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 or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

Upcoming Events at Little Sparta

Sorry, but we have no upcoming events for Little Sparta. If you know of an event taking place at Little Sparta or anywhere else in Lanarkshire tell us about it and we'll list it on the website, for free!

More Gardens and Parks in Lanarkshire

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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