The Japanese Garden At Cowden
The Japanese Garden At Cowden
The Japanese Garden At Cowden
4.5
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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- Geoffrey H4 contributionsUnique. peaceful.Wonderful,peaceful,unique gardens. Beautifully designed. Will certainly go again. Spend time enjoying the gardens for all the small details. Would recommend buying a guide book first. Careful with the directions. Do not use Sat Nav.Thank you for the kind review, we are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable visit. We would recommend using google maps for directions.Written 4 October 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 3 October 2023
- DJM1945Montrose, United Kingdom1,852 contributionsA garden which is colourful, beautiful and interesting.The Japanese Garden in Dollar is certainly worth a visit and we will certainly be back. The garden is really photogenic and the circular walk is straightforward and we had a wheelchair bound member of the family with us. The garden is beautifully laid out.Thank you for leaving us a kind review. We are happy to hear that you had a great day out.Written 23 October 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 20 October 2023
- Nick CutterForest of Dean, United Kingdom89 contributionsAbsolutely stunningLovely day out. Hidden gem. Not heavily advertised anywhere, so it was a little surprise that I enjoyed it as much as I did. It’s honestly amazing. The best time to go is summer because the place is just really stunning with the trees and the flowers. Felt so calm and serene walking around the grounds. So many cool elements to it. Lovely water features and so many textures and everything. Got great photos. Quite busy when we were there. Has a cafe and everything. Time well spent thereThank you for the great rating and review - we are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable visit during our summer months. We hope you will visit us again soon.Written 9 November 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 27 October 2023
- h0ls12345Perth and Kinross, United Kingdom4 contributionsAn excellent experienceBeautiful peaceful reflective and calm. Recieved a gift voucher with garden entry and afternoon tea. A most lovely gift for an exceptional experience in the garden and the tea room. Will most definitely return.Thank you for taking the time to review us - we are delighted to hear that you had a lovely visit to the garden along with afternoon tea - we look forward to welcoming you back soon.Written 9 November 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 8 November 2023
- FraserScotEdinburgh, United Kingdom17 contributionsIncredible Japanese garden in the middle of Scotland!What an incredible place! The gardens are beyond beautiful. Such a serene place. And in the middle of such natural beauty, with so many other, beautiful places nearby. Everyone should visit once. Plenty of easy and free parking. Nice little gift shop and cafe.Thank you for leaving us a great review - we are pleased to hear that you had a lovely visit and enjoyed the onsite cafe too. We hope we can welcome you back again soon.Written 1 December 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 30 November 2023
- Charles MPerros-Guirec, France154 contributionsPerfect family outing. Will return in summerGorgeous little secret in the area. Even in early Feb and with elderly mother in buggy, the peaceful beauty was abundant. Paths were ok for a very basic electric buggy, no issues. And the cafe was spot on, relaxing and uncluttered with great food. Nice and clean, perfect.Thank you for taking the time to leave us a positive review Charles. We are happy to hear that you had an enjoyable day out and we hope that we can welcome you and your family back again soon.Written 13 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 12 February 2024
- Matt JMEdinburgh, United Kingdom203 contributionsAn oasis of beauty and peaceSince moving to Fife a few years ago I'd heard a few people mention the Japanese garden at Dollar so finally went to see what all the fuss was about. I'm not sure if this is a "hidden" gem anymore as it was quite busy but a gem nonetheless. The gardens are immaculately well maintained in the traditional Japanese style and are a joy to wonder around, especially on a nice day. There are plenty of great spots for taking photos or just sitting and taking in the beauty of the place. There is a cafe, arty shop and ice cream parlour so everyone is well catered for. I'll definitely be visiting again in the summer and would recommend here to anyone looking for a moment of Zen in the most stunning of settings.Thank you for the kind review - we are pleased to hear that you had a lovely visit and we look forward to welcoming you back in the summer.Written 13 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 February 2024
- Catherine MLos Angeles, California74 contributions美しいBook in advance. We drove the wrong way through Dollar. Do not travel that route, the road is way too small for 2 way traffic. Dogs are not welcome in the formal garden but can be taken on the lead though the woodland. It was busy even on a cold March day. It is an exposed site. It was nice to be able to hear the trees in the wind. Even though it was too early for spring flowers or blossom one could see a fine structure. The garden is well tended and is was a pleasure to walk about. We are planning to return in a few weeks time in hopes of blossoms.Thank you for your kind review - we are happy to hear that you had an enjoyable visit. The best way to get to us is by following the road signs through Dollar out towards the direction of Muckhart.Written 11 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 March 2024
