Sculpture by the Lakes

A place to reflect. Hidden away in countryside close to Dorchester lies the peace and serenity of Sculpture by the Lakes, 26 acres of botanical gardens dotted with inspiring contemporary sculptures.

Wander the grounds and discover more than 30 permanent pieces by acclaimed sculptor Simon Gudgeon, designed to be viewed outside in the changing light. Follow trails that lead through woodland and among formal borders, then visit Gallery by the Lakes to view ever-changing displays by international and local artists.

Created to instil a sense of wellbeing, these are gardens designed to be savoured. Bring a picnic and find your favourite spot by the water, or enjoy the ‘field to plate’ ethos of the Café by the Lakes, where the seasonal menu is created from produce grown just a few feet away in the kitchen garden.

There is also the Artisan’s Bazaar, an Aladdin’s cave of unique art, crafts and handmade products, and the Artisan’s Pantry, where you can discover a wealth of artisan and small batch food and drink created by passionate producers from across the county and beyond.

Events

Look out for workshops and events throughout the year including the FORM sculpture exhibition in April and May, which brings together more than 200 sculptures from leading contemporary artists, the Dorset Arts Festival in July, celebrating artists and crafters of the area, a series of Live music events during the summer, and September’s Wellbeing by the Lakes Festival, where you can immerse yourself in wellness practices and hear from expert speakers about the art and science of living well.

U14s and Babies Policy

Unfortunately, Sculpture by the Lakes is not permitted to allow access for children under 14, including babies. There is a lot of deep water and a fast flowing river, so the danger of accidents is too great a risk. We regret the inconvenience and hope that parents will understand that this mandatory restriction is in place to protect their children.

Seasonal Opening Hours:

1st Apr - 30th Sept Wed - Sun 10:00 am - 5:00 pm 1st Oct - 31st Mar Tue - Sat 10:00 am - 5:00 pm