Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Why? YSP is set within the grounds of a sprawling 500 acre estate with undulating hills, large open spaces, enclosed woodland arenas and a lake, offering visitors a trail of discovery with weird and wonderful sculptures and artworks on show. We went on a sunny day when the park was teeming with people, highlighting what a popular destination it is. The cafés were crowded but there was ample space outside to enjoy a picnic and ball game, before exploring the extensive artworks many of which are very tactile and with real appeal to people of all ages. The park has the largest showcase of open-air bronzes by Henry Moore in Europe including new loans this year from the Henry Moore Foundation. There is also a new display, on the Formal Terrace, celebrating the work of British sculptor Barry Flanagan including three bronze sculptures (Elephant, Hare and Bell, and Large Left Handed Drummer). The highlight for me, however, was the very eye-catching exhibition by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, which includes two giant figures on the landscape, large enough to step inside to the delight of my four year old, who was equally taken with the undercover tardis-like glass cabins where visitors can enter one at a time for solitary contemplation while immersed in coloured light. Plensa’s work also includes an intriguing 50-metre curtain of poetry made of suspended steel letters which fascinated my youngest who liked the gentle chimes as we brushed past the dangling letters.

Opening times? Grounds and YSP Centre 10am to 6pm; Galleries, shop and restaurant 10am to 5pm; Longside Gallery 11am to 4pm.

Refreshments? There is a restaurant with views of the park, a kiosk serving hot and cold drinks and snacks, and two coffee shops. There are also picnic spots.

Parking? Free admission. Car parking £4. All proceeds support YSP.

Directions? One mile from M1, junction 38. Follow the brown heritage signs on the A637.