Sculpture By The Lakes, The Retreat

If you're seeking an extraordinary cultural outing in Dorchester, Sculpture by the Lakes offers a splendid alternative to typical indoor venues. This open-air gallery, spread over 26 acres, features over 150 sculptures that promise a visually arresting experience. The experience is further enriched by a high-quality on-site restaurant serving locally-sourced cuisine. While ideal for a peaceful day, it's important to note the park's restrictions regarding children and pets. With an entry fee of £10, it presents a valuable opportunity for an immersive art and culinary adventure.

Lovely place, well set out. Has a cafe, gallery and shop on site too. There was 130+ sculptures and works of Art. It felt relaxing to walk around, tho we went in January, I would definitely go back in summer, take a picnic and have a slow relaxing day. There was an unbundance of Bird wildlife too, even saw a Heron. There are various chairs/tables to sit at looking over the rover and lakes, perfect to unwind. As well as 3-4 areas you can private hire I.e a Pavilion overlooking a Lake. Toilets nice and clean. Parking was fine but I can see it getting full over summer perhaps. Unlike the other reviews we had no trouble finding the park. We put the postcode on the sat nav,there were brown signs on the route we followed from A35 Bere Regis, onto the B3390. Then turn Right about 3 miles down..again a Brown Sign directing you. The sat Nav ended in the village, just before we saw a green sign on the Left at the Entrance to the Lakes. Simple Journey.

A truly magical and tranquil place. Beautiful sculptures, plenty to see, went in late January, very quiet, light kept changing with cloud and some sunshine. Staff friendly and helpful. Thoroughly recommend.