Blogs for August 2018

Brewing up a musical feast with St Austell Brewery

Posted on Thursday 30th August, 2018

Brewing up a musical feast

On September 8^th 1935, Frank Sinatra made his radio debut as part of the Hoboken Four. On the same day in 1972, Mott the Hoople released the iconic “All the Young Dudes” while September 8^th 1998 marked the beginning of ‘Garth Brooks Week’ in Philadelphia.

In 2018, in similar epoch-making fashion, St Austell Brewery hosts the very first Brewstock festival on Saturday September 8th, kicking off at 12 midday boasting 10 live acts as well as great beer and a BBQ to whet the appetite of ardent music lovers.

With local heroes like Godstone, Moriaty and O’deus featuring on the main stage and Ben Thorpe, Samuel Howard and Rue on the Small Batch Stage, there’s musical variety to suit all tastes, while over 25 St Austell Brewery, Bath Ales and small batch brews will cater for the most eclectic of ale palates.

The brainchild of Brewery Visitor Centre Manager Will Nash, Brewstock is set to become an annual event, helping to raise money for the Brewery’s Charitable Trust, which has raised over three quarters of a million pounds for local charities, individuals and organisations in need since its inception in 2003.

As Will commented, “The idea of Brewstock is to showcase the wealth of local musical talent that we are lucky to have. Our monthly music nights are a part of that and thee Brewery is such a great venue for live music that it made sense to expand on those single music nights, create something really special and raise money for charity at the same time.”

Tickets for the all-day event are just £10 and are available on a first come, first served basis at the Brewery Visitor Centre, online at vcoffice@staustellbrewery.co.uk and can be booked on 01726 66022, where more information about the live music acts and the event itself can be obtained.

Note to editors:

Music line up for the day:

Main Stage:

Jacknife: 12:00 – 12:45

Sarah Marie: 14:00 – 14:45

Death Valley Knights: 16:00 – 16:45

O’Deus: 19:00 – 19:45

Godstone: 20:00 – 21:00

Moriaty: 21:20 – 22:30

Small Batch Stage:

Rue: 13:00 – 13:45

Ben Thorpe: 15:00 – 15:45

Samuel Howard: 17:00 – 17:45

Walk on the surface of Venus at Eden this summer with new VR experience

Posted on Sunday 19th August, 2018

The fiery surface of Venus awaits visitors to the Eden Project’s Expedition Space event running now and throughout the summer as part of a cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) experience.

Eden has worked with Bristol-based VR studio Zubr to create the thrilling experience just for Expedition Space.

Zubr have previously worked on projects for clients including Aardman Animations and the team behind the Bloodhound SSC land speed record challenge.

The Eden experience is designed by a BAFTA-nominated VR designer and immerses visitors in the breath-taking vistas and sounds of Venus, taking them on a perilous journey from a base to a rocket ready to take off.

On the way they explore caves on the planet’s surface and traverse a perilous bridge over molten lava flows.

Players wear VR headsets and move through the game world by walking through a purpose-built area in real life. They hear a bespoke soundscape with bubbling lava and rumbling rockets which changes as the player moves through the world.

This is the first time Eden has hosted a full immersive VR experience. In the past Eden has hosted 360 degree films through VR headsets, but this new experience is fully interactive and has been designed especially for Eden. Some of the technology it employs has only become available in the last few months.

Eden Live Programme Manager Kate Francis said: “This is a major development for Eden and we’re proud to be working with Zubr to bring this unique experience and exciting new technology to our visitors.

“VR is one of the most dynamic new forms of entertainment and this is an experience that people can only have at Eden this summer. Where else will you able to set foot on the surface of Venus?”

Zubr was formed three years ago by a team of people with a background in TV visual effects and video games development. Their team have worked on many VR and AR (augmented reality – a similar technology where computer-generated elements mix with the real world) projects for various clients.

