📌 Pool of Muckhart, Clackmannanshire
★★★★
Cowden Garden has only sprung into life on the Scottish garden scene in the last few years, but it has a long history. A Japanese garden was first designed by the female landscape designer Taki Handa early in the 20th century in the grounds of Cowden Castle. After falling into disrepair and suffering from vandalism, it’s only recently been restored to its former glory – and what a transformation! The seven acre site is centred upon an elongated pond, with zigzagging walkways and an elegant arched bridge crossing it at its midpoint via a tiny island. Pavilions, rockeries, tumbling streams and countless ornaments are dotted around the outskirts, combining to form a serene and sublime spectacle, and – Instagrammers take note – an extremely photogenic one. There are also a handful of quieter woodland walks on the eastern side of the site, including a shaded adventure area for kids.
🌍 Location
📌 By minor road 1 mi west of Pool of Muckhart
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NS 982998
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 56.179395,-3.642363
🚌 Bus stops on A91 at Anchorage (1 mi)
🚗 Car park
📝 Key info
⌚ Wednesday to Monday, April to 3 November 2024; Wednesday to Sunday for rest of year except 1-16 January
🎫 £9.25 adult / £5.75 child – advance booking advised in high season
