Henry Moore Studios & Gardens

About Henry Moore Studios & Gardens

Description

Stepping into the Henry Moore Studios & Gardens feels like walking through living history. [The Foundation has been preserving Moore's legacy since his death in 1986](https://susanyoungsewing.wordpress.com/2017/06/23/visiting-the-henry-moore-foundation/), and boy, does it show. The place absolutely buzzes with creative energy - just the way Moore would've wanted it. As an avid art enthusiast myself, I can tell you there's something absolutely magical about seeing his massive sculptures against the backdrop of rolling English countryside. What makes this place truly special is that it's not your typical stuffy museum. Instead, you're exploring the actual spaces where one of the 20th century's most influential sculptors lived, worked, and drew inspiration from nature. [The grounds serve as both the world's leading resource on Moore's life and work](https://henry-moore.org/studios-and-gardens/) and an absolutely stunning outdoor gallery.

Key Features

• Moore's original studios - preserved exactly as he left them, complete with his tools and works in progress • Over 70 acres of rolling countryside dotted with monumental sculptures • The artist's beloved Hoglands home, offering intimate glimpses into his daily life • World-class archive and research center • Constantly rotating indoor exhibitions • Stunning gardens that Moore himself helped design • Original maquettes and working models • Interactive sculpture garden perfect for families • Peaceful walking trails through sheep-grazed fields • On-site café serving seasonal British fare

Best Time to Visit

Spring and summer absolutely shine here - that's when the gardens burst into life and the sculptures cast their most dramatic shadows. But honestly? Each season offers its own unique charm. The grounds transform completely from season to season, with autumn bringing golden hues that contrast beautifully against the bronze sculptures, while winter offers a stark, dramatic backdrop that really emphasizes the powerful forms of Moore's work. I'd suggest avoiding rainy days if possible (those sculpture paths can get pretty slippery!), but if you do end up visiting during a shower, the indoor galleries and studios provide plenty of shelter and fascinating exhibits to explore.

How to Get There

Getting to the Studios & Gardens is pretty straightforward, though you'll definitely want to plan ahead. The site sits in the charming village of Perry Green, Hertfordshire. If you're driving (which I personally recommend), you'll find well-marked signs once you're in the area. For those relying on public transport, the nearest train station is Bishop's Stortford, from where you can grab a taxi or local bus. Pro tip: If you're coming from London, consider making it a day trip - the journey takes about an hour by car or train, and the countryside views along the way are worth it.

Tips for Visiting

Take it from someone who's made a few rookie mistakes here - a little planning goes a long way! Wear comfortable walking shoes because you'll be doing lots of walking on uneven ground. The site is pretty extensive, and you'll want to explore every corner. Bring a camera - the photo opportunities are endless, and the changing light throughout the day creates different effects on the sculptures. Pack a light jacket even on sunny days, as the open grounds can get breezy. Consider timing your visit around one of their excellent guided tours - the insights you get from the knowledgeable guides really bring Moore's work and life story to life. I'd recommend allocating at least 3-4 hours for your visit to fully appreciate everything. And here's something most visitors don't realize - the sheep grazing among the sculptures aren't just for show. They're carrying on a tradition from Moore's time, when he loved how they helped maintain the grounds and provided scale to his massive works. The café serves some delicious locally-sourced food, but if you're visiting in summer, bringing a picnic to enjoy in the grounds is a wonderful option (just check the current picnic policies first). Lastly, don't rush through the studios - they're fascinating time capsules that offer real insight into Moore's creative process. Each space tells its own story, from the small maquette studio where his initial ideas took shape to the massive workshops where his monumental sculptures were born. For families visiting with kids, grab one of the activity packs from the visitor center - they're brilliant at keeping young ones engaged while exploring the grounds. And yes, unlike many sculpture gardens, here you can actually touch some of the outdoor sculptures - just look for signs indicating which ones are interactive.

