Mizmaze, Medieval turf labyrinth at St Catherine's Hill, Hampshire, England
The Mizmaze is a turf labyrinth on St Catherine's Hill with a square design and narrow grooves carved into the ground, with paths defined by raised grass sections on either side. The pattern covers the hilltop and creates a walking route that visitors can follow from start to finish.
The labyrinth was likely created between the 12th and 14th centuries when turf mazes served as landmarks and walking paths. Its exact date of origin remains uncertain, but the structure reflects medieval design practices of the period.
The name Mizmaze comes from Old English meaning maze or labyrinth. Local visitors today use the site as a place for quiet reflection and walking, keeping alive its original purpose as a space for contemplation.
The climb to reach the site involves walking uphill on maintained paths that are reasonably accessible for most visitors. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for wet grass after rain, as the terrain can become slippery.
Only three turf mazes of this kind survive in England, and the Mizmaze stands out because of its narrow grooves carved into the earth rather than raised pathways between grass. This rare feature makes it a valuable example of how medieval designers worked with the landscape.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
