CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Little Sparta

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

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Little Sparta

About Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Little Sparta

Little Sparta is Ian Hamilton Finlay’s greatest work of art. Ian and Sue Finlay moved to the farm of Stonypath in 1966 and began to create what would become an internationally acclaimed garden across seven acres of a wild and exposed moorland site. Collaborating with stone carvers, letterers and other artists and poets, the numerous sculptures and artworks created by Finlay explore themes as diverse as the sea and its fishing fleets, our relationship to nature, classical antiquity, the French Revolution and the Second World War. Individual poetic and sculptural elements, in wood, stone and metal, are sited in relation to carefully structured landscaping and planting.

Please note that there is a 700m uphill walk from the car park and livestock grazing in the fields. For visitors with limited mobility, it may be possible to book a space near the house; call the garden for details.

Sponsored Links

Headline PR
Glasgow Science Centre

Other Events at Little Sparta or Scotlands Gardens Scheme

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Kevock Garden

1st January 2025 - 29th December 2025
Lasswade

This wonderful hillside garden has magnificent views over the North Esk Valley with a wide diversity of plants and has featured in many magazine articles and gardening programmes.

READ MORE

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: King’s Park Walled Garden

1st January 2025 - 31st December 2025

Come along and explore the C-listed Walled Garden within King's Park as part of Scotland's Gardens Scheme!

READ MORE

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Harthill

6th January 2025 - 31st October 2025
Auchtermuchty

Harthill Garden enjoys a tranquil setting in the hills just above Auchtermuchty with beautiful views.

READ MORE

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Dawson’s Garden

6th January 2025 - 21st December 2025
Cupar

Dawson’s Garden is a small cottage garden, full of surprises and designed to please the senses all year round with colour, form and scent.

READ MORE

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Kilbryde Castle

1st February 2025 - 30th September 2025
Dunblane

Come and explore Kilbride Castle gardens! They cover some 12 acres and are situated above the Ardoch Burn and below the castle.

READ MORE

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Stobshiel House

5th March 2025 - 24th September 2025
Various Locations East Lothian

The garden at Stobshiel House is effectively split into four main parts and the extensive collection of shrubs and mature trees offer a fantastic backdrop during all seasons.

READ MORE

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Glenarn

21st March 2025 - 21st September 2025
Helensburgh

Glenarn survives as a complete example of a ten-acre garden which spans from 1850 to the present day, come and explore as part of Scotland's Gardens!

READ MORE

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: The Tower

1st April 2025 - 30th September 2025
Various Locations Fife

Set on a hill, this one-acre Edwardian landscaped garden has panoramic views over the River Tay.

READ MORE

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Kirklands Garden

1st April 2025 - 30th September 2025
Dunfermline

Enjoy a day out at Kirklands, built in 1832, it has been the Hart family home for 45 years!

READ MORE

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Hunter’s Tryst

1st April 2025 - 30th September 2025
Edinburgh South

Hunter’s Tryst is a well-stocked and beautifully designed, mature, medium-sized, wildlife-friendly town garden.

READ MORE

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Glassmount House

1st April 2025 - 30th September 2025
Kirkcaldy

Glassmount House has a densely planted walled garden with new areas of naturalistic planting blending the boundary between the surrounding fields and the woodland.

READ MORE

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: The Croft

1st April 2025 - 31st October 2025
Langbank

Explore the special one acre garden of The Croft, on a steep rocky site facing north overlooking the Clyde just opposite Dumbarton Rock, as part of Scotland's Gardens!

READ MORE

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Gardener’s Cottage Walled Garden

15th June 2025 - 15th October 2025
Killearn

The walled garden, acquired in 2013 by the present owners, has been planted with extensive herbaceous borders, box hedging, roses and many unusual plants.

READ MORE

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Bannockburn House Gardens

1st July 2025 - 30th September 2025

Bannockburn House, an A-listed mansion built in 1675 by Sir Hugh Paterson, now sits in 26 acres of woodland and gardens.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

TGC Leisure
ATG
Hostelworld

Similar events you might like...

Find other events in Lanarkshire

Sponsored Links

Headline PR
Glasgow Science Centre
TGC Leisure
ATG
Hostelworld

Popular Events

The Rocky Horror Picture Show
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of genre-defying cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Don't miss this special Halloween screening at Lanark Memorial Hall.
JJ Gilmour: Jinky Bells
Internationally acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter JJ Gilmour returns to Airdrie Town Hall for his annual festive show, Jinky Bells, on Friday 19th December!
Immersive Yoga - Halloween Edition
Immerse yourself in Halloween by taking a yoga journey through a forbidden forest on the night of the full moon with Yoga By Gillian!
Little Red Riding Hood
This December, Studio 32 invites you to step into a world of festive fun as they bring the classic family pantomime Little Red Riding Hood to the stage in East Kilbride!
New College Lanarkshire Community Day - Coatbridge Campus
New College Lanarkshire are celebrating 160 years of learning in Coatbridge with a day packed full of fun for all ages on Saturday 20th September!

Popular Listings

Airdrie Town Hall Chatelherault Country Park East Kilbride Arts Centre East Kilbride Village Theatre Lanark Memorial Hall Lanternhouse Cumbernauld Rutherglen Town Hall Strathclyde Country Park The Town House Hamilton