A couple stands by a tranquil lake, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant yellow flowers. They gaze across the water, with trees lining the opposite bank under a cloudy sky, creating a serene and picturesque natural setting.
Book Now

YSP Friends: Heritage Walking Tour- The Creation of the Lakes

What's on / Outdoors

About YSP Friends: Heritage Walking Tour- The Creation of the Lakes

Step into history and explore the timeless beauty of the Bretton lakes.

Join our knowledgeable Heritage Group volunteers for a two-hour guided walk through the historic landscape of Yorkshire Sculpture Park. This 3-mile (5km) route uncovers the story behind the creation of the lakes and surrounding pleasure grounds that have shaped this remarkable estate.

What to Expect:

Begin the morning with a short, engaging introduction setting the historical context before discovering the story of Bretton Hall and its visionary owners.

Enjoy a rare look inside the 18th-century Pump House, hear tales of Sir Thomas Wentworth’s boat, Aurora, and leisure on the water and learn about the design and engineering that brought the lakes to life.

This tour is ideal for those interested in local history, landscape design, or simply discovering new layers of the YSP environment.

Essential Info:

Duration: approx. 2 hours

Distance: approx. 3 miles / 5 km

Terrain: Mostly established paths, with some uneven and rough ground. Please wear suitable footwear.

Accessibility: Limited access for mobility scooters due to terrain.

Dogs: Not permitted on this tour.

Refreshments available after the walk — or visit one of YSP’s cafés or restaurants.

Dates and Times

  • 10.00–12.00 Book Now

You may also like

  1. A cast iron bridge spanning a waterway, surrounded by trees
    News

    YSP is restoring one of Yorkshire's last remaining cast iron bridges

    15 August 2024
  2. A metal frame sculpture with a silver ball at the top.
    Art Outdoors

    Lucy + Jorge Orta: Gazing Ball 2018

    Gazing Ball was originally commissioned for The National Trust’s Folly! programme, in which artists create responses to re-imagine lost follies at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire.
  3. Jaume Plensa, Wilsis in the snow at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
    Art Outdoors

    Jaume Plensa: Wilsis

    Wilsis appears to be deep in thought or dreaming. Her eyes are closed and she is inward-looking and self-contained, remote from the present moment and the beauty of the surrounding scenery. Although monumental in size at over 7 metres high, this sculpture depicts a normal girl, rather than immortalising a traditionally extraordinary or powerful person.
  4. Joc Jon Josch Eddy 2014 at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
    Art Outdoors

    JocJonJosch: Eddy

    Eddy continues JocJonJosch’s investigations into collaboration. The round boat with three oars is symbolic of the collective’s dynamic, in which Joc, Jonathan and Joschi wrestle towards a destination. There is a sense that each time one would attempt to move forward, his movement would be countered by the action of the other two, leaving them literally turning in circles.