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.

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Lanarkshire? Just hit 'Like' on our What's On Lanarkshire Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our @WhatsOnLShire Twitter or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

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

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

Cumbernauld Glen

, Cumbernauld

Cumbernauld Glen's ancient woodland is a haven for wildlife and the varied ground vegetation reflects the age of the site. Vast carpets of bluebells flower from May to June.

Gardens and Parks

Cuningar Loop Woodland Park

Cuningar Loop Woodland Park , Rutherglen G73 1PW

Located in Rutherglen, across the Clyde from the Commonwealth Games Athletes' Village, Cuningar Loop has transformed 15 hectares of derelict, unused land into an attractive community greenspace!

Gardens and Parks

Kilbride Woodlands

1 Burley Place, East Kilbride G74 5LZ

The East Kilbride Community Trust (EKCT) are in the early stages of establishing a Community Woodland in the vicinity of Peel Park, East Kilbride, with...

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

Greenhead Moss Community Nature Park

Greenhead Moss Community Nature Park , Wishaw ML2 8AY

Greenhead Moss Community Nature Park lies just east of Wishaw, and covers some 100 hectares.

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

Riccard Johnston Woods

Riccard Johnston Woods Jeviston Street, Motherwell ML1 4HS

Once a farm, today Riccard Johnston is a mosaic of mixed woodland, green open space and mature hedgerows!

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

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

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