Yorks Sculpture Park, Annual pass.

Thinking of buying this as an xmas gift for an elderly relative. She likes a daily walk in a safe and scenic environment. £80 per year for a pensioner seems OK.
Has anybody on here tried this? Are there any drawbacks? Would you recommend it? Do you still have to pay for parking? Are the cafes / restaurant OK. Any comments appreciated.

 

I can't answer any other question but I know parking is free with the ticket

 

I was looking forward to going for years but was sorely disappointed when I did. The fields are COVERED in sheep poo and the sculptures were far apart across empty (except of poo) fields and, to me, not very interesting. I’m not particularly an art fan though so that’s hardly surprising. I believe parking is free.

Have you considered a National Trust Membership? It’s £91.20 and there’s over 500 different beautiful places she could visit. Most have free parking plus she’ll get a free handbook and a magazine 3x a year. After three years of senior membership (if she likes it and keeps it up), she’ll get 25% off every subsequent year.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/me...VLaJQBh2ywDydEAAYAiAAEgK4cfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

Parking is free for everyone. A few years ago they changed from paying for parking to free parking and pay for entry.

Unlike @JamDrop I think it's a wonderful place and I've been literally hundreds of times. It was within walking distance of where I grew up. I go less often these days, particularly as it's £11 to get in (although if I really wanted to, I know of dozens of places I could park up and walk in for free).

Cafes and restaurants are pretty good. If she's going a few times a week it's a bargain.

 

Jay can you still get in for free if you go in the bottom entrance and as you say park outside.Usedto go regular for a good walk but no way am I paying now

 

There's one major problem with the sculpture park and that is the butchers in the village closed down years ago.
They made the most sensational pork pies !
At least as good as Turners if not better.
A sad day in West Bretton.

 

I don't believe so no. Haven't been to that entrance for a while but I believe there's a cafe and ticket office there now.

 

Good god Mr Badger that brings back memories.When I started work back in 65 we worked on outcrop sites 5.30 in the morning stopping at Hector Ellis butchers and go round the back for our pies the best pies I have ever tasted

 

I'll second that. Hector Ellis pies were the bizzo... when we were working around Huddersfield we always called in for a pork pie breakfast en route. Fresh out the oven too

 

Hectors best pies ever

 

£80 very reasonable and parking is free.

Worth checking if you have to book in advance even tho' you have a pass.

Also check if cash can be accepted in the shop/cafe.

 

One of my favourite places , love it

 

Used to go regularly when you could park in the Village Hall and walk in for nothing but I’d pay £80 a year to get in , been some great exhibitions and installations over the years

 

We always use to go and get the pies just as they came out of the oven. I remember going in the car from Crigg to Bretton every week for them, good memories

 

My first job was at Bretton Hall, and I love to visit the Sculpture Park, but object to the cost (£22 for a couple of hours) - especially as we usually park on Top Lane and walk on the Byway there. We do buy food and drink when we visit.

As you mentioned, lots of the footpaths around there are public footpaths that have existed for at least 100 years. Unless YSP went to court to have them closed, then they are still public footpaths. I'm not a lawyer, but I think it is illegal for them to prevent access along those footpaths.

 

Illegal or not they do stop you using that path at the bottom gate; they even have jobs-worths going round checking if you've paid (I'm not sure what they would do if you haven't - drag you out kicking and screaming? ).

 

Been in the past (more for the walk) when the cost was less.
Some of the Art was good and enjoyed looking at it. Some of it is the usual pretentious nonsense that defies belief anyone can make a living from it.

 

Just checked, they are allowing you to use the path again (you just have to not look at the sculpture stuff as you walk (or cycle - it's a bridle way) through.

 

The Barnsley Boundary Walk and the Dearne Way both cross the park, both accessible from Litherop Road. I don't believe these have been blocked off. Actually, they couldn't with one of them, it's someone's drive. There are also footpaths from Jebb Lane. As far as I'm aware you're perfectly entitled to use these footpaths and not pay so long as you stick to the paths.

 

Used to go all the time. Not been since they started charging. It went away from the reason the park was created. A free space for local people to enjoy art and the countryside.