Yorkshire Sculpture Park
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The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an absolute gem of a destination for art lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Spread across 500 acres of breathtaking parkland, this world-class sculpture park features an impressive collection of contemporary art installations set amidst stunning natural surroundings. As you approach the park, you are immediately struck by the sheer scale and beauty of the landscape. The rolling hills, lush greenery, and open skies create a sense of calm and tranquility that is simply unmatched. But what really sets the Yorkshire Sculpture Park apart is the incredible selection of sculptures on display. The park boasts an impressive collection of over 80 sculptures from some of the world's leading contemporary artists, including works by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, and Anthony Caro. Each sculpture is carefully curated and strategically placed to create a unique and immersive experience for visitors. One of the standout installations at the park is James Turrell's "Deer Shelter Skyspace", a stunning outdoor room that offers visitors a truly unique and breathtaking perspective on the surrounding landscape. The space features an opening in the roof that frames the sky, creating a sense of connection and harmony between the natural and man-made elements. Another must-see sculpture is Ai Weiwei's "Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads", a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the themes of cultural identity and imperialism. The installation features 12 bronze animal heads that represent the animals of the Chinese zodiac, each with its own unique expression and personality. But it's not just the individual sculptures that make the Yorkshire Sculpture Park such a special place. The park itself is a true work of art, with carefully designed pathways, bridges, and gardens that create a seamless and cohesive experience for visitors. Every corner of the park offers a new perspective on the art and the landscape, and each visit feels like a journey of discovery and exploration. What really sets the Yorkshire Sculpture Park apart, however, is its commitment to supporting and nurturing emerging artists. The park offers residencies, workshops, and educational programs to help artists develop their skills and create new works, and the results are truly outstanding. Many of the installations on display are the result of these programs, and they offer a glimpse into the cutting-edge of contemporary art and expression. Overall, I cannot recommend the Yorkshire Sculpture Park highly enough. Whether you're an art lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates great design and vision, this park is a must-see destination. With its stunning sculptures, breathtaking landscape, and commitment to fostering creativity and expression, it is a true masterpiece and a testament to the power of art to inspire, engage, and transform.
MarcinMarcin
00
A very old estate, vast grounds, a large pond, some history, old trees. Funny how the herds of geese prefer to grass with the sheep. I liked walking in the park, it can easily take the whole day. I didn't like the statures that much, although some are made by very famous artists (i.e. Miro). Admitingly they make the walk somewhat less purposeless. I believe the trees in the park are no less interesting, some must be a few hundred years old. They deserve a better care, and to be featured more to compliment the statures. Actually statures to compliment the space, because they seem placed somewhat randomly. Berley House to the south has probably less statures, but they are worked into the space much better. This estate has better potential but at the moment it looses to Berley. I loved a huge iron pergola covered in roses. And a poplar 2-3 feet wide. I think. The idea of rabbits in different forms at different places is interesting. Herds of canadian geese are just impressive and it would be great to find a way to feature them too. Herds of sheep add amazingly huge amount of poo... nothing can be done I guess, it just create some querkingness and makes those who see a funny side in it smile. Have a picknik in other sides of the park, there are tables. The views are great from several points in a few directions. There are several places you can buy food/ice cream/coffee, also toilets. Very family friendly place, there are paths suitable for the pushchairs. Enjoy, it is great!
Irina (IP)Irina (IP)
00
I found this somewhat disappointing, whilst I appreciate the past year has been difficult YSP don't seem to have some much to cater for visitors whilst outside dining etc only is allowed. Generally; if you bring a picnic be prepared for an inadequate number of tables, all of which are down a steepish slope, with none near the main building. And these are not near the car parks, so you lug your picnic down the slope, eat then lug your picnic back to the car. Ill thought out I think. The grounds are good and the sculptures well spaced. But for those of advancing years there is inadequate seats around the park for respite. Some of the 'art' is not really art...burnt tree stumps and birch trees planted in a grid ( most of us call that gardening). There's no rubbish bins on the walks. The Weston was open. However they did not seem to have increased outdoor seating... Ice cream booths were closed. But we saw one lady sat with a box selling ices...£16.00 for 6!!
Clive EvansClive Evans
70
Wonderful place. I heard that they had some new sculptures for people who have visited it long time ago. Nice place for a pictures with sculpture and a woodland walk. Actually some good and some funny sculptures, very modern and some of them are mixed style, reminds very known sculptures but has a drop of modern in it. It is an enormous place I actually didn't expect it to be so big, if you need a walk and don't want to travel far away in the hills it's perfect. Map is bit confusing with all entrances in the footpaths. Not all paths are allowed for dogs. Can enjoy some drinks and ice-cream in a cafe and ice-cream and snacks for dogs! The price of the tickets was a surprise for my friend as he said it didn't show you have to pay for it online. But it was definitely worth it! Nice walk there are some bird peeking stations and sheep around on free land. I wouldn't put white shoes if I would know but that was surprise for me 😁😁
Julya DovgialoJulya Dovgialo
40
Much of it is not disabled friendly as not enough paths have mobility scooter/ wheelchair friendly surfaces. The area by the lake was not really accessible for the scooter as it is grass and the slope was too much to negotiate and so we missed out on that. The room to turn in lifts and disabled toilets is not big enough to allow for the scooter turning circle. The staff however were incredibly friendly and very helpful when asked questions!! The outside space is amazing and the various exhibits were fascinating and easily enough to take all day to enjoy! The gift shop was also fantastic with great choice of purchases especially for birthday money!! Restaurant had good variety on offer although as upstairs some doors were awkward to get through as they were strangely positioned!!
Gary LeggGary Legg
20
Easy to park up. Used a pass so got in for free. The grounds are big, plenty of trails and paths, sheep wandering around, lake with ducks, really nice walk around. Main building not so much, a big place but nothing much, the artwork on show both of us looked at each other and thought what? (I like art myself, colours but even I thought it wasn't very good) They had a wedding reception room, all decorated but with cafe next door banging away with spoons and plates. Staff were friendly and nice, clean place but could've done alot more with space they have got all in all, it's a waste of decent space, hardly anything for the kids. We will come back again for the walks as it's scenic but the artwork we weren't impressed.
HypnotiseHypnotise
00
Nearby Attractions Of Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Deer Shelter Skyspace

Deer Shelter Skyspace
4.8
(9)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Yorkshire Sculpture Park
YSP Restaurant

YSP Restaurant
4.2
(208)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
West Bretton, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 1924 832631
Call
Website
ysp.org.uk
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(4K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
cultural
family friendly
pet friendly
Description
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an art gallery, with both open-air and indoor exhibition spaces, in West Bretton, Wakefield, in West Yorkshire, England. It shows work by British and international artists, including Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. The sculpture park occupies the 500-acre parkland of Bretton Hall.
attractions: Deer Shelter Skyspace, restaurants: YSP Restaurant

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