Dragonfly Maze Bourton On The Water

Picture this: you’re in the picture-perfect Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water, having just polished off a scone the size of your head. You’ve done the model village, you’ve fed the ducks. Now, for the real test: the Dragonfly Maze. And believe me, this isn’t your garden-variety “turn left, dead end, turn right, another dead end” situation. This is delightful, slightly bonkers, and surprisingly smug-making.

First, a bit of context. The maze was built in the 1950s by a man named Keith, who clearly thought the world needed more purpose in its labyrinthine adventures. Instead of just finding the exit (how pedestrian), you’re given a miniature golden dragonfly to find at the center. The catch? You have to collect five clues along the way, hidden in the hedges, to figure out exactly where the little blighter is hiding. It’s like a treasure hunt, a logic puzzle, and a workout for your calves all rolled into one.

Now, the hedges themselves are a glorious, ancient-green tangle. They’re yew, I think—the same stuff your great-aunt has in her front garden, but here it’s shaped into devious dead ends. And let me tell you, you will take a wrong turn. You will. That’s the joy of it. At one point, my partner and I ended up staring at the same pebbly path three times, and I’m pretty sure a sparrow laughed at us. Don’t worry—that’s part of the experience. You’re meant to feel just a little bit daft before the revelatory “aha!” moment.

The clues are a hoot, too. Think riddles about sundials and odd-shaped corners. You’ll find yourself squinting at mossy stones and muttering, “Is this the one with the red flag?” Spoiler: it probably isn’t. But when you finally find that tiny, gleaming dragonfly perched in a secret alcove? Pure, unadulterated triumph. You’ll want to high-five a stranger. Go ahead—the staff are lovely and will cheer anyway.

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The best bit? It’s tiny. The whole maze takes about twenty minutes, tops. Which means you can do it, have an ice cream, and still have time to browse the antique shops without your kids or your sanity giving out. It’s a perfectly portioned adventure—like a short story you can finish with a smile.

So, if you find yourself in Bourton-on-the-Water, done with the tea shops and the stone bridges, give the Dragonfly Maze a whirl. Just go in expecting to look a little silly, to get a little lost, and to emerge with a glowing sense of genius. Because you did it. You found the dragonfly. Now go enjoy another scone—you’ve earned it.