Sculpture Gardens in Devon and Cornwall

Continuing with a garden theme, it’s always worth thinking about a piece of sculpture for your garden. A sculpture can provide a spectacular focal point in any number of ways, sometimes as a centrepiece in its own right, perhaps creating a surprise when tucked in amongst foliage, or maybe drawing the eye to a particular view beyond the garden. It can be simple, ornate, colourful, playful, rustic or finely crafted, whatever takes your fancy and your budget.

If you need some inspiration there are some fantastic destinations to head to in Devon and Cornwall.

Stone Lane Gardens just outside Chagford is a 5-acre woodland garden open to the public all year round with an online tree nursery. It’s well known for its sculpture exhibitions and this year it will be opening its 25th Mythic Garden Sculpture Exhibition on 13th May. Perfect for visitors of all ages, you’ll see individual sculptures set amongst the pools, streams and groves of birch and alder trees that the Gardens are renowned for.

Broomhill Art Hotel near Barnstaple has a permanent collection of contemporary sculptures as well as being host to a summer exhibition and annual sculpture prize. Prepare to be enchanted by the beautiful, the whimsical, the thought-provoking and the quirky sculptures that abound in this glorious setting.

Delamore Arts and Sculpture Exhibition takes place every year on the Delamore Estate near Ivybridge on the southern fringes of Dartmoor. The exhibition is open every day in May and you’ll be able to enjoy seeing the sculptures in this parkland setting.

Cockington Court near Torquay is an historic manor house and country park known for its popular craft centre. Its Sculpture Trail, exhibiting work by almost 20 artists, will open on 27th May.

Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens has plenty of exotic sub-tropical planting in its sheltered valley garden near Penzance. The lush gardens provide a verdant backdrop to the permanent sculptures on display.

Sadly not open this year but still worth a mention is Coombe Sculpture Garden at Bradstone near Lifton. Another beautiful valley garden home to some impressive sculptures it will re-open next year after work has been completed on the gardens.

And finally, a visit to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden at St Ives is a must. Wander the garden created by Hepworth and admire her wood, bronze and stone sculptures in their original setting.