Little Sparta is a place for contemplation, intellectual receptiveness and enjoyment. The garden as a whole discloses to the viewer who walks round it many complexities of meaning, sentiment and wit. It is also a fragile place, easily damaged by the northern climate and constantly requiring careful conservation.

For this reason visits to the garden are on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday afternoons, 2:30-5pm, from 24th May to 29th September. There is no need to make an appointment unless you are organising a visit for a group of 10 or more, in which case, please call Laura Robertson on 07826 495677 or contact her by e-mail. The fee for visiting the garden is £10.

The garden is not suitable for young children (under the age of 10 years) and there are no concessionary rates. Dogs are not allowed in the garden.

Car parking is about half a mile (700 metres) from the garden and strong footwear is recommended for the track leading up from the car park to Little Sparta.

Photography Policy

Little Sparta in its entirety is protected by copyright. On payment of a £5 fee, visitors may take photographs or video for their own private use or study. However, no images of Little Sparta may be published or broadcast without explicit prior permission from Wild Hawthorn Press  (telephone  +44  (0)1899 810252).

Driving Directions - SatNav Warning

Little Sparta is reached from Edinburgh by following the A702 as far as Dolphinton, where there is a right turn to Dunsyre. About a mile after passing through Dunsyre, Little Sparta's car park is on the right hand side.

From Glasgow leave the M8 at junction 6 for the A73, then the A721 at Carluke; continue to Newbigging where there is a left turn to Dunsyre. After about 3 miles, and before you reach Dunsyre, Little Sparta's car park  is on the left.

For satnav users, the postcode is ML11 8NG, but be sure to turn in at our car park and not one of the neighbouring farms. SatNav will direct you to turn off the road near a dilapidated phone box: do NOT follow this instruction. Our carpark is about half a mile closer to Dunsyre, directly adjacent to the road. If you don't see a sign saying Little Sparta, you are in the wrong place.

Public Transport and Accommodation

Travelling to Little Sparta by public transport is a challenge. One option is to travel by bus from Edinburgh and then either walk 4 miles from the Dunsyre road end, or arrange to meet a pre-booked local taxi.

You can see the timetable for the  Edinburgh-Dumfries bus service 100/101/102 at TravelineScotland.

There are several accommodation options available locally including bed & breakfast and self-catering.