Description

Stepping into the Henry Moore Studios & Gardens feels like walking through living history. [The Foundation has been preserving Moore’s legacy since his death in 1986](https://susanyoungsewing.wordpress.com/2017/06/23/visiting-the-henry-moore-foundation/), and boy, does it show. The place absolutely buzzes with creative energy – just the way Moore would’ve wanted it. As an avid art enthusiast myself, I can tell you there’s something absolutely magical about seeing his massive sculptures against the backdrop of rolling English countryside.

What makes this place truly special is that it’s not your typical stuffy museum. Instead, you’re exploring the actual spaces where one of the 20th century’s most influential sculptors lived, worked, and drew inspiration from nature. [The grounds serve as both the world’s leading resource on Moore’s life and work](https://henry-moore.org/studios-and-gardens/) and an absolutely stunning outdoor gallery.

Key Features

• Moore’s original studios – preserved exactly as he left them, complete with his tools and works in progress
• Over 70 acres of rolling countryside dotted with monumental sculptures
• The artist’s beloved Hoglands home, offering intimate glimpses into his daily life
• World-class archive and research center
• Constantly rotating indoor exhibitions
• Stunning gardens that Moore himself helped design
• Original maquettes and working models
• Interactive sculpture garden perfect for families
• Peaceful walking trails through sheep-grazed fields
• On-site café serving seasonal British fare

Best Time to Visit

Spring and summer absolutely shine here – that’s when the gardens burst into life and the sculptures cast their most dramatic shadows. But honestly? Each season offers its own unique charm. The grounds transform completely from season to season, with autumn bringing golden hues that contrast beautifully against the bronze sculptures, while winter offers a stark, dramatic backdrop that really emphasizes the powerful forms of Moore’s work.

I’d suggest avoiding rainy days if possible (those sculpture paths can get pretty slippery!), but if you do end up visiting during a shower, the indoor galleries and studios provide plenty of shelter and fascinating exhibits to explore.

How to Get There

Getting to the Studios & Gardens is pretty straightforward, though you’ll definitely want to plan ahead. The site sits in the charming village of Perry Green, Hertfordshire. If you’re driving (which I personally recommend), you’ll find well-marked signs once you’re in the area. For those relying on public transport, the nearest train station is Bishop’s Stortford, from where you can grab a taxi or local bus.

Pro tip: If you’re coming from London, consider making it a day trip – the journey takes about an hour by car or train, and the countryside views along the way are worth it.

Tips for Visiting

Take it from someone who’s made a few rookie mistakes here – a little planning goes a long way! Wear comfortable walking shoes because you’ll be doing lots of walking on uneven ground. The site is pretty extensive, and you’ll want to explore every corner.

Bring a camera – the photo opportunities are endless, and the changing light throughout the day creates different effects on the sculptures. Pack a light jacket even on sunny days, as the open grounds can get breezy.

Consider timing your visit around one of their excellent guided tours – the insights you get from the knowledgeable guides really bring Moore’s work and life story to life. I’d recommend allocating at least 3-4 hours for your visit to fully appreciate everything.

And here’s something most visitors don’t realize – the sheep grazing among the sculptures aren’t just for show. They’re carrying on a tradition from Moore’s time, when he loved how they helped maintain the grounds and provided scale to his massive works.

The café serves some delicious locally-sourced food, but if you’re visiting in summer, bringing a picnic to enjoy in the grounds is a wonderful option (just check the current picnic policies first).

Lastly, don’t rush through the studios – they’re fascinating time capsules that offer real insight into Moore’s creative process. Each space tells its own story, from the small maquette studio where his initial ideas took shape to the massive workshops where his monumental sculptures were born.

For families visiting with kids, grab one of the activity packs from the visitor center – they’re brilliant at keeping young ones engaged while exploring the grounds. And yes, unlike many sculpture gardens, here you can actually touch some of the outdoor sculptures – just look for signs indicating which ones are interactive.

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