Maurice’s Maze

Maurice's Maze sits just outside Nantwich and is genuinely one of those places that sounds daft on paper but actually delivers a proper afternoon out. It's a working nature reserve with a maize maze at its heart - the sort where you wander in with a map (or without, if you're feeling confident) and try to navigate your way to the checkpoints scattered through the towering corn.

The maze itself takes a solid hour to work through, longer if you're with kids who want to explore every dead end. But it's not just about finding your way out. The reserve has walking trails that weave through proper habitat - ponds, wildflower patches, and bits of woodland where you'll actually spot birds and insects if you're paying attention. Summer's the obvious time to visit when the maze is properly grown, though early autumn works too before the stalks get harvested.

It's a family thing, really. Children will love the maze element, and there's genuine nature to discover if they tire of getting lost. Birdwatchers and people who care about conservation will appreciate what's been done with the reserve itself. Entry cost varies depending on the season and what's on, so worth checking ahead.

If you're basing yourself at Sunny Side Touring Park nearby, this makes an easy morning or afternoon slot. It's casual enough that you won't feel pressured to stay all day, but engaging enough that you won't leave early either. Weather dependent, mind - mud can be proper sticky after rain.