A new tourist attraction has been opened in , the royal family’s Scottish residence. himself oversaw the development of a new maze in the garden’s 50,000 acre grounds. Grown in the shape of a thistle, the maze has been constructed in front of the castle near the iconic Garden Cottage.
In the centre of the maze is a mini castle tower, constructed from the same granite stone as Balmoral castle itself. A notice previously displayed at Balmoral stated: “His Majesty the King has plans to develop the gardens. Work has started on the Thistle Maze.
“A series of herbaceous borders will also encourage pollinators and add seasonal interest for visitors.” King Charles has previously expressed his love for mazes, having spent a lot of his earlier years playing in a maze in Sandringham. When opening a maze at Dumfries House in 2016, he said: “I’m rather indulging in my childhood fantasy of mazes”.
The maze will be an added attraction to Balmoral, which attracts visitors who travel far and wide to see the grounds and some of the castle’s interiors, which Charles has opened for the first time. Before his mother, the , passed away in 2022, visitors could only access the castle’s stables and ballroom – but now, some of Balmoral’s main interior rooms can be seen if the royal family are not in residence. The monarch has also extended the public season for Balmoral, allowing curious tourists to visit for longer periods of time.
The green-fingered King Charles has shown his.