- Anonymous168 contributionsHidden havenA lovely garden with stunning scenery and a unique feel. Nature enthusiasts will have a great time looking out for the frogs all over the garden. We also really enjoyed our break at the little tearoom - the chocolate cake was one of the best we've ever had! Personally I wouldn't recommend visiting in April; it was very bitter during our visit and not much was in bloom, but I expect it's lovely in the summer months. There was also some noisy restoration work going on which didn't affect our visit too much but spoiled the scenery a bit. The garden is quite out of the way, so be sure to plan your journey in advance.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 1 April 2024
- JennyScotland, United Kingdom33 contributionsBirthday Visit to the Japanese Garden 🌸I have wanted to visit this beautiful garden for ages, but never found myself in a position to do so. My partner asked me what i wanted to do for my birthday this year, so I asked for a visit to this wonderful place. Tickets booked and we arrived as soon as it opened, it was busy but not too much that it was crowded. Had a lovely walk around the garden and even sat on the quirky toadstool shaped seat to pause and admire the view with a wee biscuit 🍪 Unfortunately we were unable to book an afternoon tea as it was fully booked a long time in advance, but it didn’t matter as the experience was lovely. The staff were so friendly and informative, especially regarding the plants to buy at the shop afterward. The beautiful yellow Azalea in the gardens smelled wonderful and I will be buying some for my garden at home. We will be back again, maybe in the winter to see the garden change with the seasons. Thank you for a lovely experience 🙂Thank you for taking the time to leave us a wonderful review Jenny. It is always nice to hear that our customers have had a lovely visit. We hope we can welcome you back again soon.Written 6 May 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 May 2024
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4.5
266 reviews
Excellent
178
Very good
50
Average
14
Poor
9
Terrible
15
John M
Whitburn, UK290 contributions
Aug 2020
At Last we got here and so glad we came. We have visited many ornamental Japanese gardens and some have been truly breathtaking, this garden is in the same class if it still has a wee bit of development going on. This is good to see as it is an ongoing project dependent on visitors and donations. During this time they have every possible measure in place to keep you safe from the minute you park the signs are prominent there is sanitiser every where even on the woodland walk. We did not realise there was an eating area but people were clearly enjoying the food on offer so we will remember to sample it on our next visit which will be soon. They even have tented picnic benches which kids will love. The lake is superb and lots of plant specimens you rarely see elsewhere. Highest recommendation.
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for such a lovely review, we are so glad that you enjoyed your recent visit with us. We hope to welcome you back to the garden again soon.
Written 3 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian M
Stirling, UK47 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Considering this is virtually on our doorstep we have never been before. We were not disappointed, it was lovely and well worth a visit. I disagree with comments saying it's too expensive, you have to remember this is dependant on money through the door to help develop the garden. Also the cafe food is good and again not any more expensive than anywhere else. Only down side is that the cafe can be very busy due to the size and tables inside are at a premium (weather permitting there are tables outside). I gave it 4 stars as I would love to go back in spring when the flowers are out and no doubt it would be stunning.
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the great review and feedback Ian. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your visit with us here at the garden.
Written 3 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marilyn W
South Queensferry, UK181 contributions
Aug 2021
A friend told us about this garden and we decided to visit this weekend. What a find. I didn't know this place existed but I am certainly glad we heard about it.
At present you still have to book a time slot but they do give you an hour for your time slot so if you are running a wee bit late it's not a problem. They open at 10.30am and we had chosen the 10.30 - 11.30 slot thinking it might be quiet but surprisingly there were a good few other people who had the same idea as we had, although to be honest it was no where near as busy then as when we left around lunch time.
The Japanese Garden is utterly gorgeous arranged around the lake, but that is not all that is there. There are at least four other woodland walks that you can do and it also has a children's play area with loads of stuff for kids to do. By all means take your kids here they will love it.
The shop and the cafe are small but there is tons of outdoor seating behind the cafe if the weather is ok and there is also a picnic area if you want to bring your own food.
The staff are excellent and could not be more helpful and the car park does have an overspill car park which we noticed when we left was starting to fill up so the place must be popular even with having to book.
One final thing is that although it is called and signposted on the road as The Japanese Garden the sign on the wall says Cowden Gardens. We nearly drove passed it.
