Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Ask a child what they want to do at the weekend and the probability of them saying they want to view sculptures in the grounds of a country house is likely to be extremely small.

However if you override their desire for soft play and swings and slides and take them to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, you and they will have a day to remember. Set in 500 acres of truly beautiful parkland dotted with awe inspiring sculptures, there is plenty of space for the kids to really run wild.

There are giant hares, grottos, hidden ruins, stepping stones and endless opportunities for adventure, you can even get up close to the highland cattle.  It’s dog friendly although they do have to be kept on a lead and some areas are restricted.

From an art point of view it has been described as “Probably the finest exhibition site for sculpture in the world.” But from a parent point of view all of a sudden your children will be talking about sculptures, piquing their curiosity as they tell you an elaborate story, encouraging you to see them through a child’s eyes.

The first floor restaurant looks out over the countryside and serves the kind of food that you actually want to eat rather than what you will eat just because you are hungry. There is also a cafe for eating sandwiches in the sun.

The four hours spent here was not nearly enough and the prospect of visiting the camellia house when it is in full bloom will definitely be a draw for a return visit over the summer and with no entry fee and only £7.50 for a full days parking it is one of the more cost effective days out in Yorkshire with the kids.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LG 01924 832631