Why this 'trailblazing' and 'most unusual' Japanese garden is Scotland's best

If you're on the lookout for a lovely day out to make the most of the scorching hot weather, then this "trailblazing" and "brilliant" Japanese garden might be the place for you.

The Japanese Garden at Cowden in Clackmannanshire opened in the early 20th century and has since been a popular spot for gardening enthusiasts.

After returning from a trip to Japan, Scottish adventurer Ella Christie sought to bring a bit of the country back with her.

Her approach to the garden was "trailblazing" as she hired a female designer to create the seven-acre site, according to the garden's official website.

The Japanese Garden at Cowden was the 'first' of its scale to be designed by a woman (Image: Tripadvisor) The "gifted" Taki Handa was the mind behind what was, at the time of its construction, the "first" garden of its scale to be designed by a woman.

Since being given a new lease of life in the 1960s by the renowned Japanese architect and garden designer Professor Masao Fukuhara, it has won a number of awards.

Why the 'trailblazing' and 'brilliant' Japanese Garden at Cowden is Scotland's best

The Japanese Garden at Cowden has long been praised for its quaint little bridges, statues, paths and wildlife.

Visitors gave the location in Scotland a 4.4/5 out of 278 reviews on Tripadvisor, with one person calling it one of the "most beautiful" Japanese gardens they have ever seen.

They added: "It was pouring but still worth the visit as its magic is still there when raining. I will definitely go back when the weather gets better."

Visitors have dubbed the garden a 'most unusual' find (Image: Tripadvisor) Another penned: "Brilliant and relaxing place. Wandered around exploring for a good while.

"Lots of little things to take your attention. Bridges over water, statues, and little paths. A good amount of just-hatched frogs and dragonflies, which kept us occupied for 20 minutes!"

A third user said: "Keeping it short, this garden is about as close as you'll get to seeing a genuine Japanese garden without going to Japan.

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"Beautifully kept and very spacious, you can spend quite a while here enjoying the tranquil pathways."

Another added: "The Japanese element of the garden is well worth the visit. Make sure you book because it is busy and numbers are limited each hour."

One person dubbed it "a real hidden gem," while another said it was a "delightful spot" and a "most unusual" find.