Yorkshire Sculpture Park encourages visitors to enjoy 'mindful' winter walks across rolling parkland and ancient woodland
Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is inviting visitors to wrap up warm and experience walking in acres of stunning landscape, connecting to nature and art, guided by audio meditations this winter.
A network of trails and pathways makes YSP ideal for winter walking, whether visitors are looking for a gentle stroll, an accessible route suitable for wheelchairs and trampers (which can be hired for free at YSP), or longer energising walks.
Lakeside paths offer flat, accessible routes, while hilltop trails reward walkers with expansive views across the Bretton Estate.
Along the way, around 100 sculptures and installations can be discovered, including works by Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Damien Hirst and Andy Goldsworthy - each engaging with the landscape in different ways as the seasons change.
The routes also pass heritage features such as the Deer Shelter, Greek Temple and Camellia House, with woodlands and lakes providing ever-changing scenery.
This season’s walking experience is enhanced by ‘Of the Oak’ - a new immersive installation by international art collective Marshmallow Laser Feast, displayed in YSP’s Chapel.
The work explores the hidden life of an oak tree through sound and moving image.
Visitors can then take the experience outdoors, connecting to nature and the land by following a mediative guided walk.
There are seven audio routes available on Bloomberg Connects, which can be downloaded or accessed through web browser. It offers gentle audio prompts that encourage awareness of breath, sound, texture and the living rhythms of the landscape.
Visitors are encouraged to wrap up warm, pull on walking boots and explore the 500-acres of rolling parkland, lakes and ancient woodland.
Kevin Rodd, Yorkshire Sculpture Park Interim Director, said: “Winter is a wonderful time to walk at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, including over the Christmas and New Year break when people have a little more time to slow down.
"The landscape feels calm and restorative, the paths are quieter, and the sculptures really come into their own in the crisp winter light.
“Whether visitors come for a short meander or a longer walk, we hope people from across the region enjoy taking some mindful time outdoors, reconnecting with nature and returning home feeling refreshed.”
Yorkshire Sculpture Park is open throughout the festive period.
Admission is £11 with Gift Aid, and parking is free.