Expedition Space is the ultimate space adventure holiday starring a Mission to Mars, mini-golf on Mercury and a daring slide down the surface of a moon.

Everyone has the chance to go on an extra-terrestrial holiday of a lifetime including planet-hopping, meeting alien friends and enjoying out-of-this-world fun such as moon buggy driving.

The VR experience costs £5 per person in addition to the main Eden Project admission fee.

For more information go to www.edenproject.com

101 Things to Enjoy at Flambards - the best day of the week!

Posted on Friday 17th August, 2018

The team at Flambards have come up with their top 101 things to do with the family when visiting Flambards in Cornwall this summer!

1. Our number 1 reason for visiting Flambards this summer is of course the abundance of exciting rides for all the family. See all of our rides here.
   
2. Of course our newest ride - Sky-Force! Are you brave enough to feel the G-Force?
   
3. Plummet through the air on the Sky-Raker, but don’t look down and make the most of the gorgeous Cornish countryside
   
4. Think large drops, rapid turns and big screams, number 4 has to be the crazy Hornet Rollercoaster (Psst don’t forget to smile at the cameras)
   
5. Only for the daring and those who have a strong stomach! Twist round and upside down and view the clouds (and hopefully some blue sky) from high above the ground on the Thunderbolt.
   
6. Prepare to get wet for number 6! Yes you’ve guessed it; it’s the Flambards Log Flume! This ride is perfect for the whole family.
   
7. Swoop into the Cornwall sky 13 metres above the ground on the Flambards Skyswinger, guaranteed to delight riders young and old
   
8. Another great ride for the entire family to enjoy is the Balloon Race! Can you take in the amazing views without getting too dizzy as you spin?
   
9. Are you afraid of the dark? The Space Race will transport you into darkness where you will reach dizzying speeds through the unknown!
   
10. Don’t miss the Rocking Tug Boat, a brilliant ride for you to use your imagination and picture yourselves on a rough Cornish sea
    
11. There are plenty of rides for little ones at Flambards
    
12. For more younger rides at Flambards, head over to Ferdi’s Funland, grab your map on arrival
    
13. Spin round and round and round on our colourful teacups…how dizzy will you be?
    
14. Jump on the Dino Express and see how many prehistoric creatures your little ones can spot
    
15. Head out on the Cornish high sea on our mini pirate ship
    
16. Or go high into space on our mini space shuttle…don’t forget to look down
    
17. See Ferdi’s Funland up high and take a spin on the Flambards Cornwall Eye
    
18. Now this one is a must! For the best views of the park jump on one of the Cyclocopters and don’t forget to wave to the world beneath you as you go past
    
19. Who doesn’t love a carousel? Choose your horse and carriage and wave to the world as you pass them by
    
20. Come rain or shine Flambards has got you covered with both indoor and outdoor fun!
    
21. Tire the kids out at the Outdoor Adventure Play Area. Let them explore, climb and run around.
    
22. A firm favourite for our really little ones is the Sea Legs Indoor Soft Play! Mums and Dads can sit down and relax with a cup of tea from many of our little shops
    
23. As if one indoor play wasn’t enough, we have another one for you to explore! Follow your map to the Cool Zone
    
24. Who doesn’t love a round of mini golf? Our mini dino golf is the perfect game for you and your family to test your skills. How many hole in ones can you get?
    
25. A trip to Flambards isn’t complete without an obligatory photo with Ferdi the Fox. Spot him walking around the park and see our what’s on page for weekly meet and great times
    
26. Look out for the Flambards giant deckchair next to the thunderbolt and show us your snaps on social media using #Flambards
    
27. While you’re happy snapping, our Humpty Dumpty wall is the perfect spot for your Flambards family pic
    
28. Don’t…Look…Down…Will you be daring enough to fly down the demon drop?   
    
29. Test your knowledge on science in the indoor Exploratorium where you’ll be able to laugh at your reflection in the quirky mirrors, dodge lasers and enjoy lots of hands-on interactive fun
    
30. Throughout the summer Flambards has a fantastic range of daily and weekly events on. The next 10 points will be outlining some of our faves 
    
31. Kicking things off with the Firework Spectacular and Robbie Williams Tribute Act…what’s not to love?  Don’t miss this Wednesday 8^th August
    
32. If Robbie isn’t for you then why not join us for our Taylor Swift Tribute Act and Firework Spectacular Monday 13^th August. Buy tickets online here.
    