At present you still have to book a time slot but they do give you an hour for your time slot so if you are running a wee bit late it's not a problem. They open at 10.30am and we had chosen the 10.30 - 11.30 slot thinking it might be quiet but surprisingly there were a good few other people who had the same idea as we had, although to be honest it was no where near as busy then as when we left around lunch time.
The Japanese Garden is utterly gorgeous arranged around the lake, but that is not all that is there. There are at least four other woodland walks that you can do and it also has a children's play area with loads of stuff for kids to do. By all means take your kids here they will love it.
The shop and the cafe are small but there is tons of outdoor seating behind the cafe if the weather is ok and there is also a picnic area if you want to bring your own food.
The staff are excellent and could not be more helpful and the car park does have an overspill car park which we noticed when we left was starting to fill up so the place must be popular even with having to book.
One final thing is that although it is called and signposted on the road as The Japanese Garden the sign on the wall says Cowden Gardens. We nearly drove passed it.
Written 3 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your 5 star review. We are glad you had such a good time and enjoyed your visit. We hope we can welcome you to the garden again soon.
Written 6 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Haxel
2 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Having only recently heard about this hidden gem in Clackmannanshire, my husband and I recently visited the Japanese Gardens. What a truly magical experience fron start to finish. In this uncertain time of COVID, there were clear signs indicating one way for visitors and hand sanitiser everywhere. The cafe operates and outside seating takeaway facility with a lovely selection of hot food and home baking. If you find yourself in this beautiful part of the world.... this is a must visit. The gardens are truly spectacular, and incredibly well kept.
Written 6 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review we very appreciate it , we are so pleased you enjoyed walking around the gardens and enjoyed our food at our café. Hope you visit again.
Written 11 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
THISTLETON22
Glasgow, UK17 contributions
Apr 2022
Having seen a photo of the garden on social media I decided to make a day of it by driving an hour to get there. The garden was pretty, but seriously ...... £8.50 !!!!!! It takes 15 mins to walk round the garden and that was it.
To kill more time before heading home I went to the cafe for a coffee. The cafe was quite quiet but I waited about 15 mins for my coffee to arrive. I was looking forward to a nice cup of coffee but instead I was served a tiny cup like the kind you get in a hospital. Not what I would have expected from a tea room, and certainly not worth the money they charged with from memory was about £2.75.
To kill more time before heading home I went to the cafe for a coffee. The cafe was quite quiet but I waited about 15 mins for my coffee to arrive. I was looking forward to a nice cup of coffee but instead I was served a tiny cup like the kind you get in a hospital. Not what I would have expected from a tea room, and certainly not worth the money they charged with from memory was about £2.75.
Written 2 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
linda S
Perth and Kinross, UK78 contributions
Oct 2020
This a magical garden to visit,very peaceful when walking round with great views over the water. The children's garden over the road from car park was terrific for children from a wishing tree to various activities for the kids to enjoy spent a good three quarters of an in children's garden great fun. Denver to ask for kids activities pack when entering gardens kiosk ,would highly recommend Would need transport to visit bit off the main road.
Written 8 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting our Gardens , we are so pleased you and your children enjoyed the Gardens . Hope you visit again
Written 11 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,766 contributions
Sept 2020
I've always loved the style of Japanese landscaped gardens. Having been to Japan and seen some truly outstanding examples of this art form, seeing this garden in Scotland was a surprise. The Japanese Garden here in Cowden just blew me away. I came mid September and enjoying an Indian Summer. The design of the garden is beautiful and even more so set against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Highlands for endless photogenic vistas.
The zen gardens (I think) was never something I was going to comprehend, but beautiful. I loved the way the planted parts of this gardens formed mini landscapes on their own, like viewing a mini island in a sea of grey gravel.
The paths and seats around the lake, the bridges of the lake and mini stream all provide amazing vantage points to see the gardens from different points of view. But I thought the best vantage point of all is at the eastern edge of the lake looking west, when you see most of the garden, with the mountains in the background. That view blew me away.
I cannot believe there can be such a hidden gem in Scotland and not to have known about it till now. I've sent a few photos to friends, family etc and they now want to see in person. As others have mentioned, there is an on-site and open air cafe, to eat, drink and enjoy the views.
I would give this 10 out of 10 if I could. I will be back.
The zen gardens (I think) was never something I was going to comprehend, but beautiful. I loved the way the planted parts of this gardens formed mini landscapes on their own, like viewing a mini island in a sea of grey gravel.
