Dorchester's Sculpture by the Lakes has revealed a series of launches for winter 2024, including new menus, late-night shopping and food events, festive workshops, and themed wellness sessions.
Simon Gudgeon, founder of Sculpture by the Lakes commented: “We want to create lasting memories at Sculpture by the Lakes, treating our guests to unique, high-quality experiences, and the festive season is the perfect time to step it up a gear!”
Sculpture by the Lakes officially introduces half-price ticket entry to the park from 1st November until 31st March 2025, with day tickets just £7.50 per adult.
The botanic garden and art venue launches a new ‘Park Lunch Menu’ at its Makers Yard Kitchen on 12th November, where guests can order two or three courses and gain free entry to the sculpture park. Every Saturday from 16th November, the Makers Yard Kitchen will offer ‘Saturday Breakfast With Bubbles’, where guests can enjoy a glass of prosecco with a selection of pastries, yoghurts, fruits, and hot dishes.
Simon continued: “As well as launching various new winter offerings, we’re extending opening hours for our free-to-enter Makers Yard from 5pm to 8pm on selected dates in December to help guests find the perfect Christmas gifts. On each date, we’ll be serving up some delicious, homecooked food to complete this magical late-night shopping experience.”
To complement the late-night shopping experience, on Friday 6th December, the park will be firing up its outdoor kitchen to cook authentic chili con carne. On Wednesday 11th December, guests can enjoy a British classic with homemade fish & chips and a glass of fizz.
From Tuesday 26th November, Sculpture by the Lakes is also giving its classic Afternoon Tea offering a sprinkle of Christmas cheer, serving up a selection of festive-themed sandwiches, savoury pastries, cakes on top of a handcrafted iron stand created by Simon Gudgeon.
Artist Lisa Takahashi is hosting a Christmas Card Printing Workshop on Friday 22nd November. Attendees can learn how to create bright and playful card designs by carving festive motifs and shapes from lino.
To mark the winter solstice on Saturday 21st December and help instil a sense of calm and deep rest amid the busy festive season, expert practitioners will host a special candlelit Yoga Nidra and Sound Healing session at Sculpture by the Lakes’ Retreat venue. In-keeping with the park’s focus on nature and its connection to wellbeing, Tracey Boast and Simon Gudgeon will deliver a restorative session involving soothing winter solstice meditation, flowing seamlessly into a gentle but powerful sound bath.
Sculpture by the Lakes will continue its popular events programme in 2025, appealing to a multitude of interests to appease even the trickiest of gift recipients – art and nature lovers, avid gardeners, foodies, wellness gurus, and anyone in need of an escape from their busy lifestyle.
A selection of 2025 event tickets, including gardening workshops, will be available to preorder in time for Christmas via the park’s website: https://www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk/events/.
The park also offers a range of additional gift options including single and couples’ annual membership, and a choice of vouchers – from day tickets and private venue hire, to vouchers to spend in Makers Yard amenities and the park’s Afternoon Tea offering. Gift vouchers can be purchased online: https://www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk/gift-vouchers/