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

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

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!

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

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

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

Ravenswood Local Nature Reserve

Ravenswood Local Nature Reserve Skye Road, Cumbernauld G67 1PB

Ravenswood Local Nature Reserve is a valuable wetland site situated on the north side of Cumbernauld, it's an enjoyable place to take a stroll, cycle or take your dog for a walk!

Gardens and Parks

Mosswater Local Nature Reserve

Mosswater Local Nature Reserve , Cumbernauld

After several years of work to improve this site for wildlife and people Mosswater in Cumbernauld has been designated a Local Nature Reserve.

Gardens and Parks

Calderglen Country Park

Calderglen Country Park Strathaven Road, East Kilbride G75 0QZ

Calderglen Country Park is a four-star tourist attraction based in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire featuring a Children's Zoo, Tropical Glasshouse, Adventure Play Area and more!

Gardens and Parks

Gartcosh Local Nature Reserve

Gartcosh Local Nature Reserve , Gartcosh

Local Nature Reserves (LNR) are places for local people to actively enjoy, while having the chance to see and learn about nature on their doorsteps!

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