Little Sparta

Set in the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh, Little Sparta is Ian Hamilton Finlay’s greatest work of art.

About Little Sparta

	Little Sparta Stonypath, Dunsyre ML11 8NG
	Little Sparta Website
	Facebook information can be found here

Listed Under Attractions - Gardens and Parks

Imbued with a high idea content, the garden is created from the artistic fusion of poetic and sculptural elements with those of the natural landscape which is shaped and changed to become an inherent part of the concepts realised at Little Sparta.

While works of art are commonly viewed in galleries, public parks and streets, museums and private houses, it is perhaps a unique achievement to have created a garden which is itself a major artwork encompassing within it both horticultural elements and individual works in such materials as stone, wood and metal.

Finlay’s intentions are moral and philosophical as well as poetic. The themes dealt with in the garden are those which underlie the structures of society. The French Revolution, pre-Socratic views of the nature of the world. The Second World War, the sea and its fishing fleets are among the sources of metaphor and image which are realised in the garden’s art works which now number over 275.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Little Sparta are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

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Upcoming Events at Little Sparta

Gardening

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Little Sparta

Selected dates between 26th August 2025 - 2nd September 2025

Little Sparta, Dunsyre

Little Sparta is Ian Hamilton Finlay's greatest work of art. Come and explore the grounds as part of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme!

Gardens and Parks

Seafar Wood Wildlife Reserve

Seafar Wood Wildlife Reserve , Cumbernauld

Seafar Wood is a relatively young strip of woodland west of Cumbernauld Village.

Gardens and Parks

Drumpellier Country Park

Drumpellier Country Park , Coatbridge ML5 2EH

Drumpellier Country Park has lots to do for a great family day out including a Visitor Centre, cafe, wildlife displays and adventure playground!

Gardens and Parks

Castlebank Park and Horticultural Centre

Castlebank Horticultural Centre Castlebank Park, Lanark ML11 9EG

Castlebank Park in Lanark is one of Scotland’s 71 Green Flag Parks. Free to visit, the park is open to the public all year and is very popular with families, dog walkers and nature enthusiasts.

Gardens and Parks

Ravenswood Local Nature Reserve

Ravenswood Local Nature Reserve Skye Road, Cumbernauld G67 1PB

Ravenswood Local Nature Reserve is a valuable wetland site situated on the north side of Cumbernauld, it's an enjoyable place to take a stroll, cycle or take your dog for a walk!

Gardens and Parks

Palacerigg Country Park

Palacerigg Country Park , Cumbernauld G67 3HU

Explore the 10km network of nature trails and footpaths at Palacerigg Country Park, Cumbernauld!

Gardens and Parks

Redlees Urban Park

Redlees Urban Park Blantyre Farm Road, Blantyre G72

27 acres of natural woodland in a former quarry. There is now a large pond suitable for canoeing and providing a home to amphibians and insects. Hosted...

Gardens and Parks

Dalzell Estate

Dalzell Estate Manse Road, Motherwell ML1 2SD

Whether you are looking for a peaceful place to relax or an exciting place to explore, Dalzell Estate is the perfect place to visit.

Gardens and Parks

Chatelherault Country Park

Chatelherault Country Park Fernegair, Hamilton ML3 7UE

Chatelherault Country Park, a five star visitor attraction under the Visit Scotland grading scheme, has been described as a jewel in the local landscape.

Gardens and Parks

Kingshill Local Nature Reserve

Kingshill Local Nature Reserve Allanton, Shotts ML7

Kingshill Local Nature Reserve is a special place for people and wildlife close to the village of Allanton near Shotts.

Gardens and Parks

Holmhills Wood Community Park

Holmhills Wood Community Park Holmhills Grove, Cambuslang G72 8

Holmhills Wood Community Park runs from Greenlees Road to Langlea Drive and is an important part of the greenspace for Cambuslang. It includes Holmhills...

Gardens and Parks

Cambuslang Park

Cambuslang Public Park‎ Cairns Road, Cambuslang G72 8NR

Cambuslang Park spans 27 acres encompassing the contrast of open park land and the Borgie Glen, which is a steep tree lined ravine, containing a complex...

Gardens and Parks