Little Sparta – the garden of Ian Hamilton Finlay – is located 25 miles from the centre of Edinburgh in a rural setting in the Pentland Hills. The nearest bus stop is 4 miles away, so reaching it by public transport is a challenge. The solution to this problem is to use our chartered minibus from Edinburgh on Sundays 27th July and all Sundays in August 2025. We are running a minibus from Edinburgh city centre to Little Sparta on 27th July and 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st August.

The minibus departs from the front of Malmaison Hotel on 21-22 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 1AY, at 11.30 am. Please arrive 10 mins earlier to catch the minibus. Show proof of ticket purchase on the bus. The return minibus departs from Little Sparta’s car park at 3.30 pm.

There is an uphill walk of around half a mile (700 metres) on a rough farm track from the car park to the garden at Little Sparta. People of average fitness should allow around 10-15 minutes for this walk. This excursion is NOT SUITABLE for people with walking or breathing difficulties. Sheep and cattle may be present on the farm track and in the adjacent unfenced fields. Dress as you would for hill-walking. Please call at reception to show proof of ticket purchase.

No dogs allowed. Visitor toilet available.

Please note there is no catering facilities at Little Sparta, so bring snacks and a bottle of water to keep you going.

In August, the drivers will do their best to find the best route through Edinburgh’s festival traffic, but we cannot accept any responsibility for journey times longer than anticipated.

Book your tickets here.

In Checkout, under ‘Shipping method’, enter your name and address and choose ‘Bus 2025’.

The minibus travel to Little Sparta coincides with a month of special events to celebrate Ian Hamilton Finlay’s centenary. A full list of the special events on A Month of Sundays can be read here.