Situated in the beautiful 18th-century Bretton Hall estate, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is the leading international centre for modern and contemporary sculpture.
Founded in 1977 by Sir Peter Murray CBE, the park was the first of it's kind in the UK and is now the largest sculpture park in the whole of Europe.
It is an independent registered museum and charitable trust situated in a 500 acre estate just 7 miles south of Wakefield and 20 miles of Leeds.
The park boasts an array of world-class, year round temporary exhibitions showcasing some of the world’s leading artists across six indoor galleries and outdoor spaces.
As the park celebrates it's triumphant 45th anniversary this year, there's no better time to visit and marvel in all it's glory. So, as you embark on your day filled with fun, art, discovery and adventure, here's a list of a few things to look out for when you're there.
What to See
Damien Hirst
Image: Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Head to the Country Park where you can see four major sculptures by world famous artist Damien Hirst. From Leeds, Hirst is known for his somewhat controversial work surrounding death, religion and mythical objects.
The sculptures were created as part of the wider Yorkshire Sculpture International Festival that took place in 2019. The aim being to engage a mass audience through sculpture with Hirst's work playing a key role in achieving this.
The four sculptures on exhibition until May 2023 are called Charity, Myth, The Hat Makes the Man and The Virgin Mother. Be prepared to be amazed, in awe and somewhat frightened as these imposing sculptures tower above you.
Jason Wilsher-Mills: Jason and his Argonauts in Love
Image: The Hoot Leeds
On display until September 2022, this exciting and important exhibition is not one to be missed. Made in collaboration with learning-disability groups across the country, Jason Wilsher-Mills uses iPads and tablets to create bright, celebratory and thought provoking works exploring themes of disability.
The central sculpture is a ten-metre tall interactive, inflatable figure which address basic human rights and respect. Situated on access to the Changing Places Toilets, Visitors can walk through the sculpture via a tunnel where they will find personal stories and narratives written on the walls.
The exhibition highlights how, if we are to understand each other fully, we must acknowledge hierarchical systems of access that are still not equal for everyone.
Barbara Hepworth: The Family of Man
Image: Yorkshire Sculpture Park
A collection of sculptures that has been on display since 1980, this is perhaps one of the most famous attractions at the park and is not one to be missed.
Born in Wakefield, Hepworth studied at Leeds School of Art and went on to have an influential career spanning over 50 years, at a time when British sculpture was dominated by men. She is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and The Family of Man is one of the last major works she produced before her death.
Set on a hillside landscape, these 9 bronze figures represent different stages of life and stand upright and resembling one another to symbolise a family.
What to Do
Art and Landscape Tours
Image: Yorkshire Sculpture Park
With so much to see, discover and explore at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, why not book yourself onto one of their weekly Art and Landscape Tours to soak up all the knowledge you possibly can.
A knowledgable volunteer will guide you around the park for an hour and talk you through the outdoor sculptures whilst you take in the breathtaking landscapes. The tours take place every Saturday and Sunday at 11am and can be booked here on their website.
Artist Talks
Image: Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Throughout the year, Yorkshire Sculpture Park host artist-led talks where exhibiting artists discuss their work and the processes behind them. It is an incredible opportunity to learn more about the artist and to delve deeper into the works currently on display.
Upcoming talks include:
YARA + DAVINA Walk and Talk, Saturday 23 July.
Thahmina Begum: Walk a Mile in My Shoes, Tuesday 2nd August.
Jason Wilsher-Mills Artist Talk, Monday 22nd August.
All of these events are free and can be booked via email, for more information take a look at the park's What's On Page.
Where to Eat
The Weston
Image: Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Need a well-deserved pitstop in the midst of all your gazing and exploring? Book a table at The Weston and dine with a panoramic view of the breathtaking 500 acre parkland.
The interior of this beautiful restaurant is an art exhibition in itself. The space is drenched in light and filled with Scandinavian-inspired furniture, with a roaring wood-lit stove which illuminates the room during winter months. The menu is filled with local, sustainably sourced dishes which showcase the best of what Yorkshire has to offer.
Relax and unwind over a leisurely lunch or keep an eye out for their unique evening events which take place throughout the year such as wine tasting or summer tapas evenings.
If you're looking for something a bit more laid back, then The Kitchen located on the upper level of the YSP centre is the place for you.
This self service restaurant offer a range of homemade, seasonal dishes made fresh on site. Think sandwiches, soup, snacks and ice cream which can be enjoyed in the restaurant or taken outside to be part of your picnic.
Why not treat yourself to an Afternoon Tea experience which can be enjoyed with or without flowing prosecco. Featuring freshly made sandwiches, homemade scones and delicious cakes and pastries.
Information on how to book Afternoon Tea can be found here.
