The maze is designed in a circular pattern, contrasting with the more common square layouts found in traditional garden mazes.
The Underground Grotto features a central 'Earth' sculpture created by artist William Pye.
The internal walls of the grotto are decorated with an extensive collection of shells, minerals, and fossils.
Access to the grotto is intentionally designed to be mysterious, requiring navigation through a low-lit, subterranean passage.
The yew trees were chosen for their longevity and ability to withstand frequent pruning to maintain the maze's tight dimensions.
The Maze & Underground Grotto is located within the grounds of Leeds Castle in Maidstone, Kent. The maze consists of 2,400 yew trees planted in a circular design. At the center of the maze, visitors reach a wooden viewing platform. The Underground Grotto lies beneath the maze, accessed through a dark, shell-lined tunnel. Inside the grotto, visitors encounter mythical creature sculptures and quartz crystal formations. The site is part of the broader landscaped gardens managed by the Leeds Castle Foundation. The maze was completed in 1988 to mark the castle's 900th anniversary.
The elevated viewing platform at the center of the maze provides an excellent vantage point for aerial-style photos of the layout.
Check the weather before visiting, as the maze pathways can become muddy after heavy rain.
Young children may find the grotto's dim lighting and echoes slightly intimidating.
Use the viewing platform in the center of the maze to watch others attempt to find their way out.
Do not attempt to climb or cut through the yew hedges, as this damages the living structure.
The attraction may be closed during severe weather conditions or for essential maintenance of the yew hedges.
Sturdy, flat-soled footwear is recommended due to uneven ground in the grotto and potential mud in the maze.
