A mighty labyrinth with beautiful views has opened in Cornwall – and it’s free to visit

When you think of Cornwall, surfing, pasties and picturesque coastal paths probably come to mind. But what you might not know is that the southeastern county is also famous for its charming hedges.

Made using stone and grass, ‘Cornish hedging’ is an ancient craft that dates back 4,000 years. Now a huge labyrinth made entirely of the stuff has finally been completed, and as well as boasting great views of a famous lake, it’s free to access.

The labyrinth is called Kerdroya, a Cornish word which translates to ‘castle of turnings’, and it measures in at a vast 56 metres wide. Commissioned to celebrate the county’s 60 years as a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, creator Will Coleman wanted to pay tribute to one of Cornwall’s many traditions - and it was quite the labour of love. The 750m long spiral of hand-laid hedging took a whopping seven years and 140,000 locally sourced stones to finish. 

Built just in front of Colliford Lake (the largest in Cornwall) and the AONB Bodmin Moor, the labyrinth boasts panoramic views which visitors can see from a viewing platform in the centre. 

One thousands volunteers and 5,000 schoolchildren lent a hand in building Kerdroya, which is being hailed as a masterpiece. The project has preserved an important bit of history, too, having trained 150 people in the ‘endangered’ craft of hedge-making. 

If, for some reason, Kerdroya seems like an ideal place to walk a dog, you’ll be pleased to know that the attraction is canine-friendly, (as long as yer mutt is on a lead). 

Planning to go? Now the final stone has been laid, you can walk through the completed installation for the low, low price of free. You’ll only need to pay for parking. Kerdroya is also open 24/7.

The best things to do in Cornwall.

Plus: Cornwall’s famous ‘Doc Martin’ pub is reopening. 

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