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

Strathaven Park

Strathaven Park Glasgow Road, Strathaven ML10 6LZ

John Hastie Park and George Allan Park combine to make up Strathaven Park a beautiful, peaceful green space in the busy market town!

Gardens and Parks

David Livingstone Birthplace

165 Station Road, Blantyre G72 9BY

The David Livingstone Birthplace celebrates the birthplace and legacy of Dr David Livingstone in Blantyre and across Africa!

Gardens and Parks

Mosswater Local Nature Reserve

Mosswater Local Nature Reserve , Cumbernauld

After several years of work to improve this site for wildlife and people Mosswater in Cumbernauld has been designated a Local Nature Reserve.

Gardens and Parks

Strathclyde Country Park

Hamilton Road, Motherwell ML1 3RT

Thousands of visitors each year enjoy the huge range of activities available at Strathclyde Country Park from sailing to sunbathing, birdwatching to cycling, water ski-ing to watching the world go by!

Gardens and Parks

Braedale Hill Local Nature Reserve

Braedale Hill Local Nature Reserve Bonkle Road, Newmains ML2 9AR

Braedale Hill Local Nature Reserve is situated in Newmains to the north east of Wishaw, a real haven for birds, insects, and animals!

Gardens and Parks

Calderglen Country Park

Calderglen Country Park Strathaven Road, East Kilbride G75 0QZ

Calderglen Country Park is a four-star tourist attraction based in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire featuring a Children's Zoo, Tropical Glasshouse, Adventure Play Area and more!

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

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

Alexander Hamilton Memorial Park

Alexander Hamilton Memorial Park Lawrie Street, Stonehouse ML9 3LN

Alexander Hamilton Memorial Park is a multi levelled park with an extensive pathway network leading to all levels. It includes a bandstand area, three...

Gardens and Parks