THERE is no map, no signposts and a sat nav can’t help.

All you can do is hope that you head in the right direction and find your way in, then out, of the maize maze at the North Yorkshire town of Easingwold.

Occupying a five-acre site, the crop towers above adults and children as they follow clues to find the middle. In the leafy pathways, it is easy to become disoriented and repeatedly ask yourself: “Haven’t I been this way before?” But with every route looking the same, it’s impossible to say.

This is the 15th year in which Paul and Sarah Caygill have run the popular attraction at their farm just outside the Georgian market town.

“Originally it was only the maze, open on weekends, but it has grown and grown and is now open all week with lots of attractions,” says Paul, who first came across a maize maze when visiting Norfolk and brought the idea home.

He sows the seed the first week in May and carves out the paths with a rotavator when the crop is about six inches tall. This year it has grown spectacularly, beating previous records to stand at around eight feet. “It is due to the warm weather conditions we have had since it was sown,” says Paul.

“It is a crop which can be grown in the same field every year, which is what you need,” he adds.

Entering the maze, it takes only seconds to feel cut off from the world. “It is hot, quiet and still in there,” says Sarah. “I really like it, especially the parts where the maize is really high and hanging over the path.”

They don’t often have to rescue people. “We have had the odd child losing mum or dad - we give them some apple juice until they are reunited,” says Sarah.

Little pull-along carts are provided for parents to take small children through the maze.

Over the years, Sarah and Paul’s own offspring, Tom, Becki and Sam, now grown up, have helped with the attraction, which has expanded and now includes a host of activities including football, sandpits, basketball, a giant bouncy slide and pedal go-karting.

Children will be spoiled for choice as to what to enjoy and in what order.

A climbing haystack, giving views across the maze, took me back to my youth and the days spent helping to bale after the harvest. We would stack, then lie on them at lunchtime.

There are alpacas, rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep, pigs and ducklings and to coo over and pet. And - cutest of all - two baby pygmy goats, born just over a week ago.

Too gorgeous for words, the pair can be see alongside their proud mum. “They are great fun to watch - they climb all over the hay bales,” says Sarah.

On our whistlestop visit we did not have time to find the middle of the maze, but, incredibly, we managed to find our way out.

A small range of refreshments is available, with ice cream, drinks and snacks, and cakes from well-known local baker Clarks.

“We encourage people to bring a picnic - we have plenty of indoor and outdoor picnic areas,” says Sarah.

Parking is free, toilets and baby changing facilities are available and there’s a specially-created, fenced-off dog walking area beside a river.

The maze sits in a picturesque corner of North Yorkshire, with stunning countryside and wooded hills.

A trip to the maze can be combined with a visit to Easingwold five minutes drive away. The market town has a variety of independent shops located along its long main street and pretty cobbled square.

With many characterful cafes and pubs visitors looking to eat out will not be disappointed.

North Yorkshire’s famous white horse, cut into a hillside, is a short drive away. A walk to the top of the hill offers far-reaching views towards the distant Yorkshire Dales.

The nearby village of Kilburn is well-known as the home of Mouseman furniture.

Also within easy driving distance is Coxwold, where the clergyman and novelist Laurence Sterne lived in historic Shandy Hall.

  • Easingwold Maize Maze is situated on the northern roundabout of Easingwold bypass, 12 miles from York along the A19. It is open every day until Sunday September 3. All activities are included in the price. Tickets cost £23 for a family (two adults, two children or one adult and three children); adults £7; children & concessions £6; under twos free. For more information visit easingwoldmaize.co.uk or call 07974 090323