Frequently Asked Questions
Top Tips for you to make the most of your day with us at York Maze
Dogs are welcome and must be kept on a lead at all times
We have a few activities that can get you wet, think about packing some spare clothes and a towel
Whilst you are in the Maize Maze
- Please remember you will be walking around a field! So wear suitable footwear and keep an eye on the weather, rain can make the pathways sticky and hard work for push chairs and wheelchairs, in heavy rain we may have to close some of the mazes for a short time. Some activities may be cancelled for safety reasons in the event of rainy weather. If you are unsure about the conditions then give us a call.
- The maze pathways are suitable for both push and wheelchairs, but the viewing towers are accessed by steps and do not have disabled access.
- We ask that children are supervised by an adult whilst in the maze.
- Please stay on the paths!
The plants are easily damaged by "cutting through" which spoils the fun for everyone.
Other "CORNsiderations"
- There is a large free car park (not suitable for coaches see FAQs below).
- There is no need to book in advance unless you are a coach party.
- You do not need to book your tickets online, but if you do this must be done at least the day before your visit and will get you a slight discount on entry.
- We have Kernel's Coffee Shop and Kernel's Kitchen. Unlike many attractions, we won't compromise on our food quallity, we pride ourselves on trying to exceed expectations and we do!! There are plenty of picnic benches around for you to enjoy your own picnic if you wish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay if I'm disabled ?
York Maze is a farm based attraction with a large range of exciting things to see and do. Because many of these involve climbing, jumping, crawling and other physical activities, we do not feel it is fair to charge people full price to visit us if they can not enjoy everything to the full. For this reason we offer half price admission to anyone in receipt of disability living allowance (DLA) or personal independence payment. (PIP) Please show proof that you are in receipt of either of these payments to receive your half price admission. Blue badges cannot be accepted. If you are in need of a full time carer, we offer 1/2 price for carers with proof of status.
I have a Max Card do I get a discount?
Max Card holders are entitled to 10% discount on the full On The Gate admission price. This offer is valid for up to 4 people per Max Card entering together in a single transaction. Discount not valid on family tickets which are already discounted. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.
How accessible is the maze ?
The site as a whole is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. We have level access into the Kernels coffee shop, and disabled toilets (with a very large disabled toilet down by Corn Central). The maize maze itself has paths made of compacted soil, so these paths are fine, as long as we have not recent heavy rain. The bridges in the maze are not accessible, but you do not need to go on them to complete the maze. Unfortunately many of the other activities involve steps and/or physical activity, which means it is not possible to access them in a wheelchair. It is possible to leave pushchairs outside many of the attractions.
What do we have to do in the Maze?
On entering the maze you will be given a card. The aim is to visit all the towers in the maze in order. At each tower is a question, the answer is given at the next. If you complete the maze and have answered the questions correctly you will have a code number. This code number will open the hatch to enter your card into the prize draw at the end of the season. GOOD LUCK!
How long will it take?
You should allow about 1.5 hours to navigate your way around the maze itself. Then you will need at least another three or four hours to enjoy all the other activities and attractions on the site. It really is a whole day out.
What if we get lost?
We have dedicated "searchers" patrolling the maze to help find lost souls! There are also quick exit routes around the maze that take you onto the grass that surrounds the maze, then you simply walk around to the meeting point at the top to be reunited with your party!
You can also buy a Map Pack to take into the maze in case you get lost. Inside the envelope you will find a map of the maze and a compass to help you navigate your way out. If you don't need the map and you return it unopened you can reclaim the price of the Map Pack off purchases in the Ivy Store gift shop.
Are there any extras to pay for?
Once inside York Maze there is only a couple of extras to pay for if you want to. We have our mini coin operated quads bikes (£1 a go), coin operated remote controlled boats (£1 a go) You can also have a flutter on the pig racing for 50p !!
What do we need to wear?
It depends on the weather. If it has been raining heavily some sections of maze path can become muddy and stay that way for a few days. In these conditions it may be sensible to wear boots or shoes that can cope with a bit of mud. There are gravel paths around most other areas of York Maze, so you may want to bring a change of shoes.
Is there parking for buses and coaches?
Most of the parking is on grass and there is limited turning space which means that buses and coaches can not come on site. We have two large bus stops on the road outside that can be used for group drop-off and pick-up. If travelling from the York direction you are advised to go past York Maze and turn around so drop off is on the York Maze side of the road. If you need to ask any questions please call the office on: 01904 607341.
Why are you only open for 7 weeks?
Maize is an annual crop, which means it grows from seed and matures and dies within one season. This means we plant it in May, cut the pathways in June, open once it is big enough to get lost in July, then we have to harvest it in September before it dies! Then we plough the field and start again with a new design the next year. Perhaps you could send us your designs to help us for next year?
