From iconic installations and literary-themed sculpture trails to infamous street murals, here's where to find the best public artwork for free around the UK.
There's plenty of art accessible to the public across the UK: dedicated sculpture trails in Wales, famous street murals in England, immersive installations in Scotland and mosaic works in Northern Ireland. You won't need to buy an art pass or have to enter intimidating institutions to explore this selection and, better still, it won't cost you anything to visit.
From Weston-Super-Mare's controversial 'See Monster' to London's latest unveiling of the Fourth Plinth (and discussion about who will appear next), here's where you can find fantastic free public artwork around the UK.
Derry Girls Mural, Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Fans of Channel 4’s hit series Derry Girls need to visit the Derry Girls Mural on Orchard Street. The mural depicts the show’s stars and can be found on the side of Badger’s Bar in the heart of the city. Created by local not-for-profit company UV Arts, it’s the perfect spot to snap a selfie with the much-loved girls – and start your exploration of Derry-Londonderry.
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Angel of the North, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England
Gateshead’s 'Angel of the North' is one of the most recognisable sculptures in England. The 65-foot (20m) high public artwork was unveiled in 1998 and is likely the largest angel sculpture in the world. Its iconic wingspan stretches 175 feet (54m) – bigger than a Boeing 757 or 767 jet.
British sculptor Antony Gormley explained that the angel is a reminder of the coal miners who worked in the pitch black beneath the ground for 200 years. To pay the 'Angel of the North' a visit, take the A167 exit (signed Gateshead South) to stop off; the sculpture is accessible 24 hours a day.
Alice in Wonderland Trail, Llandudno, Wales
Spot the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit and Queen of Hearts along the Alice in Wonderland Trail in charming Llandudno. Try to find all 55 bronze roundels which mark the route and see which other characters you can find – including Alice herself. If you get stuck, you can always purchase a trail guide from the tourist information centre (where the trail officially starts).
Lewis Carroll, who wrote Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, based his protagonist on a young Alice Liddell. He was good friends with the Liddell family who lived at Penmorfa on the west coast of Wales during the 1860s, and this marks where the route ends. Along the way you’ll take in the pretty seaside resort itself, passing the Town Hall, Promenade and venturing into the stunning Happy Valley.
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Weston Super Mare, North Somerset, England
It’s not every day you see oil rigs transformed into contemporary art, nor is it an everyday occurrence in places like Weston-Super-Mare. But at over 114 feet (35m) high, 'See Monster' marks one of the UK’s largest art works and is some 49 feet (15m) taller than the Angel of the North.
The decommissioned North Sea gas platform is situated on the city’s beach and visitors can clamber aboard to take in the incredible views across Somerset, Devon and south Wales. The waterfall represents the monster’s roar, thousands of aluminum sheets shimmer like the scales of a mythical creature and there’s a sustainable-focused garden, among many other features.
But you’ll need to be quick to visit – the installation runs until the end of November 2022.
The Kelpies, Falkirk, Scotland
Standing at a hundred feet (30m) tall and weighing over 300 tonnes each, 'The Kelpies' are the largest equine sculptures in the world. You’ll find them in Helix Park, located between Falkirk and Grangemouth, and a visit to this man-made wonder will leave you in awe at this impressive feat of engineering. The sculptures sit within The Helix, a green space created in 2003 to connect the communities in Falkirk. Considered an incredible feat of engineering, 'The Kelpies' have become one of the most famous outdoor installations in the UK.
The dynamic duo are modelled on two real-life horses, Duke and Baron. Created by artist Andy Scott, The Kelpies represent the Clydesdale horses who shifted the Scottish industry and economy along (quite literally). They pulled the wagons, barges and coalships which shaped the geographical layout of Falkirk.
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Bansky street art, Bristol, England
You can spot original works by Bristol-born artist Banksy all around the city, including some of his earliest works. Near College Green you’ll spot 'Well Hung Lover' (pictured) which was the UK’s first legal piece of street art – 97% of Bristolians voted to keep it after a landmark council ruling in 2006.
You can also see the anonymous artist’s 'You Don’t Need Planning Permission to Build Castles in the Sky' on Lower Lamb Street, 'Paint Pot Angel' at the entrance to Bristol Museum and Art Gallery and 'Mild Mild West' at No. 80 Stokes Croft.
Anonymous icons aside, there are more than 200 street and graffiti artists in Bristol so you’ll find creative, thought-provoking street murals around almost every corner. The city also hosts its annual UpFest, Europe’s largest street art and graffiti festival, which is free to attend.
Woven Sounds, Stirling, Scotland
'Woven Sounds' immerses you with the stunning Falls of Falloch, with a unique position overlooking the cliffedge. From here you'll not only feel as though you're part of the art but you can also take in striking views and the rushing sound of the tumbling waterfall and surrounding nature.
The structure, designed by John Kennedy, features poetry from Dorothy Wordsworth’s diary, who wrote about the breathtaking falls in 1803. You can visit this free public artwork while taking in a popular beauty spot located in the northern part of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
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Fourth Plinth, London, England
Tick off a top attraction and art spot in one go on London’s Trafalgar Square. The Fourth Plinth is a contemporary public art platform renowned for its diverse commissions and commentary with its latest installment unveiled in September 2022.
Samson Kambalu’s 'Antelope' features two brown-bronze figures of European missionary John Chorley and Malawian Baptist preacher John Chilembwe. It depicts a 1914 photograph of the opening of the preacher’s church in Nyasaland (now Malwai). Take a closer look at the Chilembwe figure – who stands at twice the height of Chorley – his hat represents anti-colonialism, which he had been forbidden to wear in front of white people during the time.
However, there’s been recent debate about installing a permanent statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II on this mighty platform. Form your own opinion about this world-famous art spot, which is accessible 24 hours a day.
Old Green Mural, Newport, Wales
The 'Old Green Mural' commemorates the Monmouthshire Railway and Canal Company, which played a key role in Newport’s growth in the mid-19th century. The mosaic and concrete public artwork can be found in an unassuming underpass on the Old Green Roundabout, marking the former site of the company at the junction of the wharfs and railway.
You’ll also spot a plaque which provides more information about the company and details the type of locomotives, wagons and canal boats used. Just behind the mural are the 14th-century ruins of Newport Castle, which provide a deeper insight into this Welsh city’s history and are also free to visit.
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The Big Fish, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Made up of large blue tiles, 'The Big Fish' is a 32-foot (10m) long salmon mosaic-sculpture by John Kindness. Unveiled in 1999, you can find this unique piece of public art by the Lagan Lookout and Customs House in Belfast.
Get up close to the artwork to inspect the tiles and you’ll see that they describe different scenes from Belfast’s vast and varied history, including newspaper clippings and medieval maps. The art piece also goes by the name The Salmon of Knowledge, and supposedly brings wisdom to those who give it a kiss. We’ll leave it up to you to decide…
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River of Light, Liverpool, England
The River of Light is an outdoor illuminated gallery running along Liverpool Waterfront, with ten artworks spread around a 1.2 mile (2km) loop. Designed as a self-guided trail, the colourful installations include Evanescent by Atelier Sisu (pictured), Dancing Ribbons by Yinka Ilori and Rainbow Accordian by Amigo & Amigo.
With atmospheric soundscapes, striking light effects or simply silent, the artworks have been created by local, national and international artists, with individual signs revealing more information about each piece. The trail is illuminated daily from 5pm to 9pm, making it an accessible family-friendly winter activity – but be quick, as the installation ends on 6 November.
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