33. You’ll also get to watch Cornish singer, Daisy Clarke on Monday 13^th, 20^th and 27^th.
    
34. On Wednesday 15^th August Flambards brings you more beautiful fireworks and an amazing Beyoncé Tribute Act.
    
35. One for the younger crowd… on Monday 20^th August we bring you our Justin Bieber Tribute Act followed by fireworks at dusk. Your ticket is valid from 10am so you can enjoy a full day in the park first
    
36. More fireworks on Wednesday 22^nd August with our Bruno Mars Tribute Act.
    
37. Monday 27^th August we invite you to join us at Flambards where an Ariana Grande tribute act will be performing. The show will be followed with our Firework Spectacular
    
38. Wednesday 29th August our Gary Barlow Tribute Act will be taking to the stage… one for the mums!
    
39. All of our Firework Spectacular Shows start at dusk. The evening entertainment means you can enjoy the rides at Flambards in the dark
    
40. We couldn’t not mention our award-winning Victorian Village, where visitors can travel back in time and walk through life size Victorian streets.
    
41. Solve the mystery of the new ‘Who Dunnit’ trail which takes you on a spotter hunt around the Village to identify the guilty parties.
    
42. Stroll past a Victorian House in our village and see how people used to live.
    
43. When you come to the kitchen keep your eyes peeled for a little mouse on the cold floor
    
44. Visitors can see the old Victorian fire station complete with an old fire engine
    
45. Stroll past the local dentist and take a peek at the poor patient on the chair. We don’t think many of you would want to go in there
    
46. Pop into the grocers in our Victoria Village and see all of the old brands that we know and love.
    
47.  We don’t think the toyshop will go unmissed by the little ones. See how much the toys have changed over time
    
48. Ever wondered how milk and cheese was stored back then? Head over to the Victorian Dairy.
    
49. One of our firm favourites whilst exploring the Victorian Village is of course ‘Miss Vaughton’s Sweet Shop’. Here you’ll smell real scents of delicious goodies
    
50. Peek through the windows of the old chemist shop – a time capsule that has been untouched for over 100 years. How many medicine bottles can you see?
    
51. Explore Britain in the Blitz at Flambards, where you’ll experience our life-sized replica of a London street blitzed during World War II
    
52. Visitors can literally feel the floor shake as another bomb hits in the Britain in the Blitz attraction
    
53. Peek into a life like Anderson shelter where people used to take cover from the bombs in the war
    
54. Walk past the authentic 1940s shops, how many national brands can you recognise?
    
55. Spot the evacuees at the train station heading to Cornwall to escape the city
    
56. Read original letters from evacuee children to their teachers, a really moving part of our Britain in the Blitz attraction.
    
57. Walk into the post office and read some of the newspapers that were around in that time
    
58. See the life-sized shops with the street names blocked out. Learn why they did this through this period   
    
59. Not only can you see what it was like in that time but you can hear it too! Visitors can experience the deafening sounds of the Air Raid Siren
    
60. Peer through the windows at the latest cuts of meat on the butchers block in our 1940s butchers
    
61. There’s so much more to discover as you leave the Victorian Village and Britain in the Blitz Indoor Attractions our next 10 will outline our top picks
    
62. See why vintage style wedding dresses are enjoying a renaissance at our display of beautiful dresses made for ceremonies through the ages. Can you spot the gown made entirely from parachute material?
    
