગુજરાતી, தமிழ், తెలుగు, ಕನ್ನಡ, മലയാളം, සිංහල, ไทย, ພາສາລາວ, ဗမာစာ, ქართული, አማርኛ, ភាសាខ្មែរ, 日本語, 简体中文, 繁体中文 and 한국어.