A dinosaur ridden by a naked lady, dancing skeletons and a giant Peregrine falcon have been spotted at Hatfield House.

The grounds of the stunning stately home have been transformed into an artistic wonderland by The Great British Sculpture Show, featuring more than 80 works from the UK’s top figurative artists.

Former Doctor Who actor Colin Baker travelled from his home in Bucks to see the opening and says: “Every single one of these sculptures will leave an enduring memory somewhere – they will last longer than we do.“ Impressionist and comedian Rory Bremner opened the show and praised curators, Diane Coates and partner Andrew Sinclair, who run the Sculpture School in Wendover, Bucks.

They have brought together works in bronze, wood and stone inspired by everything from the human form, to the beauty of the natural world, to the surreal and imaginary.

There is also a lively programme of events throughout the exhibition with a lecture by Professor Peter Abrahams exploring Leonardo da Vinci’s anatomical drawings on April 24, guided tours, talks and sculpture workshops by the artists, a Mad Hatter’s Picnic and theatrical and musical performances.

Diane says: “We are extremely proud of bringing together so many of the UK’s top figurative sculptors together for the first time, and in such a beautiful place.

“We want to promote figurative sculpture, skill and craftsmanship to the public, corporate businesses and art buyers alike as an important and major force in today's world of art“.

Hatfield House, Hatfield, until September 5, Tuesdays to Sundays 10.30am to 5.30pm (and every day over the Easter Bank Holiday), no extra charge beyond normal garden admission. Details: hatfieldhouse.co.uk, thegreatbritishsculptureshow.com