Bringing together an array of creations against a striking backdrop of rich autumnal foliage and beautiful countryside, Britain offers a wealth of artistic outdoor escapes. By combining art with towering forests, sprawling lakes and an abundance of wildlife, these sculpture parks and trails offer fun for all the family, while displaying works by some of the country’s most renowned sculptors. If you’re dreaming of a trip to Britain, you can plan to explore these unique open-air spaces, while taking in a plethora of truly spectacular views – scenes only enhanced by the colours of autumn!
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Yorkshire Sculpture Park: https://ysp.org.uk/
Another striking outdoor art collection in the heart of Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park is home to works by some of the world’s most renowned artists. Having displayed outdoor art for four decades, it features many short and long-term loan pieces, as well as gifts from artists and specifically commissioned masterpieces. Highlights include four giant bronze sculptures by Damian Hurst – on display until April 2022 – as well as Sean Henry’s Seated Figure, and Wilsis by Jaume Plensa, a seven-metre high portrait head. The open-air collection within the historic estate includes around 80 works throughout the woodland areas, beautifully framed by rich shades of red, yellow and orange when autumn arrives. The park’s underground gallery also houses Valkyrie Marina Rinaldi, a giant 12-metre-long installation from Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos. Suspended from the ceiling and on show until 3 January 2021, the work is an arresting representation of female power within Norse mythology.
Tips: Tickets for the sculpture park need to be purchased in advance and include an allocated arrival slot.
Jupiter Artland, Scotland
Jupiter Artland: https://www.jupiterartland.org/
Around 10 miles to the west of Edinburgh, and set within the glorious grounds of Bonnington House, Jupiter Artland is an ever-evolving collection of impressive sculptures and lush parkland that comes alive with riotous colour in autumn. Created by Robert and Nicky Wilson, the sculpture park includes awe-inspiring works by Antony Gormley, Charles Jencks, Anish Kapoor and Cornelia Parker, as well as many others. Stand-out designs include Marc Quinn’s Love Bomb, a 12-metre-tall orchid, and Jencks’ The Cells of Life, a set of carefully sculpted landforms and lakes depicting the building blocks of life. Exploring the grounds offers plenty of opportunities to be at one with nature, while also enjoying the many colours associated with the seasons.
Tips: Tickets for Jupiter Artland must pre-booked before visiting.
RSPB Lake Vyrnwy Nature Reserve
RSPB Nature Reserve: https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/lake-vyrnwy/
The Giant Hand of Vyrnwy: https://www.treecarving.co.uk/case-studies/the-giant-hand-of-vyrnwy/
Developed in the 1880s as a reservoir to fulfil Liverpool’s water needs, Lake Vyrnwy in Powys, Wales, is an RSPB Nature Reserve with an award-winning sculpture trail to boot. Mixing nature with heritage and history in the middle of the Mid-Wales countryside, the reserve has something to keep those of all ages entertained. Birdlife can be spotted around the waters all year round, although keen bird-watchers should look out for autumn arrivals including mallards, oystercatchers and teals, alongside otters and other rare wildlife. Dotted along the shores of the lake, the sculpture trail features wooden works by a diverse mix of local and international artists, including Simon O’Rourke’s The Giant Hand of Vyrnwy, a 15-metre-high carving made from what was once the tallest tree in Wales!
Lake Vyrnwy is free to visit and does not need to be booked in advance. Please see the website for further details.
Tips: Different locations and attractions across Britain have various measures in place to enable guests to explore with confidence. Visitors are encouraged to look at the official websites prior to travel for the latest information.
For more information: https://www.visitbritain.com/gb/en/arty-adventures-sculpture-parks-explore-autumn#
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