The Hepworth Wakefield Garden

Created in 2019, the Hepworth Wakefield Garden might be a youngster compared with the UK’s rich garden heritage, but it’s fast becoming one of the top gardens to visit in Wakefield.

Designed by landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith alongside Katy Merrington, who was appointed as cultural gardener, the pair have transformed a disused wasteland into a flourishing destination. Their handiwork is a real treat for locals looking for a green patch of calm in this post industrial part of town, but it’s also a welcome addition for culture vultures who want to get their art and plant fix in one.

After soaking up the life and work of artist and sculptor Barbara Hepworth, visitors can wander among an extensive range of herbaceous perennials, hedging and trees - interspersed with a roster of sculptures by internationally acclaimed artists.

Keen eyes will notice the angular beds echo the bold shapes of the David Chipperfield-designed gallery, and the sculptures too have been chosen to reflect the contemporary art you’ll find inside the gallery. As well as planting for biodiversity, Tom Stuart-Smith has designed the garden to be as accessible as possible. The Hepworth has step-free pathways and plenty of carefully placed seating - perfect for taking in all this lovingly crafted public garden has to offer.