My family spent an hour trying to escape a new West Sussex maze – it was such good fun!

Cowdray’s Maize Maze opened for the 2026 season on Friday, and we were there to try it out on its opening day. The staff at this Midhurst attraction said we should be able to complete it in under an hour… they even give you a map.

Easy, I thought, until I was still going around in circles after the hour mark passed. Thankfully, after 65 minutes we found the exit and celebrated our triumphant completion of this family friendly activity.

Even though we took a few wrong turns trying to complete the maze challenge, it was so much fun. Plus, getting lost is kind of the point, right?

The theme this year is 'Around the World in 80 Maze’. Along the way you look for six landmarks representing Egypt, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Kenya and the USA and collect a stamp at each. My eight-year-old son was particularly keen on leading the way to find the checkpoints, and loved building up his stamp collection.

My daughter, who is 12, really enjoyed the challenge too, while my husband and I just had a laugh trying to keep up with them and not get separated. We did joke that we’d pick them up in a few days if they got lost, but thankfully that wasn’t necessary.

The ground is very dry after such a hot summer, so I’d advise wearing sturdy shoes you don’t mind getting pretty dusty.

The maze is now open daily until August 28 with entry between 10am and 3pm, with night-time sessions every Friday evening from 6.30pm. Each Friday will feature a different culinary theme from around the world, served by our Yellow Kitchen Team—making it the perfect way to end the week in a beautiful setting. A laid-back evening of wildflowers, great food, and live music.

As well as the maze, there’s a mini hay bale maze, play equipment, a sand pit and food and drinks trucks. You can also pick sunflowers and wildflowers.

Guests can also just enjoy the stunning views over the Cowdray ruins down the road.

For more information, or to book this fun family activity, click here.