The Japanese Garden at Cowden
‘The most important Japanese Garden in the Western World’. Professor Jijo Suzuki, Japan 1925
Upper Hillfoot Road, Dollar, Clackmannanshire, FK14 7PL
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Facilities for children
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Free parking
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Parkland / open spaces
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Picnic area
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Shop
Accessible parking
Accessible toilets
Guide dogs welcome
Wheelchair ramps/routes
An historic Japanese Garden founded in 1908 by inveterate traveller, Ella Christie. Under the supervision of Professor Fukuhara (best known for his gold medal at Chelsea plus the restoration of the Japanese Gardens at Kew and Tatton Park), Cowden has recently undergone a five year restoration programme.
The garden features a large pond with perimeter path, zig zag and arched bridges, antique lanterns and Japanese structures including the new thatched pavilion (based on the Katsura Imperial Pavilion, Kyoto).
The best times to visit are late April for the cherry blossom, May/June for the rhododendrons and October/November for the acers. Adjoining the garden is the Stewart Adventure Woodland with trails and associated outdoor puzzles/games.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Welcome to the Japanese Garden at Cowden. Below is a detailed summary of the opening times and policies for the garden, tearoom, and other facilities:
Seasonal Opening Hours
Winter Opening Hours: From 26th October 2025 to 28th March 2026, the garden is open Wednesday to Sunday (closed on Monday and Tuesday) from 10:30am to 4:00pm, with the last entry at 3:00pm.
Holiday Closure: The garden will be closed from 22nd December 2025 to 6th January 2026.
Tearoom Opening Hours
The tearoom closes 30 minutes before the garden. Last food orders are at 3:00pm, and hot drinks are served until 3:15pm.
Office Hours
The main office operates from Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 2:00pm. Outside these hours, calls and voicemails will be addressed as soon as possible.
Special Events
- Valentine's Afternoon Tea: Includes garden entry and a special afternoon tea for £36.00 per person. Spaces are limited.
- Willow Weaving Workshop: Scheduled for 21st June.
- Introduction to Kintsugi: Scheduled for 7th June at 11:00am.
Dog Policy
Only trained assistance dogs are allowed in the Japanese Garden and Christie Walk. Dogs on leads are welcome in the Stewart Woodland, Lime Tree Avenue, and outdoor seating areas.
Accessibility
- The garden is suitable for wheelchair users, with some steep paths signposted for easier access.
- A manual wheelchair is available for free hire upon prior booking.
- Disabled parking is available, with additional drop-off areas upon request.
Additional Information
- Children are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult. Activities and play areas are available.
- Picnic areas are designated for visitors bringing their own food.
- Smoking and drone flying are prohibited in the garden.
- Professional photography and art require prior permission and may incur fees.
For further details, please contact the garden directly or refer to their policies.
Historic Houses members visit free
Other charges:
Adult £10.90 Senior £9.85 Child £5.75 Family £32 Single Adult Family £23.75 Disabled £6 Disabled with Carer £6 No Youth Ticket
Accessible parking
Accessible toilets
Guide dogs welcome
Wheelchair ramps/routes
.
The Japanese Garden at Cowden: In Pictures
The Stewart Adventure Woodland
Children can enjoy roaming in the Stewart Adventure Woodland. The play area includes a board walk and tree house. The popular ‘Acorn Challenge’ where children can hunt for acorns with letters and Japanese symbols to try and decode a secret message to win a prize. We hide the acorns in new places and change the secret message every month. Children can also add labels to the wishing trees.
Adventure playground at Cowden Garden
Popular walks at Cowden Garden
The Christie Walk is a five minute loop just east of The Japanese Garden. The Lime Tree Avenue was planted in 1908 to highlight to Ella Christie’s guests the importance of the new Japanese Garden. The loop from the car park, up the Lime Tree Avenue and back down towards the entrance to the garden takes in the new cherry tree planting. Cowden benefitted from donations from The Sakura Cherry Tree Project in 2018/19, which enabled us to replace the original avenue and create a dedicated Hanami area. Within the Stewart Adventure Woodland there is a 15 minute circular loop and a longer path (25 minutes), which meanders alongside the Holeburn to the front drive.
A garden inspired: Discover Cowden's history
The trustees appointed Professor Masao Fukuhara, admired for his sensitive restoration of the Japanese Gardens at Kew and Tatton Park and for his Chelsea Gold Medal garden, to spearhead the restoration and ensure the authenticity of Cowden was maintained.
The most beautiful wedding venue
Submerse yourself in the ancient trees and the unique beauty of a traditional Japanese garden set in the Scottish countryside.
Getting here
Upper Hillfoot Road, Dollar, Clackmannanshire, FK14 7PL
By car
Between Dollar and Muckhart on the A91, follow brown signs to: ‘Japanese Garden’.
By bicycle
Cycle via the Upper Hillfoot Road, which is a walking/cycle friendly route.
Looking to visit The Japanese Garden at Cowden?
The Japanese Garden at Cowden is open six days per week during the summer and five days during the winter months. See the Opening information above to find out more. Historic Houses members with a valid membership card are able to visit the garden free of charge.
If you’re interested in joining Historic Houses as a member, you can find out more about membership below. Members enjoy free access to almost three hundred independently owned historic houses across the UK for free using their membership card, as well as a quarterly magazine and monthly online lectures about the houses.
Other houses that members can visit nearby
Monzie Castle
Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 4HD
Drummond Castle Gardens
Muthill, Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 4HN
Scone Palace
Perth, Perthshire, PH2 6BE
Related links
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