Many summertime activities are likely to be curtailed this year due to social distancing, and that now includes the popular Maize Maze at Penshurst Place.

The six-acre maze, which grows to more than 7ft and is always grown in a design with a theme, has become a regular fixture at the historic house and estate near Tonbridge.

Although it is an outdoor pursuit, maze participants can't help but bumping into eachother during their navigation of the maze.

Consequently, organisers said today: "With a heavy heart we've decided not to grow the Maize Maze this year... but all is not lost!

"The field is instead being utilised by our tenant farmers, Hall Place Farm, who have drilled spring malting barley to be used for brewing or malting whisky or vinegar."

In previous years the maze has gone to feed cows grazing on the nearby land after its summer run.

General manager Ben Thomas said: "Should Penshurst Place be in a position to open during the time when the Maize Maze would ordinarily be in situ, we know it will be disappointing that we haven’t grown one this year. The Maize Maze is such a huge part of what we are known for and we love welcoming people to it year after year, but in the current crisis, we feel there is a greater need to support our agricultural partners where possible and have decided to prioritise that this year. And, if the malting barley that’s grown can go on to be used in whiskey or in vinegar, then all the better."

Penshurst has also been providing a #DailyDoseofPenshurst on its Twitter feed and has a virtual garden tour available there too. Click here to see more.

To see more sights online during lockdown click here.

Have a look back on last summer's sun-kissed maize with our review here.