Sculpture by the Lakes

Sculpture by the Lakes is a distinctive ticketed sculpture park and landscaped lakeside destination just outside Swanage, where contemporary art meets natural beauty across 26 acres. Visitors follow trails through mature woodland and around tranquil lakes, discovering striking installations along the way. There's also a café and the Makers Yard, home to galleries and craft studios.

Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome in the Sculpture Park and the Makers Yard, making this a wonderfully unusual day out for art-loving owners. The Kitchen Garden, Ornamental Gardens, The Store and The Gallery are all off-limits, so you'll need to plan accordingly or take turns if you're visiting with someone else.

Day tickets can be booked online or purchased on arrival and there's plenty of parking on site. It's the kind of place where your dog gets their exercise, you get your culture fix and nobody has to sit in the car.