Frequently Asked Questions

Dogs

Are dogs allowed in the garden?

    Only Assistance Dogs are allowed in the Japanese Garden and Christie Walk. However, dogs on leads are welcome to enjoy the Woodland Walk, Lime Tree Avenue and outside seating areas. 

    Tickets/Website

    Do I need to book tickets in advance?

      During the spring/summer season, we recommend that entry tickets are booked in advance via our website. These apply to the full estate and we ask that you only arrive within your chosen arrival slot.

      If you are having technical difficulties, please contact sales@cowdengarden.com or give us a call on 07876117703.  We advise that you do not travel to the garden without a booked ticket in the summer as we do sell out most days, especially for the earlier sessions. 

      Do I receive tickets to print out?

        You will receive a confirmation email from cowdengarden.com and an additional email from bookthatapp.com with your ticket(s). This will contain details of the date and time of your visit. You can either print this out, or show it on a mobile device to the person at the ticket desk when you arrive. If you do not receive this email, first check your junk folder, and if you still cannot find it please give us a call to make sure your booking has gone through. 

        I’ve made a mistake while booking my tickets, can I change it?

          Please email sales@cowdengarden.com and we will try our best to help you.  Please note, all bookings are non-exchangeable and non-refundable, so make sure you check the weather before you book!

          Can I organise for a group to come and visit?

            If you are interested in attending the garden in a group greater than 10 you must email sales@cowdengarden.com for a booking form. We are unable to accept groups greater than 30, with our tearoom only able to accommodate a group of 15 people at one time. For more details see our "Tickets" tab where there is further information on group bookings. 

            Please note that no group bookings will be accepted on weekends, bank or school holidays between April and October.

            I have a supporter’s pass/volunteer pass/gift voucher, do I still need to book?

              Yes, we recommend booking to avoid disappointment as a Supporters Pass or Gift Voucher does not guarantee entry unless pre booked online. Please be sure to select the correct ticket type and then bring your tickets along with your pass/voucher to the ticket desk.

              Do you have a 12 Month Pass?

                Yes, we offer a 12-month supporter’s pass (Single, Double or Family), which can be bought online or in person.  This entitles you to free entry for a year. Please note that supporter’s pass holders should book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment; selecting the ‘Supporter’s Pass Holder’ option will allow you to do so for free.

                Can I buy a Gift Voucher for someone else?

                  We have a range of gift vouchers which you can buy either on our website or in person.

                   

                  Accessibility (please see our Accessibility Guide for full details)

                  Is the garden suitable for wheelchair users?

                    The Japanese Garden, Christie Walk, Lime Tree Avenue and Woodland Walks are all suitable for wheelchair users, although most of our customers find that due to the sloped paths and loose gravel surface having a motorised scooter or someone who can assist with pushing the wheelchair is beneficial. There are a number of steep paths which may be difficult to use, so we have signposted the most suitable routes for wheelchair users.

                    Do you have a wheelchair available for hire?

                      We have one manual wheelchair which we allow our customers to use free of charge; if you would like to book it out please email sales@cowdengarden.com before booking your tickets to check its availability.

                      Do you have disabled parking?

                        Yes, there is disabled parking at the top of the car park. If this area of the car park is full, visitors can request access to a separate drop off area. 

                        Are there places around the garden where I can stop and sit?

                          Yes, there are a number of benches situated around the garden, so you can stop and rest at various points.

                          Is the garden child-friendly?

                            We absolutely welcome children into the garden, and have a number of fun activities for them to complete. We also have a treehouse, adventure boardwalk, and various other play items in the Woodland Walk. We ask that all children under the age of 16 are accompanied by an adult.

                             

                            Do you have toilet facilities available?

                              Yes, we have toilet facilities including a disabled toilet with baby change facilities.

                               

                              Tearoom

                              Do I need a Garden Ticket to visit the tearoom?
                              On sold out days, the tearoom is for the exclusive use of our garden visitors in order to give those with booked tickets priority of our carpark. The rest of the year the tearoom will be available to everybody. 

                              Can I book a table?

                                We do not take bookings for our tearoom. Tables are filled on a first come, first served basis. Unless you are visiting for one of our Themed Lunches (seasonal) or Afternoon Tea which both need to be booked in advance through our website. 

