Things to do in England, United Kingdom: The Best Art Galleries

Beautiful 26 acre Sculpture Park & Gardens, with Gallery cafe. Due to deep water NO CHILDREN UNDER 14 years of age (including babies) and NO DOGS are allowed. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, hut bookings are from 10am to 4.45pm. Entry is £12.50 per person. The Gallery Cafe is now open serving tea, coffee, light meals, delicious cakes, cream tea's, ice creams etc., visitors can choose to eat inside, outside (at the newly created seating area), or take it out into the Sculpture Park using one of the picnic baskets provided, complete with rug. Visitors are able to enjoy the Gallery & Gallery Cafe without entry to the Sculpture Park. Described as one of the most beautiful & unique sculpture parks in the United Kingdom, Sculpture by the Lakes marries the soft beauty of nature's wild river landscape with the more formal presentation of monumental outdoor sculpture. It is that combination of art and landscape that inspires Sculpture by the Lakes.

The biggest display of decorative metalwork in the UK. Featuring live work from the some of the best artists and blacksmiths in the country. The Centre created the world renowned "Spoon Gorilla" made from over 40,000 donated spoons, as seen on the BBC. The Centre was officially opened to visitors in 2014 by HRH Prince Michael of Kent. Donations are welcome for Hope House Children's Hospice. Most recent projects include the "Knife Angel" made from over 100,000 weapons which have been removed from the streets of the United Kingdom, working with national police forces, families affected by knife crime and community action groups to ensure people think twice before carrying a blade.

The Timehouse is due to re-open 21 June 2021 subject to the Covid situation. Check here and elsewhere online for updates.

Chapel Gallery's diverse programme includes internationally regarded artists, such as David Hockney and Peter Blake, while bringing innovative contemporary art and craft from across the UK to the region, and supporting local artists in the development of their careers. Special events and creative activities for visitors, schools and community groups are a key part of our programme. From Art Clubs and School Holiday Activities to adult learning music and cinema too, there are plenty of ways to get creative, whatever your age or ability. The Gallery is also home to a Cafe and a Craft & Design Shop meaning that visitors can explore the exhibitions and get creative should they wish, then browse the Shop and round off their time with a coffee and cake.

The Northern Quarter Gallery is a recent addition to Manchester's exciting Art Scene. The quirky and innovative gallery, design studio and shop is located on the 2nd floor of the world renowned Afflecks situated in the heart of the city's vibrant Northern Quarter. This is a collective of Manchester's most iconic artists also known as the NQ Collective. The gallery showcases work by Paintsayer, Pheonix phusion, Ben Sedman, Jswillis, Slscott, Cjtaylord and many more Manchester Creatives.

The Lady Lever Art Gallery is a real treasure, housing a stunning collection of paintings including many Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces, the world's finest collection of Wedgwood jasperware, exquisite furniture, Chinese ceramics, tapestries and sculpture, Paintings on display include works by Reynolds, Gainsborough, Stubbs, Turner, Leighton, Millais, Rossetti, Burne-Jones, Holman Hunt and Waterhouse, to name but a few. Admission is free, booking essential at www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ladylever

Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is the UK’s leading outdoor art gallery and an international centre for modern and contemporary sculpture. It is an independent charitable trust and registered museum situated in the 18th-century Bretton Hall estate in West Yorkshire. Founded in 1977 by Executive Director Peter Murray, YSP was the first sculpture park in the UK, and is the largest of its kind in Europe, providing the only place in Europe to see Barbara Hepworth’s 'The Family of Man' in its entirety alongside a significant collection of sculpture, including bronzes by Henry Moore and site-specific works by Andy Goldsworthy, David Nash and James Turrell. YSP mounts a world-class, year-round temporary exhibitions programme including some of the world’s leading artists across six indoor galleries and 500 acres of open air. YSP also offers an outstanding learning and family programme, award-winning shops and restaurants, a varied events programme, and a beautiful setting to enjoy nature.