Nowton Park

Park

Explorer Tom

Nowton Park near Bury St Edmunds lays out almost 200 acres as though somebody gave a country estate a generous public invitation. Tom would head straight for its oak-shaped maze, then pretend the 2,500 hornbeams were a cunning map; the trees, naturally, refuse to tell him where the centre is. The maze commemorates the Oakes family, former owners of the estate, and sits about two kilometres from the main car park. Its hornbeam hedges run for more than two miles, with an upright-growing oak marking the centre. The council lists its season as May to October, so check the park's current notice before promising anyone a triumphant escape through it. Tom's own escape plan involves looking unusually confident at junctions. There is plenty to enjoy without a maze mission. A lime avenue planted around 1880 once gave Nowton Court a grand view north; in spring, daffodils turn the ground beneath it yellow. Cherry Glade holds larch, cherry and sweet chestnut, while the meadow pond attracts aquatic life and sometimes grass snakes. A wildflower meadow, planted in 1990, has helped the park's butterflies. That is a busy cast for a place that can look calmly pastoral from a distance. West Suffolk Council puts the main entrance on Bury Road at Nowton, just outside Bury St Edmunds. Entry to the park is free, with paid parking; the council lists daily opening and provides trail maps, a play area, toilets and a cafe. Dogs must be kept under control, and the council bans swimming or paddling in the water. Follow a trail, save the maze for its stated season, and let the lime avenue do its grandest bit of showing off.