Little Sparta

Set in the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh, Little Sparta is Ian Hamilton Finlay’s greatest work of art.

About Little Sparta

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.

Upcoming Events at Little Sparta

More Gardens and Parks in Lanarkshire

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!

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

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.

READ 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.

READ MORE

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!

READ MORE

Gardens and Parks

Lanark Loch

Lanark Loch Hyndford Road, Lanark ML11 9BJ

Lanark Loch is an ideal fun day out for all the family, there is a selection of activities including fishing, pitch and putt, play area and more to keep everyone entertained!

READ MORE

Gardens and Parks

James Hamilton Heritage Park

James Hamilton Heritage Park Stewartfield Way, East Kilbride G74 5LB

James Hamilton Heritage Park is a 4 Star Visit Scotland accredited activity centre located in East Kilbride.

READ MORE

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!

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

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...

READ MORE

Gardens and Parks

Drumpellier Country Park

Drumpellier Country Park , Coatbridge ML5 2EH

Drumpellier Country Park has lots to do for a great family day out including a Visitor Centre, cafe, wildlife displays and adventure playground!

READ MORE

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...

READ MORE

Sponsored Links