Sculpture parks: Our favourite trails to visit around the UK

For sculptors and sculpture-lovers alike, the UK offers an exceptional range of places to encounter three-dimensional art in its most natural and compelling setting – and that’s outdoors.  

Below, we explore some of our favourite trails and sculpture parks to visit around the UK – from Hertfordshire to the Highlands – including gentle toddler-friendly woodland loops, riverside bike routes, and major art destinations like Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Jupiter Artland. 

Whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend outing or building an itinerary for a UK holiday, these are some of our favourite art trails to visit.

Sculpture trails

Sculpture trails first emerged in the 1980s as non-commercial cultural initiatives, often led by the Forestry Commission. The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, launched in 1986, remains a landmark example, inviting visitors to discover site-specific works inspired by the landscape and its industrial heritage. Trails like this weave art into nature or urban environments, encouraging exploration on foot. 

Some, such as Sculpture in the City in London, focus on contemporary work and are free to the public, offering a fresh experience with each visit as temporary and thematic displays change over time.

Sculpture parks

Sculpture parks tend to be more permanent and are often set within curated landscapes. Some are run by artists themselves, while others are public spaces like the world-renowned Yorkshire Sculpture Park, offering hundreds of works across open fields, lakes, and woodland. 

These parks allow visitors to pause, reflect, and enjoy art at their own pace. Sculpture by the Lakes in Dorset, for example, blends lakeside walks, an indoor gallery, and creative studios, making it a perfect spot for families seeking a combination of outdoor exploration and artistic inspiration.

Short-term outdoor exhibitions

Summer sculpture exhibitions are increasingly popular, often hosted at National Trust properties or charity events. These locations include Fresh Air Sculpture in Quenington, Sculpture at Kingham Lodge, Hidcote, and Burghley House, as well as charity-focused events like Art for Cure in Suffolk. All of these exhibitions feature works for sale, providing visitors with a chance to support artists while enjoying a cultural day out.

Top family-friendly sculpture destinations

The UK is bursting with sculpture trails and outdoor art parks, providing something for everyone, including families. In fact, they offer all the best ingredients for exploring with children: fresh air, space to run, artworks they can touch, and a sense of discovery that keeps even the littlest walkers motivated. Unlike traditional galleries, outdoor sculpture experiences are relaxed, hands-on and sometimes free – perfect for turning an ordinary walk into an adventure.

From woodland figures emerging between the trees to monumental bronzes set against rolling fields, the UK is full of inspiring places where art and landscape meet. Many trails are buggy-friendly, and ideal for kids who enjoy spotting things along the route. Some focus on local history, others on world-famous artists, and all of them invite families to see art in a new, more playful way.

• Henry Moore Studios and Gardens, Hertfordshire: Spread across formal gardens and surrounding fields, Henry Moore’s abstract and semi-abstract bronzes can be touched, making this a tactile and engaging experience for children. Art workshops and temporary exhibitions add to the appeal.
  
• Lee Valley Sculpture Trail, Enfield: A three-mile riverside route featuring wooden, metal, and stone sculptures highlighting local wildlife, perfect for walking or cycling.
  
• The Line, London: A four-and-a-half-mile urban walk connecting the Olympic Park to the O2. Stop by cafés or take the Emirates Cable Car for city views while exploring contemporary public sculptures.
• Cambridge Sculpture Trails: Four trails in and around the city showcasing works by artists like Esther Melamed, Barbara Hepworth, and Henry Moore, encouraging children to touch and explore the pieces.

Where you can see – and buy – sculptures

My work is regularly represented in the sculpture park “Sculpture by the Lakes (Dorset)”, Beside that, I participate in short-term sculpture trails like  “Art for Cure”, and “Kingham Sculpture” or at the “Henley Festival”. Find out more.

Are you interested in buying a sculpture?

If you are interested in buying a sculpture, please have a look at my work. I offer a bespoke service, which I’d be happy to discuss with you. Please get in touch.