Maze 52 Review – A Family Day Out in Derbyshire That's So Much More Than Just a Maze

Looking for one of the best family days out in Derbyshire this summer? We headed to Maze 52, just outside Derby near Ednaston, to see what all the excitement was about.

What we discovered wasn't just a maize maze – it was an entire day of outdoor adventure, packed with activities that encourage families to put their phones away, enjoy nature and make lasting memories together.

More Than Just a Maize Maze

The star attraction is, of course, the Mega Maze. Covering around seven acres, the giant maize maze challenges visitors to navigate twists, turns and interactive games hidden along the route. Depending on how adventurous you feel, it typically takes around 45 minutes to complete, although there are several exit points if younger explorers need a break. Alongside it is a Mini Maze, designed especially for younger children with fun activities and challenges throughout.

New for This Year – Brailsford Beach

One of the biggest surprises at Maze 52 is Brailsford Beach.

Yes, a beach... in the middle of Derbyshire!

Complete with real sand, traditional deckchairs and plenty of space for children to build sandcastles, it offers all the charm of a British seaside holiday without the long drive to the coast. It's the perfect place to relax after tackling the maze.

Wildflowers, Sunflowers and Beautiful Countryside

If you're looking for somewhere to unwind, the colourful wildflower and sunflower gardens are a real highlight.

Visitors can wander through the flowers, enjoy the stunning scenery and even pick their own wildflowers and sunflowers to take home (charges apply for picked flowers). If you simply want to visit the flower gardens without entering the maze, a dedicated flower garden entry is also available.

Classic Summer Games

Included with Maze Mania admission are a range of nostalgic outdoor lawn games.

Families can challenge each other to bean bag tosses, Swingball and other traditional games before collecting a prize for completing the Summer Games Challenge. It's a refreshing reminder that the best family fun doesn't always involve screens.

Plenty More for Children

The adventure doesn't stop with the maze.

Children can enjoy:

Outdoor play areas
Giant hay bales to climb
Mini golf challenge
Open spaces to run and play
Dog agility area (for four-legged visitors)

Maze 52 has clearly been designed so families can comfortably spend several hours - or even the whole day- on-site.

Food, Drinks and Facilities

When it's time for a break, the on-site café serves sandwiches, snacks, hot drinks, cold drinks and ice cream, with both indoor covered seating and outdoor picnic areas available.

There's also:

Free parking
Toilets and accessible facilities
Baby changing
Wheelchair-friendly pathways (weather permitting)
Dogs welcome in most outdoor areas (excluding the maize maze itself)

Getting to Maze 52

Maze 52 is located on the A52 at Ednaston, between Derby and Ashbourne, making it an easy journey from across Derbyshire.

There is free on-site parking, and the Trent Barton Swift bus service also stops nearby for visitors travelling by public transport.

Derby Days Out Verdict

What impressed us most was the atmosphere.

Maze 52 isn't trying to be a huge theme park. Instead, it focuses on simple pleasures: fresh air, nature, family time and good old-fashioned outdoor fun.

Whether you're getting lost in the maze, relaxing on Brailsford Beach, picking wildflowers or enjoying a coffee while the children play, it's easy to see why so many families return year after year.

If you're searching for things to do in Derbyshire this summer, family attractions near Derby, or simply want a wholesome day outdoors, Maze 52 is definitely worth adding to your list.