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Cotswold Sculpture Park: A Living Gallery in the Heart of the Cotswolds

Discover over 175 unique sculptures set in 10 acres of stunning Cotswold woodland and gardens, blending art and nature in a tranquil outdoor gallery.

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Nestled in the scenic Cotswolds near Cirencester, the Cotswold Sculpture Park is a dynamic outdoor gallery set within a 10-acre landscaped woodland. Featuring over 175 unique sculptures by British and international artists, the park offers visitors a tranquil yet inspiring environment to explore contemporary art amid natural gardens, ponds, and glades. Open seasonally from April to September, it also includes an indoor gallery, a café, and a natural stone amphitheatre for live performances.

A brief summary to Cotswold Sculpture Park

  • The Paddock, Cirencester, Somerford Keynes, GL7 6FE, GB
  • +447706012724
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit between April and September when the park is open and the gardens are at their most vibrant.
  • Book the powered mobility scooter in advance if you require assistance navigating the gravel paths.
  • Enjoy refreshments at the Popping Tea Room, which offers indoor and outdoor seating.
  • Allow at least 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the extensive sculpture collection and gardens.
  • No dogs or picnics are allowed on site, so plan accordingly.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving to Cotswold Sculpture Park from Cirencester takes about 15-20 minutes via local roads. Free parking is available on site, but the car park is not suitable for large motorhomes. No parking fees apply.

  • Bus

    Take the 93 bus route between Malmesbury and Cirencester, which stops near the park at Old School Cottages in Somerford Keynes. The walk from the bus stop to the park entrance is approximately 10 minutes on flat terrain. Bus services run several times daily with tickets costing around £3-£5.

  • Walking

    For visitors staying in Somerford Keynes village, the park is reachable on foot within 20-30 minutes via well-marked rural paths. Terrain includes some gravel and natural surfaces, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The walk is accessible for most but may be challenging for wheelchairs.

Cotswold Sculpture Park location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about Cotswold Sculpture Park

A Transformative Landscape of Art and Nature

The Cotswold Sculpture Park occupies a 10-acre site lovingly transformed from a wild thistle field into a diverse ecosystem of mixed deciduous and conifer woodlands, ponds, and flowering gardens. This evolving natural environment, known affectionately as "the Land," provides a stunning backdrop for the park’s collection of over 175 sculptures. Meandering paths guide visitors through glades and alongside water features, creating a harmonious blend of art and nature that changes with the seasons and new exhibitions.

An International Showcase of Contemporary Sculpture

Since its inception over two decades ago, the park has become a vibrant international centre for contemporary sculpture. It hosts works by both established and emerging artists from Britain and abroad, with the collection refreshed annually. Visitors can expect to encounter a wide variety of styles and materials, ensuring each visit offers new discoveries. The park’s outdoor gallery is complemented by an indoor gallery space and sales office where visitors can view and purchase sculptures and paintings, supporting the artists directly.

Visitor Experience and Facilities

Open from April 1 to September 30, Thursday through Monday, the park welcomes guests daily from 10:30 am to 5 pm, with last admission at 4 pm. The Popping Tea Room serves hot and cold snacks and drinks, featuring indoor seating and a spacious outdoor patio overlooking the gardens. While the terrain includes gravel paths that may challenge some mobility devices, a powered mobility scooter is available by prior arrangement. The park is family-friendly but does not allow dogs or picnics on site. Free parking is provided, though large motorhomes may find the car park unsuitable.

Artistic and Cultural Significance

Beyond its role as an exhibition space, the Cotswold Sculpture Park is a cultural hub that fosters artistic dialogue between nature and sculpture. The natural stone amphitheatre hosts live performances, adding a dynamic cultural layer to the visitor experience. The park’s ongoing commitment to biodiversity and habitat creation enhances its significance as a protected natural environment, making it a place where art, ecology, and community intersect.

Seasonal Highlights and Accessibility

The park’s seasonal opening ensures that visitors experience the sculptures in the best possible natural light and weather, from spring blooms to autumnal hues. Accessibility is thoughtfully considered with facilities including toilets and a mobility scooter for loan, although some paths remain challenging. The park’s location near Cirencester makes it an ideal day trip destination within the Cotswolds, offering a peaceful retreat infused with creativity.

Supporting Artists and Engaging Visitors

Sales staff are on hand to discuss artworks and facilitate purchases, making the park not just a viewing space but a marketplace for contemporary sculpture. Regular updates and featured artist profiles keep the community engaged year-round. The park’s ethos of blending art with nature invites visitors to reflect, explore, and be inspired in a unique setting that continues to evolve with each exhibition cycle.

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