Figures in the Landscape: The Power of the Sculpture Trail

I’m a huge fan of contemporary sculpture parks and trails. I believe they can enhance museums and heritage sites, enrich the visitor experience, and encourage people to linger—helping them connect with a place and its surroundings. But few things are more depressing than a poorly conceived trail of neglected sculptures in an overgrown landscape.

This is Heritage Thinking Differently, exploring both the pitfalls and the possibilities of well-planned sculpture trails.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Why Sculpture Trails Matter

Unlike many topics I’ve written about, I don’t have direct experience of delivering a sculpture park or trail. I have attempted something similar—unsuccessfully, on that occasion—but the idea still fascinates me, and I remain hopeful I’ll one day make it happen.

Sculpture trails are increasingly common at museums, heritage sites, and country parks. Some UK sites now host internationally renowned pieces that have become destinations in their own right. I’m lucky to live within reach of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park—a 500-acre landscape with galleries and outdoor trails. With its rotating programme of high-profile temporary exhibitions and permanent collection, it has spoiled me.

But while many people focus on the art itself, I’ve found the real power of sculpture trails lies in how they animate the landscape for visitors of all ages.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

When my son was younger, he went through a stage (as many children do) of demanding to be carried on walks. The only guaranteed solution? The Yorkshire Sculpture Park. He didn’t care who had created the artwork—he simply saw each piece as something curious and worth exploring. They broke up the walk, acting as magnets that drew him forward. Along the way, we’d discuss what he saw and what he thought the works might mean. I don’t underestimate how powerful sculpture trails can be in encouraging people—especially families—to walk, talk, and connect with place.

The Value of Getting It Right

It’s not surprising, then, that many local authorities and smaller sites are keen to introduce sculpture trails. Their appeal is wide-ranging and often cross-generational. Trails can encourage visitors to explore, support wellbeing, and offer a fresh perspective on familiar settings.

But the quality of these trails varies dramatically. Where there’s a clear vision and a diversity of works, the result can be transformative. But in some places, you’ll find a handful of unloved sculptures in a park with no clear strategy, no upkeep, and little public engagement. In such cases, the trail can actually have the opposite effect—suggesting neglect and a lack of care from those responsible for the site. Over time, that can breed resentment within the community.

Lessons from Publisher Licensing

One area where I do have some experience is in character-based sculpture trails, developed in partnership with book publishers. These are hugely popular with younger audiences. At one site, I pursued a licence to create a trail featuring characters from a beloved children’s author. It would have complemented our storytelling themes beautifully and offered a more interactive, literacy-focused experience for pre-schoolers.

The Gruffelo at Westonbirt Arboretum, Forestry Commission

Our plan was for a short trail with embedded learning activities—focused on numeracy, literacy, and outdoor play. But our timing was unfortunate. The publisher’s policy changed, and the annual licensing fee increased dramatically. The rise of theme parks using popular characters in commercial settings has led some publishing houses to reassess their licensing models, pricing many sites out of the opportunity.

Strategy, Partners and Funding

Funding is often the main barrier. Commissioning art is expensive, and few sites can do it alone. You’ll likely need the support of funders such as Arts Council England or the National Lottery Heritage Fund—but also local authorities, community partners, or wellbeing programmes.

Health and wellbeing remain strong themes for funders, and the physical and mental health benefits of nature and creativity are well documented. Sculpture trails tick many boxes—but only if you present a clear, compelling strategy. It’s not just about commissioning art; it’s about showing how this work will benefit your audiences, community and setting.

Leeds Castle Sculpture Trail

Focusing on emerging artists can help reduce costs while giving your trail a distinctive character. If you’re based at a heritage site, consider how your trail might connect with your stories and setting. How will it encourage deeper engagement or attract new visitors?

This is not something to do half-heartedly. Piecemeal approaches often fall flat. A clear delivery strategy—focused on completion, maintenance and growth—will give your trail purpose and long-term value.

Security and Sensitivity

Security and vandalism are valid concerns—particularly for trails in public spaces. Sites behind a paywall may be more protected, but sculpture trails often bring the greatest benefit when they’re accessible and visible, especially in areas of deprivation. In these contexts, public art can signal care, value and investment in a community.

But it’s also true that visible public art can attract vandalism. Understandably, some local authorities default to robust, easy-to-clean works, designed more for resilience than creativity. While practical, this can result in uninspiring displays—repetitive pieces in tired landscapes, unlikely to spark pride or wonder.

It’s better to be ambitious. If you plan for repair, maintenance and security from the start, you can factor this into your funding applications. A thoughtful, well-maintained trail tells the community they matter.

Dwelling, Spending, Returning

Sculpture trails can also make good commercial sense. They encourage people to dwell, explore wider areas of your site, and see your landscape from new vantage points. They help people engage with context—understanding heritage not just in isolation, but in place.

Ghosts in the Garden Trail, York

Longer visits often translate to increased café and shop spend. Trails offer a reason to return throughout the year, as seasons change and experiences shift. They also appeal to new and different audiences, especially families seeking ways to explore together.

Done well, a sculpture trail can become part of people’s weekly exercise, their wellbeing routine, or even their social life.

A Thoughtful Investment

If you have a strong strategy, sculpture trails can significantly enhance your public offer. But you need clarity. Who is your audience? What kinds of works will appeal to them? How will you care for these installations over time? Your strategy should allow for growth and evolution. Start small, but think long term.

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

Partnerships will be key. You may find support from community groups, local artists, schools, or wellbeing organisations. Every stakeholder strengthens your case and increases your chances of success.

If this is something you’re considering, maybe I can help. My strategic planning programme is adaptable to a range of settings and budgets. Together, we can chart a realistic path forward—because when sculpture trails succeed, they deliver huge returns: culturally, socially, and commercially.

Let’s plan something brilliant.

Paul Baker

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