Experience autumn at YSP

The light is changing, leaves are falling and there’s definitely a new chill in the air. Embrace these magical seasonal changes, wrap up and get into the fresh air at YSP – autumn is a brilliant time of year to visit.

This season there are several amazing new works outside to discover, and a new programme of exhibitions and events coming up indoors and out. With new autumn menus to try, gorgeous new products to browse (and buy) in our shops and YSP’s special and extensive landscape to explore.

Don't forget, kids visit for FREE and parking is FREE.

Walking boots at the ready!

Nothing beats an autumn walk, with crunchy leaves to wade through, perfect conkers to forage and a chance to enjoy the last of the sunshine before winter descends.

If you’re venturing down to the lake you might spot contractors working on the Cut Bridge, which crosses the waterway between the lakes. Vital restoration work is taking place on the bridge – one of only 5 cast iron bridges left in Yorkshire. The original iron structure will be restored, with 100s of years of paint removed and architectural details reinstated.

A diversion is in place until 20 December, taking you along the lakeside. Here you can spot sculptures and other hidden gems you may previously have missed – if you’ve not walked the route before it’s a great opportunity to discover something new!

Look out for Jaume Plensa’s Wilsis gazing out across the lake, and staff favourite Hazmat Love, surrounded by seasonal foliage and wildlife.

Wonders of nature

Slowing down and noticing what is around us in nature helps us to remember that we are part of something much bigger than just us, and does wonders for wellbeing.

We recommend taking a walk through the woodlands looking out for impressive funghi, berries and other seasonal delights. We say goodbye to our summer migratory birds who start their journeys south over the next few weeks, and prepare to welcome our winter visitors, who join our Yorkshire residents.

The heritage apple and pear trees in the Bothy Garden are full of fruit, a legacy from 17th century Bretton Hall resident Diana Beaumont who is responsible for planting the trees we enjoy today. The area behind the Bothy was once home to hot-houses growing pineapples and other tropical fruit – a nice link to in Bharti Kher’s Djinn who sits at the top of the hill under a halo of bananas!

An adult and two children looking at a map in the rain.

Embrace the wonderful weather

We all know the phrase – ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather...only bad clothing!' – we wholeheartedly agree!

Don’t let rainy or windy days put you off – some of the best experiences can happen when you least expect.

If you need shelter, and a warming cup of tea or bowl of fresh soup, visit one of our cafes on site, before exploring indoor exhibitions.

Then grab your waterproofs and wellies and get exploring – crunch through autumn leaves, or wade through soggy lawn to enjoy the changing scenery and a new side to familiar sculptures outdoors. We recommend creating your own rain shadow on Andy Goldsworthy’s Shadow Stone Foldand paying a visit Skyspace to experience a unique meditative experience, made even more magical with rain falling through the centre of the space.

Book your tickets now!

Discover what's on this autumn at YSP

  1. A sculpture of a woman with a giant cows head.

    Bharti Kher: Alchemies

    An unmissable, powerful exhibition of sculpture and 2D work by one of the world’s leading contemporary artists.
  2. Elisabeth Frink: Natural Connection

    Plan a visit to see this very special exhibition of exceptional sculpture and prints that celebrate animals and the human form.
  3. Carol Douglas: Actually I Can

    York-based painter Carol Douglas retrained as a painter in her 60s after being discouraged from an art career in her youth, painting with rollers rather than the traditional paint brush.
  4. A large bronze sculpture of a woman wearing a draped robe with her arms outstretched.

    Daniel Arsham: Relics in the Landscape

    Until 30 March 2025
    Explore four 'future relics' by the highly acclaimed North American artist Daniel Arsham in the Formal Garden.
  5. Two babies lying on a white surface while their carers make outlines of them using colourful circular bindi stickers.
    Event

    Sculpture Baby: Bharti Kher

    Spend creative time with your baby and enjoy this sensory session inspired by the Bharti Kher exhibition in the Underground Gallery.
  6. A smiling woman with brown hair in a bun, wearing a yellow sweatshirt
    Event

    Summit Festival: Family Poetry at the Park

    Join YSP favourite Nat Bellingham for a family friendly workshop, using nature’s wonders to explore the power of words. Expect poetry, laughter, and lots of joining in!
  7. A family of two adults and a child, drawing together on a large piece of paper inside the gallery. Sculptures of colourful figures are in the background.
    Event

    Artful Saturdays: a creative family gathering

    Join us to make, discover and play every month in the Underground Gallery.
  8. A plate of meat with artfully arranged sauces and garnish.
    Event

    Harvest and Game at The Weston

    Celebrate the flavours of the wild with our specially curated seasonal and local game menu.
  9. A South Asian woman wearing black overalls, standing between figurative sculptures in her studio.
    Event

    Bharti Kher in conversation with Clare Lilley

    Join one of the world’s leading contemporary artists, Bharti Kher, in conversation with Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s Director, Clare Lilley.