Here stands the Millennium Maze. Built in 2000, it offers a delightful challenge. The Millennium Maze is located in Brent Lodge Park in Hanwell. This is in West London UK.
The Millennium Maze uses 2000 yew trees. They create a special millennial touch. The hedges stand about four to five feet tall. Adults can peer over them.
But the height doesn’t give a true sense of direction. Passing through the gate, you might spot the observation deck. It allows a view over the maze.
From there, you can plan your route. Keilyn and I did just that. We headed into the maze with a plan. We turned left and then right. But we kept hitting dead ends.
We had to retrace our steps many times. Thorny bushes grew out of some hedges. Nettles had taken over one dead end. But the other paths were clear.
Soon, we reached the center. We climbed the central observation deck. From there, we planned our escape. Keilyn had her own route in mind. She waved her hat so I could see her progress.
I decided to take the easy way out. I headed to the green gate and the straight path to the entrance. Keilyn was not impressed.
It didn’t take her long to find her way out. I waited on the lookout deck. Then we continued our walk.
The Millennium Maze appears well-kept. But it might be a forgotten gem. It was built 24 years ago.
Some say there’s a hint of child safety in the design. A wooden ramp allows parents to watch from above. From the entrance, there are three paths. One goes straight to the middle.
The other two go to the sides. Both lead to the center. They have brief dead ends as distractions. Unsupervised access means some hedges are breached.
Unscrupulous solvers might sneak through. But it doesn’t always work. One dad tried to cheat but ended up back near the start.
At the center is a squat wooden tower. You can look out at those coming after you. It’s not a great intellectual challenge. But solving the Millennium Maze is satisfying.
Other London hedge mazes exist. Hampton Court Palace has a maze. Crystal Palace Park also has one. Capel Manor Gardens boasts a maze too. Even Coronation Gardens has a maze. Yet, the Millennium Maze has its own charm.