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 we approach St. Patrick’s day it’s important we talk about the famous Irish stout loved by people all over the world.
There are so many pubs in and around Leeds that provide a lovely cold pint of Guinness, and I’m sure we could keep updating this list forever but here are some of our favourites.
But what makes a good pint of Guinness? There are five crucial stages to achieving the perfect pint of Guinness. First of all, you need to use a clean, cool branded glass- this is essential to get you off to a good start, a warm dirty glass is just a disaster waiting to happen.
Next, pour the first part of your two-part pour at a 45-degree angle until it’s 3/4 full. Now you need to be patient, and allow the drink time to settle. Top up by pushing the handle away from you, leaving a 15-21mm dome-like head. Again, let your drink settle and admire your perfect pint of Guinness.
Templar Hotel
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This spot is a bit of Leeds legend, with the original 1927 wood panelling, booths, stained glass and bar still holding out it’s completely steeped in history. On top of all that, it’s a fantastic spot to grab a quiet pint and especially a pint of Guinness.
Where to find them: Templar Street, LS2 7NU
Whitelock’s Ale House
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Whitelock’s is the oldest pub in Leeds, founded all the way back in 1715, their popularity in Leeds has never faltered. With a lovely cosy atmosphere during the colder months and sun trap outside seating to spend the summer days - Whitelock’s will always be near the top of our list when recommending pubs around our great city. They’re the only pub in all of Leeds to feature on Guinness' very own Harp Guide - so you know it must be good.
Where to find them: Turks Head Yard, LS1 6HB
Brewery Wharf Tavern
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Relatively new to the Leeds pub scene, the Brewery Wharf Tavern is really going to come into its own during summer. Overlooking the canal on Leeds Dock, we can't think of a more scenic place to sink a few pints of the black stuff.
Where to find them: 3 Brewery Pl, LS10 1NE
The Highland Laddie
Voted the Best Pub in Britain of 2025 by The Good Food Guide, everything The Highland Laddie touches turns to gold and that includes the Guinness. Make sure you grab a couple of bar oysters to go with it, because doesn't that just sound like a match made in heaven?
Where to find them: 38 Cavendish St, LS3 1LY
Oporto
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This Irish pub on Call Lane is an absolute classic. Whether you're stopping here for an after-work pint in the sunshine or stumbling in at 3am, a pint of Guinness here is always a good idea.
Where to find them: 33 Call Ln, LS1 7BT
The Adelphi
An abundance of late Victorian architecture, The Adelphi is the perfect setting for a casual yet distinctly memorable drinking and eating experience. Whether you’re looking for a lazy lunch or family dinner, The Adelphi offers tempting and flavoursome food, an explorative drinks menu and an authentic, homely atmosphere to suit all occasions.
Where to find them: Hunslet Road, LS10 1JQ
O’Neill’s
This friendly Irish pub in Leeds is just across the road from the train station and they are never short of Guinness - obviously. The atmosphere is great, just what you would expect from an Irish bar. If you're looking for a spot to celebrate St Paddy's day this year, you can't wrong giving O'neill's a go.
Where to find them: Boar Lane, LS1 5DA
Nation of Shopkeepers
Not only a great spot in Leeds to grab a Sunday roast, Nation of Shopkeepers also pulls a lovely pint of Guinness. There's plenty of reasons to spend a full day here with the choice of the open courtyard or the cosy booths inside, as well as delicious burgers and fried chicken to accompany your pint.
Where to find them: Cookridge Street, LS2 3AG
The Brunswick
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A firm favourite amongst Leeds locals, The Brunswick, has 9 keg lines, 6 cask lines, and over 50 beers in the fridges, it is most definitely a beer lover’s heaven. So of course, they serve a very good pint of Guinness.
Alongside this, their food is all home cooked and made with the freshest ingredients. They also cater for vegans and vegetarians so everyone is made to feel welcome at this cosy, neighbourhood pub.
Where to find them: North Street, LS2 7PN
The Duck and Drake
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This historic pub on Kirkgate is known for its banging live music, buzzing beer garden and of course, cracking pints of Guinness. This is a spot you'll want to visit when the sun comes out.
Where to find them: 43 Kirkgate, LS2 7DR
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Featured images - The Hoot Leeds
Leeds
Korn announce huge Leeds gig on first UK tour in a decade
Daisy Jackson
Korn have announced a major Manchester gig as part of a new UK tour – their first in more than a decade.
The nu metal legends will be heading to the First Direct Bank Arena later this year, making a monumental return to British shores.
And they’ve announced very special guests will be joining them on the tour too – support will come from Architects, as well as Youth Code.
Korn burst onto the scene back in 1991 with their seminal self-titled debut album, and have gone on to release a whopping 14 studio albums.
The Californian group have sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, collected two Grammy Awards, and headed out on countless world tours.
They’re often cited by newer bands as a major influence and have pushed the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres.
The Ringer has described Korn as ‘a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now’.
As well as performing in Leeds, Korn will play at venues across the UK including in Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and London.
They’ll be joined by Architects, a British metalcore band who have continued to top the charts even after the tragic death of founding member, guitarist, and principal songwriter Tom Searle.
Korn will be at our very own First Direct Bank Arena on Monday 26 October, with pre-sale tickets available from Tuesday 17 March at 8am, before a general on-sale from Friday 20 March at 8am.
Run, don't walk - as we reckon these tickets will fly off the shelves.
Clementine Hall -
20th July 2022 
