A new maze has been constructed by King Charles at his estate in Balmoral as a tribute to his late mother. This maze, shaped like a thistle, features a mini castle tower and has been carefully overseen by the King himself, who is known to be a keen gardener. Tours of the estate, limited to just 40 a day, will help bring in more than £150,000 towards its annual £3 million running costs. The maze is part of a larger project to develop the gardens at Balmoral, which have been expanded and improved by members of the Royal Family over the years. Tickets to tour the castle and see the maze’s interior have sold out in a matter of hours, with prices ranging from £100-150.
The Balmoral maze is the second maze that King Charles has been involved in, the first being at Dumfries House in Ayrshire. The project to create the maze was inspired by the King’s childhood memories, particularly of a maze at Sandringham that has since been removed. At Balmoral, the maze is a Scottish-themed garden feature made of yew trees and other plants, with a Japanese-style pagoda at its center. The King’s Foundation has been overseeing the project, with the aim of enhancing the visitor experience at the estate. Plans to develop the gardens further include herbaceous borders to encourage pollinators and add seasonal interest.
Royal author Robert Hardman has suggested that opening up Balmoral to the public more often would benefit both the estate and the wider community. Currently, the castle is only open for a few months each year and visitors have limited access to certain areas. By allowing access to more of the interior rooms during periods when the Royal Family is not in residence, the estate could attract more visitors and generate additional revenue. The decision to create the thistle maze and open up the castle to tours represents a shift towards greater public engagement with Balmoral, which historically has relied on visitor income to cover its running costs.
The development of the maze at Balmoral is part of a larger effort to enhance the estate’s appeal to visitors and preserve its historic grounds. With trees sprouting several feet high and a thistle-shaped design, the maze stands as a unique addition to the 50,000 acre property. King Charles has taken a personal interest in overseeing the project, drawing on his passion for gardening and a desire to honor his mother’s memory. The success of the ticket sales for tours of the maze and castle indicates a strong public interest in the royal estate and its new attractions. Plans to further improve the gardens and offer more opportunities for public access suggest a commitment to preserving and sharing Balmoral’s rich history.