63. Look into the cockpit of a Shackleton bomber! Could you picture yourself flying this during the war?
    
64. Don’t forget to have your picture taken on the Concorde, as you step aboard a full-scale, exact replica of her flight deck, which includes realistic instrumentation, passenger seating, original artefacts and a lifelike model crew.
    
65. Head over to our vintage motorcycle display and see how much they have changed over time
    
66. Stop off at our bombing map and see which locations around Cornwall were hit in WW2
    
67. We are honoured to have an original poster from the Titanic at our indoor Flambards attraction. Make sure you stop here to take a look
    
68. See into a Victorian classroom of an old school complete with a Dunce in the corner
    
69. Take a look at our vintage collection of children’s prams. You may recognise some of these from the BBC drama Call the Midwife
    
70. See the respectful, image-led tribute to all of the men and women of Great Britain and The Commonwealth who served in World Wars 1 and 2
    
71. Shop, Eat and Relax at Flambards
    
72. Walk around the Flambards gardens where you’ll see plenty of colour from our beautiful flowers. Did you know we won Best Business in Bloom for Helston in 2016?
    
73. There’s plenty of great spots to sit down and enjoy a picnic in the sun with your family, you’ll never feel crowded
    
74. Look out for the many ice cream stops around the park. What’s your favourite flavour?
    
75. Flambards Café has delicious hot and cold food offering something for everyone. Think cheese burgers, chips, sandwiches and not to mention some chocolatey treats
    
76. One for the adults after a busy day, enjoy a well-deserved beer or wine in the sun at the Sky Shack overlooking Sky-Force.
    
77. There’s more hot food at Ferdi’s Burger Bar, you won’t miss the tantalising smells as you walk past
    
78. Check out the Flambards gift shop filled with pocket money sized presents and toys. Spot our famous Ferdi the Fox cuddly toys
    
79. If this isn’t enough for you, head to the vintage style shop for more Flambards treats to take home with you
    
80. Pick up some humbugs in our old fashioned sweet shop! Along with pear drops, cola cubes and classic bon bons
    
81. Flambards has a jam packed kids entertainment programme running throughout the summer here’s what we have lined up for you
    
82. Don't miss the marvellous magician Billy Wizz. Everybody's favourite magician, ventriloquist and balloon modelling…Every Tuesday 1pm and 3pm throughout August
    
83. Every Friday in August, Ferdi the Fox will be heading over to Funland for a special meet and greet at 1pm and will jump on the rides with you!
    
84. Watch out for some curious creatures in the Flambards Creepy Crawly Show! Get up close and personal with a tarantula, python or a turkey vulture at 1pm and 3pm every Thursday throughout August
    
85. On the 6^th August enjoy a spectacular performance of magic and illusion from Matricks Magic.
    
86. Kids can meet Ferdi the Fox and jump on the rides with him throughout various dates in August. What will you try first? Teacups, the Pirate Ship or the Cornwall Eye? See our events page for dates.
    
87. Join Ferdi the Fox as he takes to the stage for an afternoon of dancing and competitions! Don’t forget your cameras for the perfect Ferdi selfie. Onstage various dates in August at 1pm. See our events page for dates.
    
88. Don’t miss our entertainments manager Dean Woods and our Mascot Ferdi the Fox as they walk around the park. They will be handing out Ferdi stickers too!
    
89. Look out for Ferdi the Fox walking around the park...he might just hop on a ride with you. Don't forget to take your selfie
    
90. And that’s not all of it…we still have so much more to offer - come and meet some dinosaurs!
    
91. Don’t miss the Stegosaurus, a 5 metre tall Brachiosaurus, awesome T-Rex and giant Triceratops as you track down dinosaurs in the Jurassic Journey.
    
