Art among the trees: A Wild Yuletide sculpture walk

Head outdoors this winter and discover the beauty of trees and sculptures at YSP, on a Wild Yuletide sculpture walk.

Pick up a trail sheet from the Information Desk, then head outdoors and follow the boards, taking your time to enjoy the surroundings.

After you’ve explored these wonderful works outside, head to the Underground Gallery where the Imagination Station awaits or wander through the Formal Garden to discover the festive magic in Little Wild Wood.

Remember to tell us all about your winter sculpture and nature adventures and share your day out tagging @yspsculpture.

Distance: 1km

Terrain: You will walk over gravel paths with inclines. Access back to YSP Centre is via outdoor stairs or a lift, accessed to the side of the stairs.

Accessibility: The trail points are located outside within the Bothy Garden and Formal Garden, next to the Underground Gallery and YSP Centre. The terrain is pathways with compacted gravel. Further information can be found on our accessibility page and within our Accessibility Guide. Mobility Scooters can be hired from the Visitor Centre.

Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome in all outdoor areas included in this trail. Find out more about visiting with your dog.

YSP is a registered charity (1067908). We rely on donations, fundraising and commercial activity to remain open and to continue to create meaningful, enjoyable experiences for everyone in a unique environment. Please donate or consider becoming a YSP Friend.

Weeping willow tree

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Notice the glorious Weeping Willow tree. Stand underneath it and look up. Then close your eyes and listen. Stroke or rest against the trunk and notice how it feels. How is it different to the other trees you can see?

Bharti Kher: Djinn

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This playful and powerful sculpture explores identity, transformation and our relationship to the natural world. Its title is Djinn – a spirit from Arabic mythology that represents magic and change.

People taking photos of golden appled hanging from a branch

Anya Gallaccio: Blessed

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Notice the golden apples on this tree. Is it real or made from something else? Look closely at the details and compare it to nearby trees.

A colourful sculpture of a giant sized Indian golu doll with smaller dolls emerging from it's torso, site outdoors on a sunny day.

Bharti Kher: Ancestor

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Look at this sculpture by Bharti Kher, standing beside an amazing Ash tree. This figure represents Mother Earth with 23 children emerging from her, symbolising life and nurture. The tree stands proudly, rooted in the ground just like our ancestors anchor us in our identities and histories. Think about your own roots. What traditions or stories shape your identity?

An aerial photograph of a formal garden with large trees, bronze classical sculptures and people.

Formal Terrace

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Stand before these trees, which were all planted in the 18th century by Lady Diana Beaumont who lived at Bretton Hall. Take a few moments to appreciate their unique qualities. Each tree stands tall, with its own shape, size, and colour.

Detail of a colourful bronze tree sculpture with eyes inside the leaves.

Suhasini Kejriwal: Gardens of Unearthly Delights

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Our last stop is this magical tree, with mysterious eyes in place of fruit.. It is inspired by the artist Suhasini Kejriwal's own garden, which is her sanctuary. Here, she brings exotic plants to YSP’s winter landscape. Think about everything you might notice with so many eyes.