A short hop of 35 minutes from the nursery, tucked away down a country lane in the village of East Winterslow lies Roche Court, an amazing and inspirational Sculpture Park. Home to the New Arts Centre and Roche Court Educational Trust, Roche Court’s 60 acres of parkland and rolling Wiltshire landscape beyond form the backdrop and stage set for a changing programme of exhibitions of artists from 1950 to the present day.

The New Arts Centre was opened in 1958 in London to champion new and emerging artists, which it continues to do so today at Roche Court exhibiting them alongside artists that have worked with since their inception.

The Educational Trust, an independent charity formed in 2005 runs a full programme of activity for school, families, young people and adults, its mission on its website is ‘ to develop confidence and oracy skills by looking, thinking and speaking about art.’

You are encouraged to seek out and explore the Sculpture Park yourself. Armed with a treasure map you are led through the parkland and more intimate garden spaces, enjoying huge set pieces lined up with elements of the landscape before turning corners to discover smaller scale works that surprise and delight. We particularly enjoyed Laura Ford’s edgier works that made you laugh and feel uncomfortable at the same time.

The current exhibition features Anthony Caro but there are works by Barbara Hepworth, Richard Long and Antony Gormley too with further works housed inside purpose built galleries and converted buildings. Every time we thought we had finished, we found ourselves in another space with even more to explore. It took us 2.5 hours to go around but we could have spent more time and will be back.

But did we mention that there is no charge to get in? Although they would welcome a donation to the Roche Court Educational Trust if you enjoyed it. Open daily from 11am to 4pm, you just need to contact them to let them when you are coming.

For more details check out NewArtCentre. (sculpture.uk.com)