The Hepworth Wakefield Garden

Astonishing new sculpture garden in the heart of Wakefield.

from 2175 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 2175 Google reviews

Alan Towse

2 weeks 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

3 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.

Ston

2 months ago

Overall very good, some interesting displays, but being a bit boring I preferred the traditional art to the modern stuff. If you are a Wakefield Council tax payer you can get in for free if you take your council tax bill or proof of address! 😀 Otherwise it is £12 each to get in and I regret to say that I would not pay that for it if I had to. They also have a good cafe there, but the service could have been a bit quicker.

Lucy Churchill

4 months ago

A wonderful outing for sculpture fans (of course), and even those who aren't. The building itself is exciting and well appointed,and parking is easy. A perfect day out.

Jill Mcloughlin

a month ago

Beautiful setting and impressive building. Have to be honest, I didn't understand the art, but as a conference venue it was fabulous and great food. Gardens looked nice 👌

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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