Tuesday 14 April 2015

A Flying Visit To The Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Now we're living in Yorkshire, my husband and I have a long list of new places we want to visit, and as well as broadening our own horizons, I'm excited to blog about them for you. This weekend we decided to explore the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, but I'm afraid the in-depth look at it I was hoping to post just ain't gonna happen. Let's just call this a tantalising taste of the Sculpture Park.

H&M hat and River Island sunglasses

Hat - H&M, Sunglasses - River Island

I set my expectations sky-high. I had visions of artistic photos of all the sculptures, me floating around them in a pretty dress in the type of post worthy of Rosie from The Londoner (one of my favourite blogs). Unfortunately, I need to file this particular offering in the category entitled "Things That Never Happen To Rosie", because I hadn't banked on an arctic gale blowing across the countryside, making it seriously unpleasant to be outdoors in anything less than full winter gear.

I had already abandoned the dress idea for jeans and a coat. You would think that would be enough in April, wouldn't you? Apparently not. And yes, we all know I am a wimp when it comes to the cold, but even Mike was suffering, so it was officially FREEZING. The result was that we only got to see a very small area of the park before having to take refuge in the gift shop and ultimately head for home and a nice warming cup of tea.

I know. What a couple of babies!

It all began so promisingly. The sun was shining, and we arrived at the park just in time for lunch.

Greek mezze board at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park

I don't normally like the food served at places like this, but this Greek mezze board was lovely. We had grilled halloumi, salad, vine leaves, flat bread and dips. We also ordered a side dish of crispy chips, which went down so quickly they were gone before I even thought about photographing them. Sitting outside on a sheltered balcony, we were just about warm enough, and I thoroughly enjoyed sipping my hot chocolate and gazing out at the view. (Yes, I sometimes have hot chocolate with savoury food. Please comment below if other people do this or if it's just weird. I need to know.)

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Taking in the view at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Once we had finished eating, we ventured out into the open. This place really is beautiful to look at. Developed in the grounds of the Bretton Estate, which has been in existence for centuries, the Sculpture Park was established in 1977 and continues to develop, with different artists contributing pieces all the time. Many of these are huge, strange-looking things, all unexpected angles and curves. To see them set amongst this vast landscape (much of it man-made, but designed to look as natural as possible) makes them even more striking than they would be in a museum or gallery.

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Spot which of the above is not actually a sculpture!

My favourite piece (of the few we managed to see) was this Iron Tree in the grounds of the Chapel. It's by Ai Weiwei and is made from many parts of different trees that have been cast in iron and joined together. As the iron rusts over time, it is always subtly changing, like a real tree. I loved it.

Chapel at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Iron Tree by Ai Weiwei at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Iron Tree by Ai Weiwei at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Iron Tree by Ai Weiwei at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park

As well as not being warm enough, my outfit was very simple. I've featured this pink coat on the blog before, and I'm amazed how much wear I've got out of it. I've removed the fur collar to make it more spring-like, and added jeans, plimsolls and a white jumper.


OOTD - Zara Coat, Topshop Jeans

OOTD - Zara Coat

OOTD featuring Zara, Topshop, H&M and River Island

OOTD featuring Zara, Topshop, H&M and River Island

Coat - Zara, Jeans - Topshop, Jumper, plimsolls and bag - H&M
I definitely want to go back to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park sometime soon. Preferably when it's warm! Has anybody been? And do you like places like this in general?
Kate x
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28 comments

  1. This is one of my fave places in Yorkshire - looking forward to seeing where else you visit on your Yorkshire travels :)

    Sophie Cliff

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  2. The final photo shown in this post is so lovely, you look really chic - the colour of the coat is so feminine and spring-appropriate! I love exploring new places and so this looks like a lot of fun, glad you got to enjoy it with your husband! :)

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice

    x

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  3. So fun! I really love that coat!!! What a great day!
    Melanie @ meandmr.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Melanie! We did have fun, despite the cold! x

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  4. Sounds like you and your husband had such a lovely time, despite the cold weather :) I have to say just how lovely you looked Kate, I love the coat and your hat!

    Paula
    Thirteen Thoughts

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Paula! It's not often I find a hat to fit my tiny head so I've been loving this one! x

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  5. I think it looks like a lovely day out. Your outfit looks amazing, the pictures are perfect and you really get me curious to read more about it come summer.

    LindaLibraLoca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! I definitely want to explore it some more. x

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  6. I love your shade! Plus that food does look yummy! xx

    Kirsty Leigh| Bloglovin'

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  7. First I have to say I absolutely love the hat and sunnies and coat! Such a lovely outfit Kate!

    And the scenery is beautiful :)

    Serene xoxo

    http://www.imserenel.wordpress.com

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  8. The photos are beautiful, I love the sculptures :)

    RachelShuchatMakeup

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  9. Your hat is gorgeous as well as your photos. Looks like it was a decent weather day for your visit x
    em // emandhan xo

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  10. Your outfit is incredibely gorgeous! Love love love that coat. Such a shame the weather wasn't great on the day you chose to visit :( hopefully it will be soon! I always drink hot chocolate with literally anything! Haha. I love a good hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream for a treat :) xx

    Hannah x | hannatalks

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  11. Just love that English country side!! So beautiful in the spring. Great photos!

    xx Jill
    Latest Post - 3 Basic Pieces to Nail Casual Chic + A Little Sparkle

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  12. beautiful pictures. xx
    http://www.ninasstyleblog.com

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  13. Love the pink shade of your coat, so pretty! Beautiful park too, thanks for sharing the pictures!

    Prudence
    www.prudencepetitestyle.com

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  14. You're looking absolutely gorgeous - loving all these photos! The colour of your coat suits you beautifully too - it's such a lovely colour! :)

    Layla xx

    www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk

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  15. Great post. Such an interesting place. The food looked great and that tree/sculpture was such a "piece"

    Angie x | Chocolate & Lipstick || UK Beauty and Lifestyle Blog

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  16. Lovely photos - I really like your coat! I love exploring places like this it looks fantastic x

    jobrlw.blogspot.com

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  17. What a mesmerising place Kate! And absolutely in love with your look; without a doubt you must have been the most stylish babe there. The pink coat is a BEAUTY! <3

    Sophie | soinspo xo

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  18. i'm so glad i've come across your blog - you have absolutely stunning pictures!! looks like such a great day with great weather!! X

    icing-for-joy.blogspot.co.uk

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  19. We love the pink coat! So cute! Come and meet our adventures in Paris at Paris Living

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  20. STUNNING PICTURES, GOGREOUS YOU!
    I love love love everything about this post! ♥

    THE KAWAII PLANET

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  21. I'd love to explore Yorkshire and it is on my list for the summer. I've never been in this part of the country and would love to see Fountain Abbey and the sculpture park. Thanks so much for sharing your pictures and thoughts with us. Your coat is to die for! xx

    Caz | Style Lingua

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