Visiting Little Sparta

Little Sparta welcomes visitors in June, July, August and September each year, respecting Finlay’s intention that the garden should be experienced when the trees and plants, all integral to the artwork, are in full leaf. See detailed information on the right.

As well as our normal opening days, we have two charity event days in conjunction with Scotland’s Gardens Scheme on Tuesdays 29th August and 5th September. Please email us if you want to check anything.

How to Get to Little Sparta
Travelling by car, Little Sparta is approximately one hour from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Directions and Satnav advice are available here.

There are no direct public transport links to Little Sparta. The nearest bus stop is in Dolphinton (for the 101/101A/102 Edinburgh – Dumfries service), some 4 miles from the garden. Our recommendation is to take the bus to Dolphinton Station and meet a pre-booked taxi there.

When at Little Sparta
From the car park, access to the garden is via a 10 minute walk along a farm track. Please call at reception to check in and receive further information before entering the garden. A selection of books and guides are available to buy at reception.

Allow at least 90 minutes to explore the garden fully. Please wear sensible shoes and dress appropriately for the weather on the day. There are no picnic areas in the garden and refreshments are not available (please bring a bottle of water if the weather is hot). A public toilet is accessed via the Kailyard.

Parents/guardians are asked to ensure children do not climb on the artworks in the garden. All ponds and streams are unfenced and paths can be slippery in wet weather. Only assistance dogs are allowed.

Access Information
Please note, the walk from Little Sparta’s car park to the garden is uphill and approximately 700m long via a stony farm track. Sheep and cattle my be present in the adjacent unfenced fields all year round. This walk is not suitable for those with breathing or walking difficulties.

It is possible, strictly by prior arrangement, for private cars to drive directly to the garden and park in one of the limited number of spaces available. A mobility scooter is now also available for the use of visitors with special access needs. The garden plan showing the route suitable for the mobility scooter is available here. Please email us for further information and to book car park space and the mobility scooter.

Photography
Little Sparta in its entirety is protected by copyright. Visitors may take photographs or video for their own private use or study. No images of Little Sparta may be published or broadcast without prior permission from the Estate of Ian Hamilton Finlay and its executor Pia Simig. Please contact Wild Hawthorn Press for further information.