fbpx
Loading...

Explore our winter offerings

Click Here

Welcome to Dorset’s Botanic Garden

Nestled in 26 acres of glorious countryside, Sculpture by the Lakes is a perfectly curated oasis, that breaks down barriers between you and your surroundings.

Renowned contemporary sculptor Simon Gudgeon and his team of makers, invite you to explore the seamless symmetry between art, nature and relaxation.

This isn’t an experience to be rushed. Lose time and unwind in The Sculpture Park and discover something special in The Makers Yard – enjoy delicious homemade food in The Kitchen, fresh local produce in The Pantry, find unique gifts and goodies in The Store and curated exhibition pieces in The Gallery.

Take time, switch off and immerse yourself in your own day.

Explore…

Botanic Gardens

Food & Drink

Sculpture

Shopping

Venues for Hire

Events

Membership

Gift Vouchers

News

Upcoming Events…

Upcoming Events

Tickets Required

The Sculpture Park

An oasis for artists, collectors, garden enthusiasts, nature lovers or anyone who simply wants to take time and switch off.

Discover more

Free Entry

The Makers Yard

Enjoy delicious homemade food from our Kitchen, local produce in the Pantry, unique items in our Store and outstanding exhibitions in The Gallery.

Discover more

BGCI Botanic Garden Status

Sculpture by the Lakes is now recognised as only one of eight accredited botanic gardens in the UK. 
 

The Makers Yard Kitchen

Feast and flourish

The Makers Yard Kitchen offers a relaxed, cosy setting where you can enjoy home-grown and local produce that celebrates the seasons, with fresh, authentic ingredients sourced directly on-site.

Our Kitchen Gardeners work hand-in-hand with our chefs to create menus bursting with simple British garden food. We also have an array of delicious homemade cakes, a wide selection of teas and coffees and exquisite wines, local beers and ciders.

We look forward to welcoming you to The Kitchen.

The Makers Yard Gallery

Visit an exhibition

The Gallery is nestled within The Makers Yard at Sculpture by the Lakes.

We proudly exhibit pieces by both local and international artists, displaying a wide variety of work, from small, limited edition prints to monumental sculptures. All works are carefully selected so we can offer the best possible pieces by exceptional artists.

We invite all our visitors to come and enjoy our free entry gallery with its incredible collection of ever changing art.

Meet the makers

Simon and Monique Gudgeon are the creators of Sculpture by the Lakes. Simon is a world renowned sculptor and Monique an exceptional gardener. They are creatives in the purest form, inspiring and celebrating the art of making.

Simon’s perpetual fascination with wildlife and the natural world is evident throughout his work. From his studio on-site, he continues to innovate, while honouring his core belief that sculpture must above all be beautiful, stimulate the senses and elevate the spirit.

Monique, the Garden Director seamlessly intertwines her vision for a sustainable garden that sings throughout every season with Simon’s art.

Alongside local artisan crafts and creators of delicious food, Sculpture by the Lakes is a celebration of makers.

Tranquil, relaxing and inspiring. A nice walk which can’t be taken at pace as there is so much to see. The kitchen garden area is also fantastic to walk round too. Delicious food and lovely people.”

Tripadvisor

Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time. This is not to be rushed. The whole experience, from the welcome, to the kitchen, to the sculptures, to the lakes, to the garden, is worth every penny of the entrance fee. We will return.”

Tripadvisor

What a find! We spent several hours wondering around enjoying the sculptures but mostly enjoying the peace and tranquillity."

Tripadvisor

Amazing place, amazing art, amazing staff, great food, plants and gift. Amazing experience, will visit again and definitely recommend this gorgeous, tranquil paradise.”

Google Reviews

Plan your visit

Book a ticket

Book a table

Hire a venue