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

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

Scottish Wildlife Trust: Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve and Visitor Centre

The Dyeworks New Lanark Mills, Lanark ML11 9DB

The Scottish Wildlife Trust Falls of Clyde and Visitor Centre is nestled in the Clyde Valley and is part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve.

Gardens and Parks

Clyde Valley Family Park

Clyde Valley Farm Park , Crossford ML8 5NJ

Clyde Valley Family Park is a fun day out for all the family, not just the kids brought to you by the owners of East Links Family Park!

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

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

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