Press Release: A summer of fun, creativity and discovery for all ages at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Set against 500 acres of stunning landscape in West Bretton, Wakefield, YSP’s summer programme offers more than just a day out - it’s a chance to step into a world where art meets nature, and every visitor can explore, play, and connect through creativity. With plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces, there is always something to do and see, whatever the weather.

This year’s indoor exhibitions are as bold and thought-provoking as the landscape. William Kentridge’s The Pull of Gravity transforms both gallery and outdoor spaces with over 40 sculptures and captivating video and sound works that invite visitors to see the world through a new lense. Inside The Chapel, artist Laura Ellen Bacon’s Into Being offers a sensory experience - a vast, woven willow sculpture growing from the walls.

A new exhibition Fashion Play by Lesley Barnes and Ross McAuley celebrates the joy of bold colour and pattern the whole family will enjoy, while at The Weston Gallery, ceramicist Felicity Aylieff’s Expressions in Blue presents a series of towering porcelain vessels, their cobalt-painted forms capturing the drama and beauty of large-scale making. In each gallery, discover free family activity sheets and handling materials to help entertain and inspire all ages.

Outdoors, the Park comes alive with free family-friendly activities that bring art, nature and creativity together. Every Tuesday from late July, families can get stuck into Outdoor Sculpture Building sessions, taking inspiration from over 90 outdoor sculptures at YSP and the breathtaking Yorkshire landscape.

Thursdays and Fridays offer drop-in woodland play in the Hidden Forest, where children will be guided through creative activities underneath the magical canopy of trees. Little Wild Wood is a sustainable outdoor play space where children can build dens, leap from platforms and get close to artworks. Providing shade from sun or rain, visitors can enjoy several picnic benches and the nearby cafe for refreshments. An Art and Nature Hunt leads curious minds on a journey through YSP’s artworks, wildlife, and scenery. Tree Discovery Kits, available from the Visitor Centre, turn every stroll into a chance to learn about the Park’s impressive and ancient tree collection.

The programme is packed with special events too. Budding artists can try their hand at Life Drawing on 18 July, sketching among Aylieff’s monumental ceramic forms in a relaxed, tutor-led workshop at The Weston. Friends and patrons can enjoy an exclusive Out-of-hours Curatorial Tour on 19 July, with behind-the-scenes insights into the summer exhibitions.

On 26 July and 30 August, The Chapel becomes a space of calm and connection with a series of Yoga and Sound Bath sessions nestled among Laura Ellen Bacon’s willow forms. For those seeking creative inspiration, 31 July sees a vibrant Jason and the Wakefield Adventure Community Day with local-born artist Jason Wilsher-Mills, where families can drop-in, meet the artist, and make their own bold artworks in the Bothy Garden. On 2 August, poet Matt Howard will host a special reading in James Turrell’s Deer Shelter Skyspace, offering a unique moment of reflection framed by light and sky. The Family Day in partnership with Star Bereavement on 7 August is a time to come together with artist-led activities, suitable for families of all ages.

YSP’s youngest visitors aren’t left out - Sculpture Baby in August provide a gentle, creative space for babies and their adults to explore colour, texture, and movement through sensory play in the galleries. And for those looking to get hands-on with fashion and craft, an Artist Smock Making Workshop on 16 August with The Stitch Society offers the chance to sew your own creative garment, guided by expert makers.

YSP’s Head of Programmes Alex Hodby said: “We’re thrilled to welcome everyone to YSP this summer for a season that’s all about creativity, discovery, and togetherness. Whether you’re building sculptures outdoors, getting hands-on in The Studio, or simply enjoying a picnic surrounded by world-class artworks, there’s something here to inspire every visitor. We hope families will make lasting memories and feel part of our creative community.”

Throughout the summer, The Studio in the Underground Gallery is also open as a drop-in space, where families can explore art-making materials, discover activity baskets, and get creative together.

With free parking, free entry for 18’s and under, dog-friendly and accessible facilities, and cafés serving everything from ice cream to hot meals and £5 lunch bags, YSP is the perfect place to spend a summer day.

Conveniently located near Wakefield, Leeds, and Sheffield, YSP is easy to reach by car from the M1 (junction 38), by bus (96 from Wakefield and Barnsley), and by train to Wakefield Westgate and a short taxi or bus ride. Car parking is always free, and there are several disabled bays available for pre-booking.

Plan your visit and explore the full programme at ysp.org.uk.

Summer Highlights Include:

Fun-Filled Outdoor Activities

• Hidden Forest Drop-Ins – Thursdays and Fridays, offering woodland wonder and playful learning.
• Little Wild Wood – A natural play space where children can explore, climb and connect with nature.
• Art and Nature Hunt – Updated activity sheets guide families through the park in search of creative clues.
• Tree Discover Kit – Learn about YSP’s majestic trees with a new, engaging self-guided pack.

Special Summer Events

• Life Drawing: Felicity Aylieff – 18 July
• Out of Hours Curatorial Tour for YSP Friends – 19 July
• Yoga and Sound Bath: Laura Ellen Bacon – 26 July and 30 August
• Jason and the Wakefield Adventure Community Day – 31 July
• Poetry in the Skyspace with Matt Howard – 2 August
• Family Day in partnership with Star Bereavement– 7 August
• Sculpture Baby: Felicity Aylieff – 13 August
• Artist Smock Making Workshop with The Stitch Society – 16 August

Rainy Day Activities

• Afternoon tea with panoramic views across YSP
• Spend time in the galleries and soak up world-class art by William Kentridge, Laura Ellen Bacon, Felicity Aylieff,             and Lesley Barnes and Ross McAuley
• Browse YSP's two award winning shops and have a leisurely brunch or lunch at The Weston
• Pick up a free activity basket and let the kids get creative in the Underground Gallery, ending up in The Studio and       create artworks inspired by William Kentridge
• Brave the summer rain with an invigorating walk around the lakes at YSP

-ENDS-