                                Do you have gluten free/vegan options?

                                  We have gluten free and vegan options on our menu. Also our Afternoon Tea and other bookable meals can be adapted. Please make us aware in advance if you are booking an Afternoon Tea. 

                                  Can I bring my own picnic?

                                    You are welcome to bring your own food, however we ask that you only eat it in the designated picnic areas. We have tables available by the Lime Tree Avenue Walk, by our Ice Cream Hut or in the Woodland areas. Please do not use the outdoor seating area next to the Tearoom.

                                     

                                    General

                                    Can I fly a drone in the garden?

                                      To respect the privacy of our visitors we do not allow drone flying in the garden.

                                      Can I get married at the Japanese Garden?

                                        Absolutely!  Please email events@cowdengarden.com to be sent a copy of our wedding brochure and booking form.

                                        How long does it take to walk around the garden?

                                          Most of our visitors walk around the Japanese Garden in around 45 minutes, although this will vary depending on your walking speed.  There are then three additional walks for you to explore which can each take between 15 and 45 minutes.  Most customers spend around 3 hours in the Japanese Garden altogether, when taking visiting the Tearoom into account.

                                          Can I buy a plant that I’ve seen in the garden?

                                            We have a number of plants on sale, most of which are growing in the garden.  If you would like more information on a specific plant, please ask a member of staff to put you in touch with a member of our gardening team, or email garden@cowdengarden.com.

                                            I loved my visit – how can I help?

                                              We love hearing about what a lovely time you’ve had, so please leave a review on Tripadvisor or Facebook and tell everyone to come and visit!  If you would like to make a donation, please visit the ‘shop’ section of our website or speak to a member of staff to find out how to do so.

                                              Can I set up a tripod to take photos?

                                                Tripods are not permitted as they may block paths for others and we wish to avoid people deviating from the paths as this may damage the grounds.

                                                I am a professional photographer – can I sell photographs of the Japanese Garden?

                                                  We charge a fee for professional photographers and artists looking to sell their photos/art of the garden. We will ask you to complete an application form and contact you to arrange a site meeting to discuss your proposal. You will be asked to conduct a risk assessment, provide evidence that you hold appropriate insurances, and to sign a contract covering the fee and other terms and conditions agreed. Visit the ‘Weddings & Hire’ section of our website for fee details or contact info@cowdengarden.com to find out more.

                                                  Can I paint or draw in the Japanese Garden? 

                                                  Artists can use the garden for painting and drawing only with prior written permission from The Japanese Garden Cowden. For more information and Terms and Conditions please contact : sales@cowdengarden.com. 

                                                  Can I volunteer at the Japanese Garden?

                                                    We have a number of volunteers who help out the garden team. If you would like to be involved, please contact outreach@cowdengarden.com. 

                                                    Where in the garden was the castle and is there anything left to view?

                                                      Cowden Castle was located at the bottom of the Woodland Walk and, unfortunately, was demolished in 1952 so there is no visible evidence remaining.

                                                      Can I smoke in the Japanese Garden?

                                                        No, the Japanese Garden and all of the surrounding walks are strictly non-smoking areas.

                                                        Does the garden close due to weather?

                                                        For the safety of our visitors and staff we may need to partially or fully close the garden due to severe weather, sometimes at short notice. However, where possible we do try to make any closure decisions as early as possible and notify our booked customers. Please see our garden closure policy under ‘Information’ on our website.

                                                         

                                                        Safety

                                                        Please note that the Japanese Garden is an ornamental garden and in order to retain authenticity there are many different shapes and sizes of stones dotted around the site. 

                                                        Please ensure that you wear appropriate outdoor footwear. 

                                                        We have noticed that some visitors choose to leave the perimeter path and walk on the ornamental paths, which have been laid using ancient, uneven stones.  In order to keep as much of the garden as accessible as possible for the enjoyment of everyone it is imperative that visitors take extra care while walking throughout the entire area.  We have chosen not to install warning signs at the entrance to each path and structure in keeping with the heritage of the garden.  Our visitors enter the garden at their own risk. 

                                                        Please note that the pond is deep and we advise that young children are accompanied at all times.