Sculptures by the lake - Art In Dorset

Anyone who knows me will understand why I love visiting Sculptures by the lake as it is the perfect place for taking wonderful photos, one of my favourite pastimes. Here you will find truly unique and magnificent sculptures set within 26 acres of nature. So when I was invited to come and visit their new show Form – featuring award winning sculptures I jumped at the chance.

You would hardly believe you were just a few miles from the busy Dorset town of Dorchester, as you approach the lakes you really feel transported into a complete state of calm and serenity. An annual wellness event is hosted here and you can really understand why.

As you wander round the beautiful lakes you will see both dramatic and natural sculptures in all forms. Some tucked away within lush foliage, just peeping out to entice you to investigate further and some unapologetically owning their place standing proud, stopping you in your tracks to just admire and capture your own image.

The brainchild of Simon Gudgeon a celebrated sculptor and his wife Monique this ever evolving experience at sculpture by the lake can capture the hearts of all that visit, I was not a self-confessed art lover if I’m honest until I discovered this unusual and captivating place, the sculptures come to life in the soft and natural setting and the immense talent of those that have created the spectacular pieces really fill you with awe.

Simon creates both abstract and figurative sculptures and one of my all-time favourites is ‘Leaf Spirit’ a figurative and beautiful sculpture which is said to induce a sense of calm. It is made from imprints of leaves found at Sculpture by the Lakes and I find just breathtaking. I have seen this sculpture in various places during my visits and she currently pops out at you from amongst the hedging at the far end of the lake, as the seasons evolve and develop this sculpture seems to take this in and evolve with the changing colours and foliage.

Unlike a painting, you have all your senses stimulated at once, you can take in the beauty with your eyes, touch the various textures – rustic, cold, smooth and bumpy, smell the freshly cut grass and scent of seasonal flowers, and hear the birds chirping, bees buzzing and ducks chatting to each other as they bob around the lakes.

On arrival and parking in their onsite carpark it is a short stroll into their inviting entrance, here you are greeted by the most magnificent sculpture ‘Greer’ Guardian Angel by the super gifted, creative and award winning Ed Elliott. Taking pride of place this master piece welcomes you literally with open arms or wings in his case. Reflections in water are mesmerising and this outstanding piece doesn’t disappoint, with his wings spread this angel really seems like he is here to guide you and watch over you.

Moving on from ‘Greer” if you can, you will find everything you need at both the start and end of your visit at the entrance. The toilets with disabled access are situated here and you will not find any others during your walk around the sculptures.

If you have travelled some distance then you can grab yourself a coffee or bite to eat in their Café by the lakes, they serve delicious locally sourced lunches, including home grown produce from their very own kitchen garden, and who can resist a sumptuous homemade cake?

Brand new on this visit is the Artisan’s Pantry, as the title says stocking a great selection of artisan food and drink from Dorset’s finest producers and suppliers. You can be sure that whatever you will choose it will be fresh and delicious and not a soggy sandwich in sight. I love that there is a real focus of local here with a strong emphasis on healthier alternatives to the usual shop bought mass produced foods. There is something to suit everyone though with pies and sausage rolls also on offer too – only difference is these are locally produced..

Alongside is the Artisans Bazaar – an inviting colourful array of merchandise from craftsman and artisans alike. The gallery is also situated in this entrance area but I’ll come back to that later.

Once refreshed (you can come back to have a drinks/eats at any point) you enter the 26 acres and all that Sculptures by the lake encompasses, don’t be put off as it might sound like a lot of walking but you can get around and see everything in about an hour and a half, obviously that will depend on how long you spend taking in the beauty and reading up about each sculpture, each has its own QR code that you can scan and find out all about, so you could also easily spend all day here.

There are plenty of seating areas dotted around on your route around the lakes so if you are of limited mobility or just want to sit and absorb the tranquility then you are well catered for.

If you really want a special experience there are a number of exclusive areas that you can hire out for the day, imagine all of the above but with complete privacy in your very own escape from it all place.

You can choose from the River Keepers Hut – A snug hideaway for four situated on the edge of the river as its name suggests. and boasting a lovely outdoor picnic area and cosy indoor space with a log burner costing £50 to hire.

The Island – imagine walking across a small bridge on Rainbow Lake to find hidden in total seclusion your own pavilion for six housing restful seating, a dining table and wood burning stove so even on a chilly day you can relax here and stay warm and cosy, and The Pavilion – situated on the edge of the Artist’s Pool, and accepting up to 8 people you can enjoy your very own floating platform with opulent comfy sofas, perfect for a special celebration to share with your nearest and dearest. It has an indoor dining table ideal for your get together. Both of the larger venues cost £100 to hire.

I can imagine that this would be one the most relaxing of days you might have spent for a long time. A freshly made picnic can be pre ordered and delivered to your choice of hideaway.

If you are looking for a venue for a larger party or event then you can hire out The Retreat, available for up to 60 people for lunch and up to 100 for a drinks reception. Contact for details.