Simon and Monique Gudgeon are the creators of Sculpture by the Lakes, with over 100 sculptures in this 26 acre sculpture park many of them around the level meandering paths around the North Lake and Rainbow Lake. It makes for a lovely leisurely stroll through native trees and planting. There are several waterside venues available for private hire and an excellent Pantry offering self-service fresh, seasonal food with plenty of seating outdoors and around the park where to relax and unwind.
Showcasing the work of sculptor Simon Gudgeon and more than twenty other sculptors among the garden designed by Monique.
As Jo loves to be beside water I am sure she’d love this walk:
(please click on an image for an enlargement)
This is a Charles Elliott ‘Verdigris and Gold Sail Sphere’ Handmade Metal Garden Lighting Sphere Sculpture“Search for Enlightenment” by artist Simon Gudgeon.‘Leaf Spirit’ by Simon Gudgeon‘Leaf Spirit’ by Simon Gudgeon (close-up)‘Prima’ by Simon Gudgeon‘Dancing Cranes’ by Simon Gudgeon‘Allium’ by artist David Cutler.‘Allium’ by artist David Cutler. (close-up)‘Icarus II’ by Nicola Godden‘Sphere’ by Simon Gudgeon “Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” Henry Van Dyke‘Isis’ by Simon Gudgeon. The sculpture is inspired by the Egyptian Ibis bird, a wading bird characterized by a long, down-curving bill.Oak Leaves (close-up)“Family Group” sculpture by artist Beatrice HoffmanIt’s not all about the sculptures‘Thoth’ by Simon Gudgeon.‘Walking Cheetah’ by Marie Ackers‘Swans’ by Simon GudgeonThe Lake House (for hire)‘Three Riders’ by Marie Ackers
Set in 26 acres alongside Dorset’s River Frome, with lakes, streams, meandering paths and plenty of places to sit it’s somewhere you can leave your busy life behind and enjoy peace and tranquillity in a beautiful and serene environment.
I have lived in the UK for most of my life, but when young I definitely had wanderlust and even ended up living in South Africa for several years which was a wonderful experience. I now look forward to a long and leisurely retirement doing what I like most - gardening, photography, walking and travelling.
View all posts by Heyjude
33 thoughts on “Sculpture by the Lakes”
This looks a wonderfully restorative way to spend a few hours. A place to return to?
Each one is incredible, and together, as a walk, it would’ve been a fun few hours. I would certainly return as with most places there are spots we don’t visually digest.
True and the fresh salads and other offerings looked much better than the chicken curry I ended up purchasing in a pub.
These are fabulous, aren’t they? Sorry- I just spotted this. The evening was getting away with me. I especially like Leaf Spirit, but Prima is lovely too, and I rather like 3 Riders. A good find, Jude, and thanks! xx
We stayed near Dorchester a few years ago but somehow failed to discover this place – a shame, as ican tell from your photos how much we would have enjoyed it. If we are ever in the area again … Thanks for showcasing it so beautifully and bringing it to my attention 😀
What a wonderful place, and you showcased it perfectly with beautiful photos that I enjoyed seeing enlarged. My favourite statues were ‘Icarus’, and ‘Three Riders’.
TRAVEL WORDS 
This looks a wonderfully restorative way to spend a few hours. A place to return to?
I’d definitely return if in the area again. And it was very good for me to spend time in the sun, relaxing. I had fun with the wind chimes too.
Excellent!
In fact Dorchester isn’t a bad half way stop to visit my daughter. And when my son moves it will be convenient for visiting him too.
Which one is planing on Spain?
My daughter.
So son is coming vaguely down your way?
His daughter has a place at a grammar school in Colyton. Devon / Dorset border. Starting September.
So we have grandchildren at the same stage. My London grandson starts High School in September. Post Sats, the fun begins – all play and no work!
Wow. The sculptures are beautiful. I particularly like “Leaf Spirit.” It seems especially very calming and relaxing.
I first saw that one in Kew Gardens, London.
Thanks for the link. I remember that post now. Cheers.
Each one is incredible, and together, as a walk, it would’ve been a fun few hours. I would certainly return as with most places there are spots we don’t visually digest.
If there is a next time I would get food from the Pantry and picnic in the grounds, there are a few nice spots on the edge of the lakes.
Picnics are sometimes more relaxed than crowded and noisy cafes.
True and the fresh salads and other offerings looked much better than the chicken curry I ended up purchasing in a pub.
These are fabulous, aren’t they? Sorry- I just spotted this. The evening was getting away with me. I especially like Leaf Spirit, but Prima is lovely too, and I rather like 3 Riders. A good find, Jude, and thanks! xx
I loved the cheetah. There is a lovely retreat studio too which looked fabulous for yoga or sound baths. Very tranquil.
Sounds good xx
Yes. If there had been an event I would have been tempted to book it.
What a great sculpture garden. Too bad it can’t go on tour.
Some of these can be found in other locations. And sculptures are often temporary exhibits so do move around. You’d need a big van for some of them!
My vision was more grandiose: I wanted the whole garden—earth and sculptures and plants and trees—to travel intact.
Wonderful!
These look great. Hard to pick a favourite – maybe Search for Enlightenment or Dancing Cranes.
Like many sculpture gardens there are some that don’t appeal, but this one had more that did. Need very deep pockets to afford one!
We stayed near Dorchester a few years ago but somehow failed to discover this place – a shame, as ican tell from your photos how much we would have enjoyed it. If we are ever in the area again … Thanks for showcasing it so beautifully and bringing it to my attention 😀
It’s well worth a visit and very close to Wareham and Corfe Castle and Lulworth Cove if you are ever close by.
What a wonderful place, and you showcased it perfectly with beautiful photos that I enjoyed seeing enlarged. My favourite statues were ‘Icarus’, and ‘Three Riders’.
Best wishes, Pete. x
It was a very pleasant place to walk around, I’m glad you enjoyed the photos.
What a lovely setting for all these gorgeous works – and a very nice day for walking around to see them all.
The weather was good that week. Hasn’t been the rest of the month, though it’s supposed to improve next week.