CityLife

Art out in the open

YORKSHIRE Sculpture Park near Wakefield in West Yorkshire is one of the north's more interesting attractions. Set in 500 acres of rolling parkland, it is home to outdoor sculptures from artists such as Barbara Hepworth, Elizabeth Frink and, notably, leading 20th century sculptor Henry Moore, who was born nearby in Castleford. The park's Longside Gallery is now a special partner of London's prestigious Hayward Gallery. The park is open daily during the winter from 10am. Admission is free, but there is a charge for car parking. More information on 01924 830302, or visit www.ysp.co.uk

HAT Works, the Museum of Hatting in Stockport, covers the history of hat-making through the ages. There are interactive exhibits over two floors taking visitors through the town's hatting history, and its collection contains over 400 hats from around the world, and has over 20 fully-restored working Victorian-style hat-making machines. The museum also stages temporary exhibitions, the latest of which, Fusion, an exhibition of jewellery and textile art, runs until April 21. The museum is open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat/Sun 1pm-5pm. Admission is free throughout, though charges apply to some special events. More information on 0161 355 7770 or visit www.hatworks.org.uk

THE Keighley and Worth Valley Railway is a lovingly restored five-mile branch line which joins the national railway network at Keighley in West Yorkshire, and runs up the Worth Valley to Haworth and Oxenhope. Passing through six stations, some of which are all lit by authentic gas-lights, a fleet of steam locomotives and historic carriages trundle up the valley. There is a Museum of Rail Travel at Ingrow, and if the railway looks familiar to film buffs, that's because it was used as the setting for the 1970 film The Railway Children. Opening days vary. More information on 01535 645214, or visit www.kwvr.co.uk

Please check with venues before travelling long distances.

MIKE BARNETT