92. What fossils will you find in the Dino Dig sand pit? Spot this in the Jurassic Journey area
    
93. Climb aboard the Dinosaur Express and spot some prehistoric creatures!
    
94. Want to give driving a go yourself? Our fleet of Go Karts is awaiting you at the other end of the park. We have adult only carts or a family cart for 2 x people (additional fees apply)
    
95. Win prizes in our indoor arcade
    
96. Head back into the Exploratorium and give the laser game or disorientation tunnel a go 
    
97. Visit the Dino-Nursery & Hatchery to see the latest arrivals including a baby Velociraptor.
    
98. Take a selfie in the Magic Mirrors
    
99. Purchase your season pass as you exit so that you can enjoy Flambards and its entertainment all year long
    
100. Share you family photos with us on social using #Flambards and we’ll share our favourites into the Facebook Summer Visitor Album
     
101. Best day of the Week – can’t fit it all in – don’t forget with a full price ticket you can collect a stamp to get 7 days for the price of 1 – and enjoy everything all over again!
     

Do you know any other great things to see and do at Flambards? Let us know by telling the Best Days Out Cornwall team on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. 

New turf labyrinth installed at Trerice

Posted on Wednesday 15th August, 2018

A new turf labyrinth has been mown into land recently purchased by the National Trust at Trerice, near Newquay, to enjoy over the summer period. The land was previously part of the property in the early twentieth century and has now been reunited with the house and garden and is open for visitors.

Measuring 50 meters across the labyrinth fills part of the field, leaving room for a dedicated family archery space during the summer and it will be open daily until September (weather permitting).

The paths in the labyrinth measure 1 kilometre in and out, weaving across the field with views of the barn, garden and wider local area. The Trerice team chose a labyrinth to mirror Tudor patterns of wealth and whimsy found in the house through the grand great hall window and tall plaster ceilings. The plaster ceilings details are labyrinthine and the design chosen seemed a fitting tribute.

The field is also a hive of natural activity and the garden team are keen to cultivate the habitat. “If we all do our bit, take a little time (and allow for a bit of messiness!) then wildlife will flourish,” says Heart of Cornwall Head Gardener, John Lanyon.

Stinging nettles and brambles remain in the field as vital food for butterflies and a haven for hedgehogs, though cut back to allow visitors to share this space with the wildlife through the summer months.

Trerice is open daily from 10.30am.

Paradise Park pass their zoo inspection with flying colours

Posted on Monday 13th August, 2018

Zoo inspection team state “Conservation output is incredible, but even more so considering the size of the collection”

Paradise Park Director Alison Hales explains “We are delighted with the feedback from the zoo inspection team who undertook our recent Government ‘Zoo Licence’ check. Animal collections are required by law to have a ‘Zoo Licence’ to be able to operate. It’s wonderful that all the hard work by staff in the care and welfare of the animals, and the continued ongoing conservation work, both here in the UK and around the world is recognised with such high praise from the inspection team. One thing they recommended was that we are not very good at blowing our own trumpet, so here we are doing just that 😊. We have lots of plans to promote the behind the scenes work of the staff here at Park, plus, the impact that the fundraising and conservation projects are having.”

Paradise Park Curator David Woolcock comments: “I am very proud of the dedicated animal care team and the work they do. Not just with the animals and birds, but also interacting with the visitors, especially during the flying displays and feeding events. It’s a great opportunity to pass on important information about endangered species both here in Cornwall and around the world and how we can all help make a difference in the fight to save them from extinction.”

Alison Hales continues: “We would like to express a big thank you to our visitors, as without them we could not achieve the vital work we do with so many species. And of course many visitors donate at the flying shows or by buying one of our ‘experiences’. This helps fund many conservation projects.

Quotes from the report

“Paradise Park is directly involved in a number of programmes in addition to its charitable arm the World Parrot Trust. The conservation output is incredible, but even more so considering the size of the collection. This zoo demonstrates what can be achieved if you put your mind to it.”

“Very good and well considered health care programme with welfare as a priority in all cases.”

“Large number of research programmes working with partners both insitu and exsitu including field conservation work, DNA assessment of species and subspecies in captive collections, cognitive research in parrots, to name a few.”

