A must visit Chelsea Gold Garden just a 30 minute drive from York with over 50 Sculptures along its Trails
Fancy an art trail that mixes gorgeous gardens, woodland wanderings, and sculptures that’ll make you go “wow”? Newby Hall & Gardens just a 30 minute drive from York has just dropped Newby25—the biggest outdoor sculpture exhibition they’ve ever done, and a proper treat for art and nature lovers.
More Than 50 Sculptures, Both International & Unique
Curated by Orlando Compton (yes, the family behind Newby), this trail lines up 50+ artworks by 27 talented artists, both big names and fresh faces . Everything from wildlife bronzes (think Hamish Mackie) to a life-size horse made from recycled horseshoes by Tom Hill—impressively clever and eco-minded .
Gardens, Woodland & Orchard = Sculpture Playground
What’s clever is how the trail isn’t stuck on the lawn—it winds through manicured gardens, ancient woods, and the orchard . You’ll pass bronze statues, abstract forms, glass pieces, stone, steel—even kinetic sculptures that move in the breeze . It’s like following a map where every turn surprises you.
Chelsea-Winning Gardens, Too
The gardens themselves won Chelsea Flower Show gold this year, so you’re really getting double the treat—top-tier horticulture along with top-tier art .
Tickets = Hall, Gardens + Sculpture Trail
Your entry to Newby Hall & Gardens now includes the sculpture trail too—they’re all bundled in, so no extra faff . It runs until 28 September, so plenty of time to plan a late-summer trip . Head to bookings.newbyhall.com to sort your tickets.
What to Bring & Expect
Walking shoes: You’ll cover grass paths, woodland tracks, and orchard slopes.
Picnic plans: The Home Farm Shop & Café is brilliant—you can grab fresh bites mid-trail or bring your own and settle by the river.
Camera at the ready: Iconic bronze animals, quirky recycled metal pieces, kinetic mobiles—all perfect for that Instagram scroll.
Why It’s Worth the 30 minute trip from York
Newby25 turns a day out into an experience—where sculpture meets summer breeze, history meets leafy paths, and you come away refreshed, inspired, and with at least one photo you’ll want to frame. Plus it’s a solid excuse to pop over to Ripon… which is lovely, by the way.
If you don’y fancy a 30 minute trip you could always stay in York to go and see A Fairy Queen on a Flying Pig in Clarence Gardens
If The Fairy Tower is more your statue thing then you are in luck, how about an 11-foot bronze sculpture featuring fairies, puppets, animals, and right at the top? – the Fairy Queen of the Groves flying off on a winged pig. Yes, really. It’s magical, mad and 100% York.
It’s the work of top sculptor Graham Ibbeson, the man behind the Eric Morecambe and Laurel & Hardy statues, and those slightly terrifying mannequins from the original Jorvik Viking Centre.
The Fairy Tower was commissioned by Malutka ‘Fairy’ Whiski, a much-loved York creative who used to run a black light theatre and transformed a cave house into a fairy art installation (as you do). When illness made her change course, she poured her imagination into something that would bring joy to others – and this bonkers, brilliant sculpture was born.
So if you’re heading to Haxby Road, make a detour. Spin around the statue, soak up the detail and remind yourself that York is full of surprises – some of them on flying pigs.
Bottom line
If you’re hunting for something that’s part countryside blow-out, part art gallery, and all kinds of lovely, Newby Hall Gardens could be it and if not then just get yourself over to the The Fairy Tower instead.
To find out more Visit https://www.newbyhall.com and as always if you are coming to York and you need a place to stay then just visit our website www.houseofyork.org and book:
- one of our homes for up to six people
- two of our homes for up to 12 people
- or all three together for up to 18 people
Rather conveniently, all our houses are next door to each other!
Want to read more for your next visit to York?
Then download a free copy of our book York Local Knowledge Must-do Top Tens & the vouchers to get them for less where you will discover the historic UK city of York like a local with tips, top tens, and guidance on where to find the best discounts and vouchers, so you can experience it all without breaking the bank!
You can download it for free from the Apple iBooks Store here
You can download it for free from the Google Play Books Store here
This isn’t your average guidebook—it’s a laugh-out-loud, down-to-earth companion, packed with top-ten lists covering everything from essential attractions and hidden gems to entertainment, dining spots, walks, tours, festivals, and shopping, all enriched with a local’s insider knowledge.
With insights, amusing anecdotes, and a sprinkling of puns and dad jokes, Alistair’s love letter to York will help you see the city in a whole new way. Grab a copy and start planning the York adventure you didn’t know you were missing!
With over 240 pages, this guide is ideal for families and groups of friends planning a trip to York and includes:
Up-to-date information on everything in the ever-changing city of York—this is the 2025 edition.
Top ten lists of York’s best tourist attractions, entertainment spots, food and drink, walks, tours, festivals, and independent shops.
Beautiful photography accompanying every recommendation.
Answers to visitors’ top questions, from “Where’s the best place for ice cream?” to “Where can I find a great takeaway curry?”
Recommendations on where locals go for up-to-date information about York.
The best places to stay, from five-star hotels to holiday homes and houseboats.
Details on where to find discounts and vouchers for York restaurants, attractions, and experiences.
Want to hear a great podcast about York?
A fab podcast for tourists and locals looking to find out more about York History, must do York Top 10's and money saving tips to do it all for less.
Just search your podcast app for York Must Do Top 10s or click on this link for the show on apple podcast here
Book one of our Holiday Homes for your next trip to York
Are you looking for a great place to stay for your next trip to York. All 3 of our holiday homes are next door to each other which means you can hire them individually for up to 6 people or together for up to 12 (107 & 109 together) or even 18 people (Spencer House & 107 & 109 together).
To check availability and book just visit www.houseofyork.org
We pride ourselves on being couples and family friendly and we try to take any of the stress out of your stay so you can focus on enjoying yourselves and magnificent York.