The Easter holidays are approaching, and for some of you that hopefully gives opportunity to spend some time relaxing.
Maybe you’ll be going on holiday.
Perhaps it’ll be more of a ‘staycation’ finding things to do around your home.
For anyone who is going to be in this neck of the woods this Easter holiday and is wondering what to do, I’ve put together this list of 13 (beautiful!) places to see some of my chainsaw carved sculptures in Wales.
They’re all located in places where there’s plenty of other things for all ages to enjoy too. Perfect for a day out!
If you don’t want to scroll through the whole blog, just go straight to the area you’ll be visiting:
North Wales
Mid Wales
South Wales
Places to See Chainsaw Carved Sculptures in Wales: The North
1: Maes-y-Pant & Marford Quarry
Maes-y-Pant and Marford Quarry are neighbouring sites of natural beauty and biodiversity on the outskirts of Wrexham. I’ve made several sculptures for Maes Y Pant including Gwyddion the Wizard, Stanley, and a young boy planting a tree. Next door at the quarry is a brand new set of invertebrate sculptures being installed today!
Find parking for Maes-y-Pant HERE and Marford Quarry HERE (you can walk between the sites and don’t need to drive)
2 & 3: Erddig & Plas Power Woods.
Within 15 minutes drive of Maes y Pant and Marford you can be at Plas Power woods, home of Nant Mill visitor centre, beautiful woodland, waterfall… and my King Offa sculpture! If you fancy a visit, find out more at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/plas-power-woods/
Alternatively, you could head towards Erddig, a National Trust property in Wrexham. The woodland, coffee shop, shop, and gardens are free for anyone, and the house is worth a visit although there is a charge unless you’re a member. There are lots of different walks or bike rides for different abilities, and the gardens are pretty accessible. While you’re there, you can see my wolf sculpture in the wolf’s den play area!
4: The Plassey
The Plassey is a whole lesiure complex on the outskirts of Wrexham including accomodation, camping, golf, play areas, food, and shopping. And some of my sculptures! A great place for either a stay or a quick visit for some refreshments. To date there’s two knights, an eagle (on the golf course), wildlife pillar, and a dragon. Plan your visit HERE.
5: Prestatyn Sculptures
Moving along the coast, Prestatyn is home to three of my sculptures. Two are installed at the Hillside Gardens Shelter, and the Prestatyn Walker Sculpture is installed at the railway station. Prestatyn has a ‘Walkers are Welcome’ award and is great for both beach or hill lovers.
6: Dragon of Bethesda
Moving further along the coast towards Bangor is the Dragon of Bethesda. It’s on private property in Bethesda, just outside Bangor but there’s a public footpath through the property, and a layby you can park in adjacent to the dragon. There’s also parking in the town about ten minutes from the sculpture. In my opinion, one of the best ways to find something like this sculpture where there’s no specific address is using What3Words: https://what3words.com/rumble.wink.meanders
7: Our Lady of Pen Llyn
The next on my list of chainsaw carved sculptures in Wales is Our Lady of Pen Llyn. You’ll find my sculpture of Our Lady of Pen Llyn. You’ll find her in St Peter’s Church, Pwllheli, which happens to be on the stunning Llyn Peninsula. Just make sure you check opening times on the website: www.broenlli.com/en/be_church/st-peters/
8: Abersoch Lighthouse
The last of my sculptures to see in North Wales is brand new! Completed only this week! And also on the Llyn, just 15-20 minutes from the beautiful town of Abersoch. Again, What3Words is the best way to share the location. Find it at https://what3words.com/proposes.newer.aced
And before I move onto Mid Wales, if you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Northw Wales that happens to have a fire-breathing chainsaw carved sculpture by me, check out The Dragon Tower Holiday Let!
Places to See Chainsaw Carved Sculptures in Wales: Mid Wales
9: The Giant Hand of Vyrnwy
The Giant Hand of Vyrnwy is a 50′ sculpture of a hand with a strong environmental message. It’s situated among woodland on the gorgeous Lake Vyrnwy where you’ll find beautiful trails for cycling, horse riding, or walking. Vyrnwy also has stunning views, great places to eat and drink and a wide range of activities. Plan your visit at www.lake-vyrnwy.com/activities.html and find the sculpture itself at www.what3words.com/incline.lingering.pose.
10: Mad Hatter at Pantpurlais
Nestled within mid-Wales you’ll find the Pantpurlais Farm and Lodge, just outside Llandidrod Wells. There are several trails that go through the land, and outside the tea rooms you’ll find my Mad Hatter Sculpture. For walkers, the exact location is: www.what3words.com/fights.unscathed.setting.
11: Elan Valley Sculpture Trail
Visit the beautiful Elan Valley and you’ll get not just one sculpture, but a whole sculpture trail! In 2022 I created a series of sculptures along with Paul Edwards and Matthew Crabbe that reflect the species in the area. Go to https://what3words.com/rift.tree.cornering and walk, drive, or cycle along the road to see them all.
Chainsaw Carved Sculptures in Wales: The South
12: Fforest Fawr Sculpture Trail
If you’re in South Wales and want to enjoy some time outdoors, I recommend taking in my sculpture trail in Fforest Fawr, just outside Caerphilly. The trail includes 12 redwood sculptures that highlights species that used to live in the area. Find out more about the area and plan your visit HERE.
13: Steak of the Art, Cardiff
If mobility is a challenge or walking and the outdoors is not your thing, number 13 on my list of chainsaw carved sculptures is Wales is the one for you! Visit Steak of the Art in Cardiff and you can sit in my Charlie and the Chocolate Factory booth to enjoy fantastic food and atmosphere. The interior is worth a visit alone, but the food makes it extra worth it! It can get booked up, so especially if you want to sit in the booth, it’s worth booking ahead.
I hope you’ve found this list helpful! And don’t forget, if you do pay any of them a visit, tag me in your photos. You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. It’s always good to see how sculptures are ageing and that people are enjoying them!
As always, if you would like to commission a sculpture or would like to know more about what I do, contact me via www.treecarving.co.uk/contact.