Lockdown roadmap: Yorkshire Sculpture Park visitors revel in art and sun

30 March 2021

News image — The Yorkshire Sculpture Park has about 500 acres allowing visitors to spread out

BBC Sculpture at YSP — The Yorkshire Sculpture Park has about 500 acres allowing visitors to spread out

Visitors to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park were soaking up the art and the sun as lockdown restrictions began to ease and temperatures soared.

Numbers inside the 500-acre park in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, are limited by an advanced booking system and the need to adhere to current lockdown restrictions.

It follows a total shutdown at the beginning of lockdown but the YSP said it recognised "the importance of being able to access outdoor spaces to walk and take exercise, and the positive impact that art and nature can have on both our physical health and mental wellbeing."

BBC Danni Strickland (centre) — Danni Strickland, centre, said she "was optimistic" as lockdown measures begin to ease

Danni Strickland, who had travelled from Sheffield, couldn't turn down the prospect of a sunny walk to blow away the lockdown cobwebs.

"It's lovely to get out in the sun, especially as we feel we have missed out this year.

"It's a place to wander around and we are going to do a nice, long walk", she said.

Coronavirus roadmap changes since 29 March

People are allowed to meet outside - including in private gardens - in groups of up to six, or as two households
The stay-at-home rule has ended, although the government asks that people "minimise travel"; holidays are still not allowed
What's the roadmap for lifting lockdown?

BBC Mr and Mrs Rippon — The Rippons had visited from Rotherham in South Yorkshire

Mr and Mrs Rippon, from Rotherham, said they were frequent visitors who enjoy their trips to the sculpture park .

Mr Rippon, who asked for his first name not to be used, said he "hadn't felt particularly locked in" over the last year but "being outdoors here is far better than just seeing four walls".