To Edward it does not seem to be so long ago that he planted the Maze at Symonds Yat West with his brother Lindsay. The maze was planted in 1977 to celebrate the Queens Silver Jubilee, hence its original name of Jubilee Maze. Back then of course it was literally just the maze itself, 50p for anyone taller than the brother's trousers!

A museum was added, and then a viewing platform constructed by local steel erectors A.J. Lowther and Son's, lifted in by crane from the nearby lane. It was not long before the need was felt to provide the maze customers with parking and a cup of tea, and so when the old nursery became available next to the maze a car park was set down with the aid of labour provided by a Manpower Services commission project. Other people came to the site to establish a Garden Centre and the World of Butterflies, as well as a family restaurant.

So here we are 31 years later and the maze still growing strong! Edward and Lindsay have made some changes over more recent times, so now as well as the Maze we have a new Butterfly Zoo, with guides to help you explore this exciting tropical world, and brand new for this year our Miniature Golf course! This twelve hole Roman Fantasy is terrific fun and just as the Maze and Butterflies it entertains the entire family – you can all be involved playing together.

Just recently the butterfly zoo has been voted best small attraction in the West Midlands by the readers of the Going Places magazine. The brothers are perhaps more proud of the outstanding value of the joint tickets available, for a combination of the different attractions, which would give the opportunity for a family of four to visit the Maze, Butterfly Zoo and play a round of golf for only £25 – real family value for the day.

All these things to do will save you money on petrol too, you will only need to travel once for your day trip, there is plenty to do, and Symonds Yat is a great place to be with your family and friends.