Courtship Maze

Sightseeing attraction | Gretna | Scotland | United Kingdom

The Courtship Maze in Gretna Green, Scotland, is a unique labyrinth that reflects the rich tradition of the place as a destination for love couples and "runaway" couples. Gretna Green has been known since the 18th century for its weddings without parental consent, and the Courtship Maze complements this romantic heritage in a playful way.

Design and Symbolism
The labyrinth is designed to represent the journey of two individuals who walk their own path and eventually come together. There are two separate entrances, symbolizing how two people tread their individual paths. Inside the labyrinth, visitors navigate through winding paths that could represent the challenges and twists of a relationship. Eventually, the paths lead to a central bridge symbolizing the union of the two. This design reflects the romantic history of Gretna Green, where couples often came together against all odds.

Experience for Visitors
The Courtship Maze offers visitors of all ages an interactive and entertaining experience. Couples can enter through their respective entrances and try to meet in the center, which is a playful way to celebrate their connection to each other. Families and friends can also participate and enjoy the challenge of finding their way through the maze. The surroundings of the labyrinth are well-maintained and provide a pleasant atmosphere for a stroll.

Tradition of Love Locks
In line with the romantic tradition of Gretna Green, visitors have the opportunity to attach a "love lock" to the labyrinth. This practice, where couples engrave a lock with their initials or names and fasten it to a special place, symbolizes their unbreakable bond. It is a beautiful way to commemorate the visit and their relationship.

Location and Environment
The Courtship Maze is located near the famous Blacksmiths' Museum of Gretna Green, a historic site known for its role in "runaway" weddings. The proximity to other attractions makes it easy to combine a visit to the labyrinth with other sights in Gretna Green. The entire facility is well-maintained and provides visitors with an insight into the romantic history of the region.

Conclusion
The Courtship Maze in Gretna Green is more than just a labyrinth; it is a symbol of the journey of love and partnership. With its thoughtful design and deep connection to the history of the place, it offers a unique experience for couples, families, and anyone who wants to experience the romantic atmosphere of Gretna Green.

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
Headless Cross, Gretna Green
DG16 5EA Gretna

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday9:00 - 16:00
Monday9:00 - 16:00
Tuesday9:00 - 16:00
Wednesday9:00 - 16:00
Thursday9:00 - 16:00
Friday9:00 - 16:00
Saturday9:00 - 16:00

Reviews

318 Reviews

Mira Spilevoj
24.01.2025

Beautiful free place for entertainment. I liked it!
Richard Scrivener
02.11.2024

Not very big, nice little resting and playing area for kids for about half an hour, but that's about it
Angie Palmer
30.10.2024

Underwhelmed. This entire place could use some love itself! Then it might be a more attractive "attraction"!
Brian Cole
22.09.2024

Gretna...very touristy...okay to stop for a break or to get married
M N
21.09.2024

Okay, so this is a small maze with a few photo opportunities throughout. Is it the best maze in the world? No. However, it is another one of those things that Scotland does so well - a quirky little attraction in a beautiful area that doesn't try to take money from you. If you're looking for a place with free parking for cars and campers while you take some pictures, this is lovely.
R J
13.09.2024

Located at the back of the car park, near the Love wall. A fairly simple maze that you can explore. Great for families, adults, and children. Adds a bit of fun to a charming area. It's free, as is the parking. Toilets and cafe are nearby.
Chris Pye
12.09.2024

Fun trying to find your way around.
Kevin Rockall
22.08.2024

What a hidden gem of a place. Easy to find. Large free car park. The maze is great and the padlock love wall is a nice touch. Free entry with lots to see. Cafe, shops, and public toilets available (no charge). Dog friendly with a field at the back of the maze for walking dogs on or off the lead. In 3 hours, we saw 5 weddings, one with a piper, one in Scottish dress. Definitely worth a visit.
James C
04.08.2024

Hedge maze at Gretna Green. There is a central raised platform, and the maze is fairly easy to solve.
Kim Cornfield
23.06.2024

Visited Gretna Green to check on our lock on the fence during our tour of Scotland around the West Coast NC500. Such a beautiful country, who needs to travel abroad? Our lock was still attached as we left it during our first visit in 2021, rusty but intact. It's like a pilgrimage every year.
Jomon CJ
30.05.2024

Best place to take a break during a long car trip
Christopher Hodds
27.05.2024

This review is specifically for the maze. The positive aspect is that it's free, and if you are passing by and want a five-minute leg stretch, this is ideal. However, I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to visit as it's very small. Ironically, this maze is not very well-maintained, as many of its features were in a state of disrepair when we visited.
Laura Elizabeth
02.01.2024

A really basic activity for kids to do. It's free, so I honestly can't complain. Nothing too exciting.
Max Beaton
08.12.2023

Great little attraction, very close to Gretna. Went with my partner and we both enjoyed it.
Joseph GF
25.08.2023

Had fun but it was a bit dirty. The symbol of the maze and love life is nice. A very nice stopover on our trip from Scotland to England. I warmly recommend it. It had shops, food halls, and clean toilets.
Greg Redgrift
17.08.2023

Great little stop for a refreshment
Simon Wilcock
12.08.2023

Fun little maze to enjoy with your partner
Ell HGV
26.07.2023

A small but perfectly designed maze, fun to explore if you're small or to wander around if you're older and wiser. You'll be finished in 10 minutes, but it's a fun distraction while visiting the Blacksmiths shop.
Shaun Endersby
04.06.2023

Quite a fun few minutes spent here in the maze, and best of all, it was free!
Sun Summer
23.02.2023

Nice small place to visit
James Richardson
13.12.2022

Visited today. Drove 90 miles to get there only to find out that the maze is closed. The website needs to be updated to reflect this. In today's economic climate, issues like this discourage visitors and drive business away. Don't bother. Such a shame.

 

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