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.
Following one of the most iconic returns to music late last year, Lily Allen is heading to Leeds with her West End Girl UK tour.
The 'Nonmonogamummy' herself will be performing at the First Direct Arena in Leeds this weekend, following a run of intimate gig dates up and down the country earlier this year.
The demand for this British pop star to add more dates was inevitable and that's exactly what Allen did, as she now kicks off an arena tour across the UK.
Once wasn’t ‘Just Enough', and we've been blessed new Lily Allen dates, including her gig at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Sunday 21 June.
Although the 'Smile' singer refrains from playing some of her older smash hits, this gig is still remarkable, with the Hammersmith-born singer performing the previously mentioned tongue-in-cheek LP in full.
Meet us at the ‘Pussy Palace’ for an evening of messy lyrics and quality vocals, fulfilling all of our nosey desires, she even provides text receipts for us to read.
Expect to feel like you’re having your friend relay the truth about their toxic relationship post-break up and then celebrating them finally leaving that loser - Lily just gets us.
Gig Guide | Lily Allen at First Direct Arena, Leeds
Lily Allen returns to Leeds for a gig at First Direct Arena. Credit: Henry Redcliffe
Lily Allen UK tour dates
16 June – Newcastle Utilita Arena
17 June – Glasgow OVO Hydro
19 June – Manchester AO Arena
20 June– Manchester AO Arena
21 June – Leeds First Direct Bank Arena
23 June – Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
24 June – Cardiff Utilita Arena
26 June – Birmingham BP Pulse Live
27 June – London The O2
30 June – Dublin 3Arena
Are there tickets left for Lily Allen at First Direct Arena?
Yes and it’d be a real ‘Shame For You’ to miss out on this one.
On Sunday 21 June you can get seats for £49.85, £66.35, or £88.35, or standing tickets for £66.35 - see the latest HERE.
Seriously, ‘What You Waiting For?’ - get it booked.
Lily's gone for a rather novel support act on her West End Girl tour, which is proving to be quite a laugh at arenas so far.
She's pulled in Dallas Minor Trio to warm up the crowds, a trio of cellists who perform a setlist of Lily Allen's biggest hits from through the years.
And if that's not enough, they put the lyrics on screen too, so it's like a true karaoke moment.
Lily Allen setlist for 2026 tour
The show ‘Lily Allen Performs West End Girl‘ will see the singer/songwriter play her brand-new album in its entirety, in the order the songs appear on the record:
West End Girl
Ruminating
Sleepwalking
Tennis
Madeline
Relapse
Pussy Palace
4chan Stan
Nonmonogamummy
Just Enough
Dallas Major
Beg For Me
Let You W/In
Fruityloop
Stage times for Lily Allen at First Direct Arena, Leeds
Lily Allen has announced a gig at the First Direct Arena in Leeds. Credit: Charlie Denis
These are the only times that are confirmed, but it's expected that Lily Allen will be on stage around 9pm:
Doors open 6pm
Starts 7.50pm
Getting to First Direct Arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
A slice of New York has arrived in Leeds – and the pizzas are 18 inches wide
Clementine Hall
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Clementine Hall -
20th July 2022 
