Outdoor art in England

If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise in the form of imposing sculptures popping up all across the English countryside. You’ll find pieces in forests, along beaches and in parks from well-known names such as Henry Moore, Damien Hirst, Antony Gormley and scores of up and coming artists too.

Here Daniel Johnson, of short breaks specialist BreakFree Holidays, lists great places to see outdoor art in England.

Three Piece Reclining Figure No 1, 1961-2 © Jonty Wilde

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield

This is one of the world’s leading sculpture parks and features art from many famous names, displayed across 500 acres of 18th century parkland. The exhibitions change regularly but the figures can always be seen against amazing backdrops which include valley vistas, lakes and old buildings. Open all year round, except for 24-25 December and 1 March. Admission free, although car parking charges apply. www.ysp.co.uk

Damien Hirst’s Verity ©North Devon Council

Verity, Ilfracombe

This north Devon seaside town became home to a 20m tall sword-wielding, naked pregnant woman in October 2012, and local tongues are still wagging. Verity is a bronze-clad statue which looks at over Ilfracombe Harbour, and was loaned to the town by artist and local resident Damien Hirst. Free to view all year round. www.northdevon.com

Angel of the North ©Martin Brent

Angel of the North, Gateshead

Antony Gormley’s sculpture got the public talking about outdoor art. The Angel of the North is the gateway to Tyneside and stands 20 metres tall, with a massive wingspan of 54 metres. Not universally loved when it was launched, the Angel has now become an icon of the North East. Free to view all year round. www.newcastlegateshead.com

Lady of the Water ©Forestry Commission England

Grizedale Forest Park, Cumbria

There are 80 sculptures spread out over a massive 6,000 acres of woodland so this is not a park for a quick visit and a map is essential. The sculptures are created to blend into the forest environment so it’s essential to explore through the trees to find pieces. Open daily. Admission free, car parking charges apply. www.grizedalesculpture.org

Northumberlandia ©The Land Trust

Northumberlandia, Northumberland

Also known as The Lady of the North, this is a reclining female figure sculpted from the land and made of 1.5 million tonnes of earth. At a massive 34 metres high and 400 metres long, Northumberlandia is thought to be the largest human-form land sculpture in the world. Open daily, car-parking provided Tuesday to Sunday only, 9.30am to 4pm. Admission free, car parking charges apply. www.northumberlandia.com

Flat Man by Giles Penny ©Broomhill Sculpture Garden

Broomhill Sculpture Garden, North Devon

With more than 300 sculptures set in just 10 acres of land there is plenty to see. The garden winds downhill through woods and to a gentle river, with a flat top-terrace featuring a wide variety of figures and larger pieces found on the lower levels. Open daily, 11am-4pm, shut 20 Dec -15 Jan. Admission: adults £4.50, children £1.50, family £10.www.broomhillart.co.uk

©Burghey Sculpture Gardens

Burghley Sculpture Garden, Lincolnshire

This 15-acre sculpture garden has around 20 permanent pieces including Balance – a display of three life-size figures perched on the branch of a tree, and Vertical Face – giant rust-coloured face made from small pieces of steel. The art is set round a beautiful lake, old open-air theatre and pretty flower-filled grounds. Garden open 11am-5pm daily. Admission free in winter. From 20 Mar-31 Oct, £7.40 adults, £5.00 children.www.burghley.co.uk          

Giant Tarantula ©Pride of the Valley Sculpture Park

Pride of the Valley Sculpture Park, Surrey

The park is 10 acres of arboretum and wildlife inhabited water gardens, with over 600 sculptures on display throughout a two mile guided trail. Open daily, 10am to 5pm. Adults £6, children £3, under-5s free. www.thesculpturepark.com

Experience outdoor art for yourself with BreakFree Holidays who have holiday park deals across England.

Are there any others you think should be added to the list?

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