The Dragonfly Maze

The Dragonfly Maze sits just outside Bourton-on-the-Water, that honey-coloured village everyone photographs on Instagram. It's a proper maze shaped like a dragonfly - the sort of thing that sounds twee until you're actually stood in the middle of it, thoroughly lost and mildly annoyed with yourself. The design is clever enough that you can't just eyeball your way through; you'll need a good ten to fifteen minutes minimum, longer if you've got kids who insist on trying every dead end.

This works best for families with children old enough to walk around without complaint, and for anyone who fancies a bit of gentle problem-solving between pints at the local pubs. Adults alone might find it a bit thin for a dedicated visit - it's more of an add-on activity than a destination in itself. The admission details aren't widely advertised online, so ring ahead to check opening times and whether it costs anything.

If you're parked up at Cotswolds Meadow Glamping just down the road - less than half a mile away - the maze makes a handy morning activity before heading into Bourton proper for lunch. It slots neatly into a broader Cotswolds exploration, especially if you're combining it with walks along the river and visits to the other attractions scattered through the area. The nearby caravan sites mean families can make a proper weekend of it without treating the maze as the main event.