The world’s largest hedge maze, located at Longleat in Wiltshire, England, continues to captivate visitors with its extraordinary scale, intricate design, and lush greenery. Spread across more than 1.5 miles of pathways, the maze is formed from thousands of carefully trimmed yew trees, making it one of the most impressive living structures ever created.
Opened in 1978, the hedge maze was designed to challenge both the mind and the sense of direction. Its towering green walls rise high above visitors, creating a natural labyrinth that feels both enchanting and disorienting. At the heart of the maze stands a unique central feature — a wooden viewing bridge that allows explorers to climb above the hedges and admire the full complexity of the design from above.
Maintaining a hedge maze of this magnitude is a year-round effort. Gardeners and landscapers regularly trim and shape the hedges to preserve clear paths and sharp corners while ensuring the plants remain healthy. The maze changes subtly with the seasons, offering a different experience in spring, summer, and autumn as the foliage grows and matures.
Beyond being a record-holding attraction, the hedge maze plays a significant role in tourism at the Longleat Estate. It draws families, school groups, and international tourists, contributing to the local economy and promoting interest in landscape architecture and horticulture.
