Edinburgh - DAY TRIP – Jupiter Artland, Kirknewton

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DAY TRIP – Jupiter Artland, Kirknewton

Jupiter Artland is situated a few miles outside Edinburgh and is a fascinating place to visit. Situated in the grounds of Bonnington House, this contemporary sculpture garden is a feast for the senses and a wonder to explore. The environment that has been created, nurtures the art and draws the underlying power of the land into a series of spaces. This review covers a visit on a glorious summer’s day, but we have not included any ’spoiler’ photos so that you can still get the wow-factor when you experience Jupiter Artland for yourself. You can read all about the works on display on the website.

Entrance to Jupiter Artland

Directions to Bonnington House can been found here. Look out for these magnificent gates which lead you up a road that winds through woods and opens out into a large field housing the life mounds by Charles Jencks which take your breath away and gives you a taster of what you will find in this art wonderland.

Driving through to the car park

Follow the road around until you come to the designated car park for visitors and stay away from the private house on the left. The owners, Nicky and Robert Wilson are kind enough to open their estate up to the public, so please respect their privacy.

: Beautiful wild flowers

Head for the bookshop and pay your admission charge and you will be given a map to explore the grounds. There is no set route around Jupiter Artland, it’s all about the discovery. Please adhere to the rules specified and don’t be tempted to bathe in any of the water features.

The grounds are stunning in their own right to admire, with beautiful wild flowers and woods to walk through as you discover the various art installations. One of my personal favourites in the woods is the Cornelia Parker piece called ‘Landscape with a gun and tree 2010′. There are several ‘weeping girls’ (Laura Ford) to seek out. It’s recommended that you allow 90 minutes minimum for your visit, but I took longer to walk briskly around all the art pieces. I had a rest break and then returned to my favourites areas and was in the estate for 3 hours – but could have spent longer.

You can have something to eat and drink at the fabulous on-site cafe which is housed in a Buck Rogers style 1952 Silver Streak Clipper. The food is supplied be the Edinburgh based Circle Cafe and I had a most pleasant blueberry muffin and herbal tea for a very reasonable £3.20. The lunch options are mouth-watering and around the £7 mark for a main dish.

Outdoor seating area (indoor also available)

The opening hours are

14th May – 27th Jun (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) 10am – 4:30pm

1st July – 12 Sep (Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday) 10am-4:30pm

Bank holiday – Monday 30th Aug

You can book in advance to guarantee your visit to Jupiter Artland, but please confirm with venue as when I visited last week, the system was down and they were just encouraging people to turn up. Admission prices are here.

Suitable for disabled? Some parts of Jupiter Artland are unsuitable for those with resricted mobility due to the nature of the uneven ground etc. Disabled badge holders get free entry and you can enjoy what you can see from the car on the way in as well as the cafe area and gardens.