The paths and seats around the lake, the bridges of the lake and mini stream all provide amazing vantage points to see the gardens from different points of view. But I thought the best vantage point of all is at the eastern edge of the lake looking west, when you see most of the garden, with the mountains in the background. That view blew me away.
I cannot believe there can be such a hidden gem in Scotland and not to have known about it till now. I've sent a few photos to friends, family etc and they now want to see in person. As others have mentioned, there is an on-site and open air cafe, to eat, drink and enjoy the views.
I would give this 10 out of 10 if I could. I will be back.
Written 18 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, we really appreciate your feedback on our garden. Hope to see you again at the garden soon.
Written 19 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TheGoodShag
Crook of Devon, UK290 contributions
Jul 2021
Took my elderly mother out for lunch and thought that the cafe here would be a pleasant change. How wrong I was. Asked if they could take us and the woman behind the desk said that will be £14. I replied that that we only wanted something to eat and not to see round the garden; my mother is 92 and very infirm. "Oh, we don't do that." was the response. No apology, nothing. So you can't visit the cafe without paying the entry fee for the garden!
Given that this place is still getting off the ground and trying to fundraise for the restoration of the garden, you would think that any revenue would be welcome. I would suggest that their business plan needs a little work. This is NOT how to encourage visitors.
Given that this place is still getting off the ground and trying to fundraise for the restoration of the garden, you would think that any revenue would be welcome. I would suggest that their business plan needs a little work. This is NOT how to encourage visitors.
Written 1 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ian1811
Scotland, UK633 contributions
Sept 2020
What a lovely peaceful garden to walk around and admire. You can spend as long or little time going around it . Care might be needed when crossing some of the wooden bridges and stepping stones when damp. There are certain paths that are wheelchair/pushchair friendly. Once you have done the gardens there is a woodland walk with some activities for children too.
At the moment there is a Teahouse being built which through weekdays can spoil the peace a bit with the workmen, but it doesn't detract from the gardens.
Also on site, they have toilets and a cafe area.
At the moment there is a Teahouse being built which through weekdays can spoil the peace a bit with the workmen, but it doesn't detract from the gardens.
Also on site, they have toilets and a cafe area.
Written 23 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting us Ian. We hope to welcome you back again soon.
Written 24 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephen Humphreys
Edinburgh, UK41 contributions
Sept 2021 • Friends
This was our second visit. My wife and I enjoyed the gardens so much on our last visit we came back with family. We also enjoyed the afternoon tea, more of which later. The gardens are a lovely tranquil place to visit. The planting is such that this will repay visits through the open season. The afternoon tea was among the best I have had, and that includes the Ritz in London. All the sandwiches were freshly made on homemade bread. The scones and cakes are similarly home made as is the cream and jam. The sandwich fillings were all very tasty. Altogether a thoroughly enjoyable visit.
Written 26 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the wonderful review. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed the Afternoon Tea made by our head chef and baker. We hope you can visit us again soon.
Written 28 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yes there is, and most of the Japanese garden is wheelchair accessible, however there are some inclines.
Written 20 September 2024
Not in the Japanese garden unfortunately there is grounds around which you can stretch their legs
Written 17 July 2021
Are you allowed to take a picnic is there somewhere to sit .Do you have scooters for disabled? Do you take group bookings.
Written 11 June 2021
There is a designated picnic area for customers to bring their own picnic. We do have a wheelchair available for customer use. Unfortunately due to Covid restrictions we are unable to take group bookings at the moment.
Written 24 June 2021
How long do you spend in the gardens?
Written 17 November 2020
You can spend as long as you want, depends if you have children with you. The children's walk across from car park is very good ( kids loved it ) get activities pack as reception. The walk round the Japanese Garden at a leisurely stroll around an hour
Written 22 November 2020
Closed Monday's and Tuesdays and doesn't open till 11am will also close at the end of Octover.
Written 2 October 2018
From their website:
Tickets: GENERAL ADMISSION until 28th October
Tickets may be bought on the day you visit (11.00am – 4.30pm Wed-Sun)
Adult: £6.00
Senior Citizens (over 65) and Youth (16-24): £5.00
Children 4 – 15: £4.00
Children 3 and under: free
Disabled and Primary Carer: free
Family: 2 adults incl. 2 or 3 children: £18
Single Family: 1 adult incl. 2 or 3 children: £13.00
Written 1 October 2018
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