Ticket prices for the park are just £6 per adult, £3 per student and free for people under the age of 18. All visitors must pre-book before their visit and this can be done here.
As one of the top ten places to live, as voted for by The Sunday Times, Chapel Allerton is a hive of community-spirit withlots to explore.
Back in 2021, The Sunday Times judges said that Chapel Allerton is: “a well supported independent high street – with a fishmonger, bookshop, cheese shop and much more – and an inspiring and imaginative community group, CA Spaces, make this urban village our favourite corner of Leeds.”
They’re not wrong. One of our favourite points about Chapel Allerton is its strong focus on supporting local businesses- there aren’t many places in Leeds, or indeed the UK, that you can visit a separate butchers, greengrocers, cheese mongers, wine store and more to complete your food shop with all locally grown and sold produce.
That’s not all that Chapel Allerton has to offer: there’s a host of indie cafes, plenty of green space and even a posh Aldi (whatever that means) that keeps this a family favourite place to visit.
Keep reading to find out what The Hoot recommends for a weekend in the leafy suburb…
House of Koko
62 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 4LA
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The overwhelming success of the cafe is well-known about Leeds- and it comes with a whole host of raving reviews.
Bringing fine-dining to a laid back setting is a winning combination that House of Koko have got down to a tee in Chapel Allerton. The menu here comprises beautifully presented dishes like pancakes drenched in syrup and you can't leave without trying their famous hash browns...if you know, you know.
George and Joseph, an incredible Cheesemongers on Chapel Allerton high street, is the place to go for everything squeaky and delicious.
You can grab everything from truffle brie to charcuterie essentials like cooked meats, fresh sourdough and local low-batch bottles of booze to accompany your dishes. This truly is the place to shop local and experience some brand new tastes you’d never pick up in the supermarket.
Originally a bike clothing brand, Paria has grown from an online side hustle to a full time business online and in Chapel Allerton. There’s coffee from local roasters Hard Lines and sweet treats from Laynes Bakery to choose from, all whilst you browse the cool collabs on the wall.
Name a better duo than a nice cold pint and a fluffy bao bun...we'll wait. Because that's exactly what you'll find at Brew + Bao, Chapel Allerton's newest watering hole offering banging drinks alongside asian street food. A real match made in heaven.
Yoga Kula
114 Harrogate Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 4NY
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Looking to feel zen? Then look no further than Yoga Kula, Chapel Allerton's newest Yoga studio helping you to feel your absolute best.
The space is absolutely. beautiful and they offer classes for all abilities with lovely staff by your side every step of the way.
The Woods might be in the running for our favourite beer garden in Leeds, and since coming under new ownership by the legends at Roland's last year it's only gotten better and better.
It's the perfect spot for a sunny pint with mates whilst tucking into a couple of pizzas, a great oasis outside of the city centre that still has a lively feel about it.
Bloc Studios
31 Well Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, LS7 4PQ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you haven't heard, Reformer Pilates is all the rage at the moment. And luckily for us, there's a fantastic little studio in Chapel Allerton where you can do it.
Bloc Studios is a gorgeous boutique space offering the very best reformer pilates classes. Whether you're a complete newbie or a seasoned pro, there's a class for you at Bloc to get your workout in.
Jacob Elordi says the sexiest thing about Yorkshire is ‘rocks and sheep’
Clementine Hall
As women around the world swoon over Jacob Elordi, he's too busy loving rocks and sheep.
In case you haven't been on social media over the past week and managed to avoid the influx of paparazzi images, the hotly anticipated 'Wuthering Heights' adaptation is out soon and with that comes heaps of red carpets, screenings and glamorous premieres.
Famously set against the brooding hills of Yorkshire, Wuthering Heights by our very own Emily Brontë follows the tumultuous love story of Heathcliff and Cathy.
Played in the upcoming film by Australian heartthrobs Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie.
During the recent London premiere where Elordi was seen wearing a rather dashing green three piece, the stars were asked what they thought the 'sexiest' thing about Yorkshire is by HitsRadioUK.
A valid question to which Jacob replies "rocks and sheep". I mean, he's got a fair point.
Margot Robbie went into a little more detail, she said "Sunrise and sunset in Yorkshire is a pretty dramatic experience. The sky is literally like red and orange. I honestly couldn't believe it when I was out there. The landscape is stunning."
Why thank you Margot, we absolutely agree. She continues to shower us with compliments stating that the "People are lovely. Pubs are great. I love it"
It seems like Margot has got Yorkshire pretty bang on there, and if she ever needs any pub recommendations then we'll absolutely help her out.
Jacob on the other hand, we know rocks and sheep are sexy but...have you ever met us?
Hopefully he fell in love with our county enough to come back, as we wouldn't mind bumping into him on a hike up the Yorkshire moors.
Clementine Hall -
20th July 2022 
