Thistle loses you! The new giant Balmoral maze in the shadow of King Charles’ Scottish residence takes the shape of the country’s national flower
- The attraction in front of Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire, is taking shape
- In addition to the maze, renovations are also focused on the Queen’s Building.
Her love of art, gardening, and the outdoors has been well documented over the years.
Now King Charles is bringing them together in most spectacular fashion, building a giant thistle-shaped maze with his Scottish residence as a stunning backdrop.
The attraction in front of Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire, is taking shape and is already shown on maps handed out to visitors.
The trees and shrubs, meanwhile, are gathering up ready for planting. The maze is expected to be open to the public next year.
The King has previous experience to draw on, having been involved in creating a maze at Dumfries House, Ayrshire, the stately home he helped save.
The attraction in front of King Charles’ Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire, is taking shape
This, in turn, was inspired by fond childhood memories of a similar giant maze at the royal residence at Sandringham, Norfolk.
The new Scottish maze marks the latest development at Balmoral, after it was revealed in April that improvements are planned to cope with a surge in visitor numbers to the castle and its 50,000-acre grounds.
In addition to the maze, renovations are also focused on the Queen’s Building, which sits between Balmoral Castle and the stables.
Developments revealed this year include plans for an outdoor terrace and a new entrance.
Balmoral Gardens began in the 19th century under the supervision of Prince Albert and have been extended and improved by successive members of the Royal Family. They are open to the public between April and the end of July and attract around 70,000 visitors.
In addition to the maze, renovations are also focused on the Queen’s Building, which sits between Balmoral Castle and the stables.
A notice posted in Balmoral reads: ‘His Majesty the King has plans to develop the gardens. Work has begun on Thistle Maze.
“A series of herbaceous borders will also encourage pollinators and add seasonal interest for visitors.”
A source added: “The maze will be a beautiful new addition to the garden and the project is being privately financed by the estate.”
Balmoral reopened to visitors on April 1 and attractions include an exhibition of more than 200 photographs centering on the late Queen, some of which have never before been seen in public.
A Balmoral Estate spokesperson said: “The new maze will form part of the visitor trail from 2024.”
