Five of the best sculpture parks
Often considered one of England’s best kept secrets, a visit to one of the many Sculpture Parks in England is an enjoyable day out, where you can enjoy a wide variety of artworks in stunning settings, celebrating the best of British heritage and art.
Most sculpture parks are open throughout the year; therefore, you can enjoy them in the full bloom of summer as well as in Autumn where you can walk around the parks surrounded by the vivid Autumnal colours.
Here is our roundup of our favourite sculpture parks to visit in England:
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
This is truly a jewel of the north and features incredible pieces of sculpture by internationally-acclaimed artists like Antony Gormley, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore.
Presently, there is an exhibition from leading sculptor Tony Cragg which features stark, fossil-influenced sculptures that spiral out from behind hedges and grassy mounds.
The sculpture park affords an impeccable overview of the splendour that is British sculpture throughout the 20th century. The park is situated amongst glorious scenery in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside where grazing sheep amble around the plinths of the delightful Henry Moore sculptures.
Sculpture by the Lakes
Situated in the heart of rural Dorset, Sculpture by the Lakes run by celebrated sculptor Simon Gudgeon combines dramatic outdoor sculptures situated in the tranquil settings of Pallington Lakes. This is truly an oasis for art lovers and the sculpture park has been curated to ensure that each piece of sculpture is perfectly positioned to enrich its artistic qualities.
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Park
When you visit the Barbara Hepworth museum and sculpture park, you have a remarkable insight into the work and outlook of one of the UK’s most significant sculptors. Do check out ‘The Family of Man’.
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
With a trail of 3.5 miles, the Forest of Dean Sculpture trail is one of the oldest trails in England which is befitting of a royal ancient forest. Typically, the trail can take up to 3 hours to complete and you can expect to take in over 20 sculptures along the way which includes Cathedral (a large stained-glass window) which is suspended in the trees and Sophie Ryder’s ‘Deer’.
Burghley Contemporary Sculpture Garden
The sculpture garden is spread out throughout the original gardens of Burghley house and is carefully situated to enhance the beauty of the magnificent lake, the splendid grounds and the old open-air theatre. There are around 20 permanent sculptures and between the months of April and October, Burghley hosts a temporary exhibition.