The Hepworth Wakefield Garden

Astonishing new sculpture garden in the heart of Wakefield.

from 2200 Google reviews

1 of 3

About the 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.

Opening times

Monday: 10am - 5pm Tuesday: 10am - 5pm Wednesday: 10am - 5pm Thursday: 10am - 5pm Friday: 10am - 5pm Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sunday: 10am - 5pm

Useful details

Garden area

10 Acres

Dog walking

Yes - Dogs on leads.

Cafe or restaurant

Food and drink facilities include a cafe/restaurant.

Family

Yes - Children of all ages.

Bicycle storage

Yes - Bike racks are located in the car park on Thornes Lane.

Wheelchair access

Very accessible (all paths flat and paved).

Shops

Yes - There is a gift shop.

Wheelchair hire

Wheelchairs are available for hire. Two manual wheelchairs available. Book in advance on 01924 247360.

West Yorkshire,, WF1 5AW

Check local coronavirus guidance before you visit

Weather forecast

Find the garden

The Hepworth Wakefield Garden

West Yorkshire,

WF1 5AW

Sat Nav Postcode

WF1 5AW

Public Transport

The nearest train station, Wakefield Kirkgate is a 10 min walk.

There is a free city bus from Wakefield Westgate station which comes to the garden.

There are plenty of main bus routes that stop along Thornes Lane, Ings Road and the Doncaster Road.

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Things to see

No features yet for this season

Google reviews

4.5
from 2200 Google reviews

Andrea Seed

3 weeks ago

A bright airy art gallery with windows planned to show the best of the surrounding area. The views of the river, weir and gardens are beautiful. The current display of south American wool art is eye catching.there was a print fair today which was very interesting. The usual exhibits are varied and well explained. A calm atmosphere is just right to appreciate the displays. Wheelchair friendly, excellent toilet facilities, .very good cafe with freshly prepared food from a healthy menu. Staff very pleasant, online booking easy. Lovely garden for walking round or sitting in.

Philip Newbert

a week ago

A really great experience all round. We travelled from Herefordshire to visit. Blown away by the architecture, inside out. Wonderful exhibition spaces with great light, space and captured views. Fabulous exhibits to inspire, great garden's beautifully planted. Fabulous friendly staff. Great cafe with delicious food. Absolutely brilliant, a iced gem on the fabulous cake that is Yorkshire!

Kat Edwards

in the last week

Huge gallery full of glorious beauty. The Hepworth is stunning, and the collection includes many fascinating pieces giving insight into her development and practice. When I visited there was a superb Sheila Hicks exhibition also. The scale of it was nearly overwhelming. I had to sit down and catch my breath many times.

Alan Towse

a month ago

Award winning art gallery with some excellent sculpture. Cafe is usually very busy though. The Sheila Hicks textile exhibition is outstanding. Cafe quieter than usual as we visited after 2pm.

Iona Tenner

4 months ago

Loved it. Someone one had a light bulb moment, providing paper, clipboard and pencils And especially the stencil to give the confidence to get started. We had SUCH a happy day. It was my birthday. Started with coffee and delicious cakes. Galleries so accessible, info, layout, drawers to explore. We loved the sculptures and observing how they had been created. Well done.

Contact the garden

+44 (0)1924 247360

hepworthwakefield.org/our-story/garden/

facebook.com/TheHepworthWakefield/

instagram.com/hepworthwakefield

twitter.com/HepworthGallery

hello@hepworthwakefield.org

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