“For the size of the collection the output is huge – puts many, much larger collections to shame.”

“Very good and long standing team underpin the success of this zoo with its specialist avian breeding programmes”

“Extremely well managed first aid programme and an amazing first aid room. Commended on the monthly and annual accidents review and audits – very good”

“The inspection team would like to thank the team at Paradise Park for their hospitality, openness and transparency during the zoo licence inspection. The inspection team were hugely impressed at the standards across the collection, the consideration and integration of multiple stakeholders in the husbandry and breeding programmes, and the high standards and implementation of their conservation programmes. It was an absolute privilege to inspect a collection with such high standards and such a positive culture, demonstrating what a zoo can achieve when it puts its mind to it.”

Foraging and Feasting on St Michael's Mount

Posted on Saturday 11th August, 2018

Take a walk in the Northern Woods of St Michael’s Mount this September with wild food expert Emma Gunn, from Never Mind The Burdocks. Be inspired by food located in the wild and get back to nature, learning what is edible along the coastal path or in the woods, and get a true taste of the bay.

Situated just 400 yards off Mount’s Bay in Marazion, St Michael’s Mount is an iconic Cornish landmark and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the South West.  Striding the causeway, or crossing by boat. Treading medieval pathways or exploring tropical gardens.  Discover a castle, a sub-tropical garden paradise and a close-knit island community, home to the St Aubyn family and thirty island residents. 

The walk will commence on Marazion beach (below the Godolphin Arms) at the edge of the causeway leading to the island. Emma will start the walk discussing sustainable foraging practice and will identify the multitude of seaweeds that grow adjacent to the causeway, including sea lettuce, Japanese wireweed, gutweed, dabberlocks, sugar kelp, oarweed, dulse, bladderwrack, and spiralled wrack.

Upon arrival to the island, the group will be led to the Northern Woods, an area that is not usually accessible to the public. This is a rare opportunity to explore the beautiful terrain of the woodland on the Northern side of St Michael’s Mount which has stunning views across to the Marazion marshes, Penzance and Trencrom Hill. With carpets of bluebells in spring, blackberries in late summer, and wild berries in winter, the Northern Woods is nurtured but not landscaped, so there is a real sense of exploring a natural habitat.

If you have always wanted to know what food you can forage in the wild, or if you are an expert in foraging, this walk will be insightful and enjoyable with the opportunity to forage sorrel, sow thistle, bramble shoots (blackberries), crocosmia, nettles, scurvy grass, silverweed, navelwort, conifers, hogweed, daisies, dandelions, cleavers, dock, plantain, three cornered leek, and honeysuckle.

After the walk a delicious picnic, created by the St Michael’s Mount Head Chef Greg Milne in collaboration with Emma, will be provided.

A visit to the castle and return boat trip to the mainland is included in the ticket price.

The walk is suitable for ages 8 and up. Tickets are limited – 20 people per walk. £25.00 per ticket.

To read more about Emma Gunn visit http://nevermindtheburdocks.co.uk/

Tickets/Opening Times: St Michael’s Mount castle, shops and restaurants are open daily (except Saturdays) until 26 October 2018

Swashbuckling Summer of Fun with Pirates Quest

Posted on Thursday 9th August, 2018

Set Sail to Pirate’s Quest Newquay this summer to discover the new storyline for 2018. Visitors will have the chance to discover Blackbeard’s Forgotten Legacy, on the 300^th anniversary of the infamous captain’s death. 

Join LIVE performers as they portray members of Blackbeard’s Republic of Pirates; a real band of buccaneers who ruled the sea during the 1700s. The crew have travelled to Cornwall in search of the hidden treasure of Henry Every, an infamous pirate captain from Plymouth, who was rumoured to have hidden his vast treasure near Lizard Point in Cornwall.

