If you’re seeking an artful escape from the bustle of city life, a trip to Jupiter Artland, Edinburgh’s award-winning contemporary sculpture park, is the perfect destination.
A visit here is more than just a day out – it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a living canvas where art and nature sit side by side. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply seeking a tranquil retreat in nature, a trip here offers an enriching experience just beyond Edinburgh’s city limits.
Departing from Edinburgh city centre, Lothian Country’s X27 service provides a regular direct route to Jupiter Artland. The journey, approximately 35 to 45 minutes, meanders through parts of the picturesque West Lothian countryside, offering glimpses of the region’s rural charm. Alight at the Coxydene/ Jupiter Artland stop, cross the road and the park’s main gates greet you. From here, a brief walk leads up to the parkland.
Travelling by train is another option but does involve some additional walking – the nearest railway station is Kirknewton, which is around 30 minutes on foot from the park.
For those arriving by car, the park has free parking facilities. There is a disabled car park about 100 metres from the Steadings area, where the shop, gallery, café and toilets are located.
Exploring the art
Once inside, prepare to be captivated by over 120 acres of meadow and woodland adorned with contemporary artworks. Jupiter Artland boasts a remarkable collection of permanent installations by renowned artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, Ian Hamilton Finlay and Tracey Emin. Each piece is thoughtfully integrated into the natural surroundings, inviting visitors to engage with art in an open-air setting.
Take a look at some of the must-see pieces you should explore during your walk through this artistic wonderland:
- Offering a great view of the park, Cells of Life by Charles Jencks is a series of interconnected mounds and valleys representing the basic building block of life. But- however tempting it may seem, please don’t roll down, slide or climb up the sides of the mounds, which are carefully maintained by the park’s staff.
- Glittering in the sunlight, Gateway by Joana Vasconcelos is a sculpted swimming pool adorned with 11,500 handcrafted Portuguese tiles. If you fancy taking a dip with a difference, why not book a place at one of the public bathing sessions.
- The vibrant, larger than life sculpture of Marc Quinn’s Love Bomb is both beautiful and unsettling. Made from polished stainless steel, its exaggerated proportions and high-gloss surface highlight the tension between the natural world and human desires.
- The steel structure of Antony Gormley’s Firmament stands boldly against the sky. Inspired by an old star map, you can walk underneath and around it, experiencing the artist’s focus on space, structure and form.
- Scattered throughout the wooded area, Laura Ford’s Weeping Girls are mysterious and emotionally arresting. Partially hidden amongst the trees, discovering them feels almost like stumbling into a gothic fairytale.
- A powerful artwork, Suck by Anish Kapoor is a deep hole in the ground, surrounded by a 17 foot high cast iron cage. The use of space creates curiosity, meaning you’ll be walking round and round it for ages.
- The magical The Light Pours Out of Me by Anya Gallaccio is a mirrored grotto nestled into the woodland and lined with shimmering amethysts. This hidden gem literally reflects nature’s sparkle.
- Stone Coppice (Andy Goldsworthy) features boulders delicately placed within the branches of coppiced trees, creating a dynamic interplay between the different elements.
- Christian Boltanski’s Animitas is a poignant sound installation comprising hundreds of small bells that chime in the wind. Surrounded by water, it’s a peaceful spot to pass a few minutes.
- Ian Hamilton Finlay’s Beehives consists of 5 traditional beehives. Inscribed with poetic texts, they pay homage to the pastoral atmosphere of Jupiter Artland.
- Flickering in the wind, Over Here (Shane Waltener) is a large web-like sculpture hung between two trees. Made out of knitted fishing line, using a traditional Shetland lace technique, its see-through quality allows viewers to look beyond and see the panoramic views of the woods, fields and hills beyond.
- The miniature Temple of Apollo (Ian Hamilton Finlay) is dedicated to the Greek god Apollo, symbolising light and truth. Made from Portland stone, it was originally due to be placed in Little Sparta, Finlay’s garden in the nearby Pentland Hills, but he decided Jupiter Artland was a more apt site.
And that’s not all! Jupiter Artland also hosts a variety of seasonal exhibitions, so there’s always something new and thought-provoking to discover.
After a wander round the park (the suggested time is 2 hours, but you can easily take longer) rest and refuel at Café Party. Brightly coloured wall murals that reflect the natural landscape of the parkland are accompanied by hand-painted tables and vibrant crockery; the latter of which you can also buy as a keep-sake at the neighbouring on-site shop. The café serves hot and cold drinks, light meals and snacks. Visitors should note that picnics are not permitted anywhere within the park. Jupiter Artland is open during the season April to October. It’s advisable to book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry. For frequent visits, membership options are also available. For those that fancy extending their visit, The Artist’s House offers self-catering holiday accommodation.
As a natural woodland area, it’s also worth coming dressed for the weather – in Scotland, it’s not unusual to experience four seasons in one day! The ground can be uneven underfoot, so sensible footwear is recommended. Paths lead around the entire site, which are suitable for most outdoor wheelchair users. However, these can be susceptible to extreme weather conditions.
Whether you’re wandering through whispering woodlands or contemplating art under the open skies, Jupiter Artland offers a day trip that inspires, surprises and lingers, long after you leave. Find out more and book your tickets on Jupiter Artland.
Looking for more ways to discover the tranquil and rejuvenating side of Scotland’s historic capital city? From reconnecting with nature to pampering spa days, Edinburgh offers a plethora of wellbeing experiences and activities. Explore Health and wellness in Edinburgh
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
