What you need to know about visiting Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Hey readers,

The other day we visited the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) in West Yorkshire. I thought it was really good so I decided to tell you all about it in this post.

Regarding Covid.

People were wearing masks (this was prior to the 19th of July so not sure about the new covid rule changes). There is social distancing in place and also plenty of sanitiser stations should you so wish to use them. 

As we went during the covid period it is important to note that you do have to pre-book tickets beforehand. 

YSP is where nature and commentary art come together. It is located over 500 acres of historical parkland. The parkland is situated on the grounds of Betton Hall dated from the 18th century.

 Checking out the reviews on Google it is rated in the top things to do in West Yorkshire. On the site, it actually says that it takes an estimate of more than 3 hours. Although that is also a decision can make though believe me there is a lot to explore at the YSP. 

Tickets.

The cost of the tickets is £6 for adults, carers and children go in for free. The cost of the ticket includes the car parking and also open-air galleries. 

Even though children are free they still need tickets. Blue badge holders need tickets and there are spaces at the front of the car park for blue badge holders.

 Make sure you have your tickets on you as they will be checked at times in the park either printed or on the phone. 

Make sure you wear suitable footwear as you could literally spend the whole day there. We went during the heatwave so spend 4 hours there which was a lot considering the temperatures.

 But that is ok because we took out time and left when it got too much for my boys. We didn't manage to see all the sculptures as there is an impressive 80 sculptures dotted about in the park (some are indoors). 

Damian Hurst - Myth. 

Henry Moore - Large Totam Head. 

Henry Moore - Two Large Forms.

Damian Hurst - The Virgin Mother (2005 - 2006). 

Damian Hurst - Charity (2002 - 2003). 

Sean Scully: Crate of Air. 

Damian Hurst - The Hat Makes the man (2004-2007).

Henry Moore - Upright Motives No.1 (Glenkiln Cross): No 2; No7. 

Lucy + Jorge Orta: Diana.

Lucy + Jorge Orta: Gazing Ball. 

Mark Di Suvero: The Cave.     

The park is perfect for picnic areas as plenty of grassy areas and also some benches. Yorkshire Post has listed YSP in the top list of places to have a picnic in Yorkshire.

There is also a cafe if you want to buy food though quite pricey but if you are fine with that then the option is there should you need it. 

It is fantastic for kids because they can run about, there is plenty of open spaces along with a foresty area and a lake where wildlife can be spotted. 

Also within the wooded area, there are highland cows and we went around to see the cow it was just casually sitting down on the ground eating grass and didn't seem bothered by the presence of humans, see below for photo evidence.

You can take photos of the sculptures but bear in mind that they ask you not to climb on them so that they are protected and looked after. 

The area is accessible for pushchairs and toddlers so makes a good day out for young children. 

Bloomberg Connects App. 

There is a free app called Bloomberg Connects so you can see all the sculptures and information about them. It is available on Andriod and IOS. 

On the app, there is a digital map although you can get free paper maps in the centers within the grounds. On the app, it has pinpoints on where the exact sculptures are and information about. 

Also on the app, it shows where your nearest toilets are to where on located which makes it a lot easy especially with children when you locate a toilet quickly. 

Toilets.

There are toilets at the top near the car park where the learning centre is and also further afield near The Weston Cafe are also toilets (included disabled and baby changing room). 

There is also a gallery you can visit as well if you are in the building. 

Disabled-friendly and if you require a mobility scooter you can hire one out at the YSP. 

Dog.

You can take your dog but it must be on a short lead at all times.

Address.

West Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LG. 

(SatNav) WF4 4JX. 

What 3 Words - hypnorist.stump.island. 

Tel - (01924) 832631.

Opening time. 

Apart from 24 - 25 December, YSP is open every day between 10am until 6pm. 

Cheers for reading X

10 reasons to love Ikea.

Hey readers,

Did I ever tell you that I love Ikea....No? Well, let me tell you why!

1. First off to love Ikea you will need an Ikea family card as it allows you to have items at a reduced rate, result.

2. With the Ikea family card you can get free coffee or tea during the week, Monday - Friday. I like this as it gives me the motivation to leave home when I am skint. Going to the Ikea cafe I can drink my tea whilst looking out of the window at the view of the city, which I find rather relaxing.

3. If a drink isn't enough to wet your appetite then having breakfast for £1.75 (need Ikea family card again) will definitely cheer you up. Especially on these dark and drizzly days.

4. I know some people don't like looking around Ikea. I really like looking at the different rooms, I find it rather refreshing to see a different way to lay out items.

5. As parents entertaining children can be expensive, even going to the cinema on a Saturday costs extraordinary amounts. That is why if something is free I celebrate it and faithful Ikea does not let you down in regards to free stuff. Ikea regularly has free kids days where you can do some craft. Near Christmas, they have free Santa to make your kids beyond happy.

6. Let’s not forget the dream that is a free soft play area called Smalland for kids, whoop for parents to shop in peace. It has everything in there for your little ones to get excited about, from ball bits, loads of toys, Kids film played in the background and even a build den. Not to mention it is free for a whole HOUR plus if you have the Ikea family card you can get an extra 30 minutes.

7. If you are looking to buy something and need to discuss details with staff in the area of enquiries there are kid’s activity stations to keep little ones amused.  I also like the fact that the toilets have small toilets and have hop ups for little ones. These small little details make all the difference in your shopping experience when you have a child with you as well. There are free pencils and paper tape you can get in Ikea. This is great fun to take around Ikea if you want to entertain your child. Who doesn't love free stuff?

8. The best bit about Ikea? Free WiFi of course :p

9. Let's not forget the lovely scrumptious iconic Swedish meatballs that everyone loves from Ikea. There is something about meatballs in the sauce that just fills your heart with joy when you go into the restaurant.

10. If restaurant food doesn't tickle your pickle you can cheap chips and a hot dog for under a couple of quid, great way of taking your kids out for a treat. You can even get ice cream for 50p, so super budget friendly.

Overall, going to Ikea is awesome for a cheap day out and it is inside so you can stay try too, dream come true for parents.

Cheers for reading X