Visitors will be transported back almost 300 years, where they’ll begin their adventure on board a Pirate Hunter’s Ship called the ‘Royal Anne’, a vessel that wrecked off the South Coast of Cornwall. A real LIVE member of Blackbeard’s crew will rescue visitors from the sinking Royal Anne, escorting them through a secret passageway, and then acting as a guide through several detailed sets and scenes – a chance to explore the mystical caves and murky streets of eighteenth century Cornwall, and learn about the ‘most wanted’ pirates of the Golden Age.

After arriving at Towan Blystra Docks, visitors will be invited into Blackbeard’s Tavern, a safe haven for pirates, before deciding whether they're brave enough to enter the optional scare section, The Locker of Davy Jones. Eventually you’ll arrive at Blackbeard’s Ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, ready to set sail to an exotic Caribbean island and join the crewmates in Blackbeard’s Republic of Pirates.

The authentic pirates are brought to life by talented theatrical actors, who are guaranteed to make this a unique and memorable experience – a rare opportunity for all ages to learn something new about piracy, and experience the REAL life of a seafarer during the ‘Golden Age of Pirates’. Pick up a treasure map before your voyage to earn yourself some treasure!

Book now to embark on a voyage through Cornwall’s pirating past!

What: SWASHBUCKLIN’ SUMMER OF FUN, during the Summer Holidays at Pirate’s Quest, Newquay.
When:  OPEN DAILY Saturday 21^st July – Sunday 2^nd September

Why Visit: Join the LIVE Crew at Pirate’s Quest, open daily throughout the Summer Holidays.
Admission: £10.95 Adult, £7.95 Child (3-16), Under 3s go FREE, Group rates available
Website: www.piratesquest.co.uk

BOOKING: Due to popularity, it is strongly advised to book well in advance to secure the date and entry time of choice. All Experiences are available to book online at www.piratesquest.co.uk or call 01637 873379

Can you help keep Glendurgan’s maze forever puzzling?

Posted on Thursday 9th August, 2018

The maze at Glendurgan Garden, near Falmouth, has been a much-loved favourite with visitors for generations but it is in need of your help. The maze was originally planted in the 1830s for the family to enjoy but now sees more than 80,000 people come and explore its winds and turns each year. The National Trust has launched a fundraising appeal to help raise some of the money for a restoration project to save the maze for future for generations.

John Lanyon, Head Gardener for Glendurgan and the Heart of Cornwall said, ‘We’re hoping to raise around £80,000 to put towards a four year restoration project that will help make the maze more robust to cope with the volume of footsteps that walk its paths each year. Visitors can take part in our £1 raffle prize competition which is then match funded and also donate online to help keep this unique and special part of the garden alive for everyone to enjoy.’

The work will be carried out over four consecutive winters while Glendurgan is closed, meaning the maze can stay open to delight visitors over the spring, summer and autumn seasons. Each of the 173 wooden steps will be individually replaced with stone alternatives and new durable paths will be laid. The hedges, while trimmed annually each June to keep them looking neat, will be restored to their former glory by cutting them back a few inches further, removing any dead stems and encouraging healthy new growth.

The maze was planted in the 1830s by Quakers Alfred and Sarah Fox to entertain their 12 children and as ‘a series of irregular, winding walks that remind us of life, where we may go wrong in a multitude of ways, but right in only one’. They took their inspiration from the maze at Sydney Garden Gardens in Bath, which sadly no longer survives. Many of the cherry laurel hedges contain the plants originally established by the Foxes when they first planted the maze.

A previous campaign in 2015 raised funds to replace the summerhouse in the centre of the maze which was damaged by storms in winter 2013/14. The funds also meant drainage could be improved in the area.

The maze in figures:

173 steps will be replaced for more durable ones

709 metres of paths will be resurfaced

It will cost approximately £200 per metre to restore the maze

If you would like to donate to the Glendurgan Maze Appeal, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/glendurgan-maze or you can buy a raffle ticket on your visit.