Enjoy a Cultural Sculptural day out in Grizedale

Grizedale Forest, nestling between Coniston, Hawkshead & Ulverston in the South Lakes is the home of adrenalin fuelled activity, but also internationally renowned for its numerous, impressive sculptures.

For over 40 years artists from around the world have created unique sculptures for Grizedale Forest, making it one of the greatest artist sites in the UK. There are currently around 40 artworks right across the forest, all connected by walking and cycling trails. The sculptures provide moments of quiet contemplation and a special way of navigating this extraordinary landscape.

Some Fern by Kerry Morrison, Grizedale Forest Sculpture (photo by Tony West)

Alongside the collection of sculptures, Grizedale also has a packed calendar of events taking place throughout the year. For a fun family day filled with adventure there are some excellent walking and cycling trails weaving through the extensive woodlands. If you are an adrenaline seeker, try a zip wire or zip through the forest on a Segway.

If you’re after peace and quiet the forest is filled with an air of tranquillity with wildlife all around you and dozens of sculptures to view. For welcome sustenance Grizedale provides handy benches for picnics or you can always make a pit stop at the café.

Photo: Forestry Commission

Grizedale Forest is home to the largest collection of site-specific art in the UK. A collection of environmental art that has been created over the past 40 years and today establishes Grizedale uniquely as the UK’s first forest for sculpture!

The sculptures have often been sited to carefully reflect a sense of environment within the overall artistic concept of the piece, integrating landscape and art, and providing a distinctive outdoor experience for anyone fascinated by both adventure and culture.

Some of the sculptures now date back decades, establishing a relationship between nature and art over time that adds to the intrigue. When suddenly encountering an artwork that has evolved through exposure to the elements over many years and has been further embellished by the Grizedale flora, there is a sense of the sculptures having emerged from the land itself, as much an organic part of the landscape as the trees. An unexpected manifestation that provokes and invites visitors to question how these fascinating creations should be present in this verdant forest landscape.

Today artists continue to respond to the unique forest environment, creating site-specific work in a continually changing landscape. Grizedale Forest also hosts temporary art exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Ancient Forester 2 by David Kemp, 1995

On arrival at the visitor centre complex at Grizedale Forest you will be greeted by the magnificent Ancient Forester, a sculpture by David Kemp that evokes an immediate sense of magic and mystery as this timber giant looms down with his impressive woody girth.

If you fancy a more challenging walk that will reward you with an intriguing artwork and utterly magnificent views, then take the trail that heads up to Carron Crag, the highest point in Grizedale. Here you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable 360° panorama of the Lake District, along with the suitably positioned 17° South by Linda Watson, an artwork from 1997 that today still sits invitingly in the landscape, providing a spherical vista in the vast expanse.

(photo by Tony West)

Keep your eyes peeled for the fascinating secreted eco-artworks that present themselves at unexpected twists and turns in the woods, such as Light Column by Charles Bray, a curious monolith that resides near a delightful grassy glade with well positioned picnic tables nearby – a perfect spot to enjoy a well-earned lunch break in beautiful surroundings.

So, grab your boots, your binoculars and your camera and head over to Grizedale Forest Sculpture for an unmissable Lakes’ woodland artworks adventure!

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Grizedale Forest – LA22 0QJ