Art & Sculpture

The stunning backdrop to Yorkshire Sculpture Park includes fields, hills, woodlands, lakes, gardens and galleries. In this beautiful landscape you can stumble across the unusual in the natural as acclaimed artists have filled the 500 acres with incredible works of art. This is a place that is all about ‘art without walls’. It’s a museum and gallery where you can take a good walk, breathe in the fresh air and discover surprising sculpture. Kids – and grown ups – can run free. Even dogs (on leads) love it, and you’ll definitely discover a sheep or two! “Britain’s first and finest sculpture park” (the BBC) is one of the most instagrammable places on earth.

A short drive (20 minutes) up the road from YSP is The Hepworth Wakefield, located on the edge of the city centre. The gallery building – a sculpture in itself – was designed by the world-famous David Chipperfield Architects. On the banks of the River Calder, it showcases the work of Barbara Hepworth and the city’s remarkable modern art collection, as well as welcoming artists from all over the world in its special exhibitions programme. The Director of Art Fund calls it “The Museum everyone would dream of having on their doorstep”. Well, it’s on our doorstep – but we welcome everybody in.

You also shouldn’t miss a stop at The Art House. This is the house that art built, and its home to more than 50 artist studios, gallery spaces, and even a café and shop. The beating heart of the alternative arts scene in Wakefield, it hosts a year-round programme of exhibitions, events and classes, as well as being the HQ of a variety of global artists, makers and creative businesses.