Cawdor Castle, Inverness

Castle near Inverness

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Lesbardd

Cawdor Castle is one of the most enchanting historic homes in the Scottish Highlands, centred around a 15th-century tower house and expanded over the centuries into the elegant estate seen today. Though often linked to Shakespeare's Macbeth, the castle's roots lie not in the 11th-century drama but in real Highland lineage, first belonging to Clan Cawdor and later to the Campbells. With opulent rooms, romantic gardens, and a legendary holly tree at its core, it remains one of the top attractions in Nairnshire.

Visitors are drawn as much to the castle’s atmospheric interiors as to the surrounding grounds. From rich tapestries and portraits to a historic kitchen frozen in time, the castle offers a vivid journey into centuries of Highland aristocratic life.

History and Significance of Cawdor Castle
Things to See and Do in Cawdor Castle
How to Get to Cawdor Castle
Practical Tips on Visiting Cawdor Castle
Where to Stay close to Cawdor Castle
Is Cawdor Castle Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Cawdor Castle
Nearby Attractions to Cawdor Castle

History and Significance of Cawdor Castle

Built around a medieval tower house dating to the late 15th century, Cawdor Castle began as the stronghold of the Thanes of Cawdor. In the 16th century, it passed by marriage into the hands of the Campbells, who expanded the property and shaped it into the stately home known today. While its link to Macbeth is purely literary, the castle holds a fascinating legend of its own: according to tradition, a donkey carrying gold lay down beneath a holly tree, indicating where the castle should be built. Remarkably, a living holly tree-later dated to 1372-still stands preserved in the castle's dungeon.

Over successive generations, the Campbells enriched the estate with new wings, elegant interiors, and landscaped gardens. The castle has remained continuously inhabited, preserving its authentic character and layers of history.

Things to See and Do in Cawdor Castle

Inside the castle, the Drawing Room showcases centuries of Campbell family portraits and fine furnishings, offering an intimate glimpse into aristocratic life. The Tapestry Bedroom retains rare and valuable wall hangings, while the Dining Room impresses with a grand stone fireplace and polished antiques. The Old Kitchen, complete with a 19th-century range, original utensils, and hanging copper pots, feels remarkably untouched.

Outdoors, the estate features three superb gardens, each with its own theme: the Walled Garden dating to the 17th century, the wild and colourful Flower Garden, and the peaceful Woodland Garden. Surrounding the castle lies the Cawdor Big Wood, a beautiful ancient forest ideal for tranquil walks. Visitors also have access to a 9-hole golf course, adding a unique recreational option to the estate.

The shops-selling books, gifts, woollen goods, and local crafts-along with a restaurant in the castle and a snack bar near the car park make it easy to spend a leisurely visit here.

How to Get to Cawdor Castle

Inverness Airport is the nearest airport, located roughly 12 miles from the castle and offering several domestic and international routes. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Inverness on Booking.com.

The closest railway station is in Nairn, with regular services from Inverness, Aberdeen, and beyond. From Nairn, taxis and local buses provide access to Cawdor village and the castle. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Travelling by car is straightforward: Cawdor Castle lies about 5 miles southwest of Nairn and is well signposted along local routes. Ample parking is available near the entrance.

Practical Tips on Visiting Cawdor Castle

Suggested tips: Arrive early to explore both the castle and gardens at a relaxed pace.
Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn when gardens are in bloom.
Entrance fee: adult/child £11.50/7.20
Opening hours: 10am-5.30pm May-Sep
Official website: http://www.cawdorcastle.com/
How long to spend: 1.5-2 hours for the castle and gardens.
Accessibility: Some areas have stairs; the gardens include gravel paths.
Facilities: Shops, restaurant, snack bar, restrooms, and picnic areas.
Photography tip: Capture the castle reflected in the nearby burn for a classic view.
Guided tours: Audio guides and informative panels enhance the visit.
Nearby food options: Onsite restaurant plus cafés in Cawdor and Nairn.

Where to Stay close to Cawdor Castle

For a charming rural stay, Cawdor House offers character-filled accommodation within easy reach of the castle and coast. Travellers seeking comfort and convenience can opt for The Golf View Hotel, known for its spa and sea views. Another relaxing option is Boath House, a beautifully restored country house hotel.

Is Cawdor Castle Worth Visiting?

Yes-Cawdor Castle is a richly rewarding destination combining history, legend, and Highland beauty. Its lavish rooms, evocative stories, and exquisite gardens create an experience that appeals to history enthusiasts, garden lovers, and cultural travellers alike. This spot is one of the best places to see in Nairnshire and delivers a memorable insight into Scotland's aristocratic past.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (3,606)

Cawdor Castle and Gardens in Cawdor, Nairn (IV12 5RD) is a well-preserved, still-occupied medieval castle linked in its summary to the thane of Cawdor; visitors praise the tapestries, drawbridge and the lived-in atmosphere. The grounds include extensive, attractive gardens and a nearby play area, and guests note useful audio/modern multilingual tour guides, friendly staff, a café (serving items like soup, bread, apple juice from the orchard and vegan cakes) and a gift shop. Visits are described as enjoyable, understated rather than ostentatious, offering plenty to see and explore for a few hours.

Claire Louise

5 months ago

"Excellent visitor attraction and a great day out. The castle is well preserved and still occupied by the descendants of the original Thane of Cawdor.Rich in history and interesting to explore. The gardens and grounds are beautiful. Highly recommend this castle if you are visiting the area. Cafe and gift shop on site...."

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Chris Nixon

3 months ago

"Enjoyed this place. It is gloriously understated, especially when compared to other stately homes (and occupied castles) and yet remained regal,pleasant and interesting to visit. There were no vulgar displays of excessive wealth found in so many. Audio guide was good. Garden wasn't in the prime largely due to my arrival in the later part of September...."

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poppy groombridge

2 months ago

"Lovely Castle to walk around with lots of interesting history. We spent around 2 hours there and also had some lunch at the cafe which had deliciousapple juice made from the apples in their orchard and a selection of vegan cakes. Super friendly staff who were happy to answer all questions. Gardens were beautiful!..."

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FAQs for Visiting Cawdor Castle

Only through Shakespeare’s play; the real events predate the castle by centuries.

Yes, it is preserved in the castle’s dungeon.

Absolutely-they are one of the highlights of the estate.

Yes, it remains a family residence.

Around 1.5-2 hours is ideal.

Nearby Attractions to Cawdor Castle

Clava Cairns: A Bronze Age complex with burial cairns and standing stones.
Culloden Battlefield: The site of the 1746 Jacobite defeat.
Fort George: An impressive 18th-century military fortress.
Nairn Beach: A beautiful stretch of sand on the Moray Firth.
Brodie Castle: A turreted 16th-century castle with extensive grounds.

The Cawdor Castle appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Inverness!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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