Cawdor Castle
Medieval castle inextricably linked with Macbeth.
Nairn, Nairnshire, IV12 5RD
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Free parking
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
As a historic property we face limitations within the castle interior for customers with mobility issues.
Our landscaped gardens are fully accessible, with wide paths suitable for wheelchair users. We have decorative benches placed throughout which are ideal for those visitors who may need to pause and rest whilst they explore the splendor of the gardens at their own pace. Accompanying carers receive free entry.
Our full 19-page Access Statement is available here: https://www.cawdorcastle.com/cawdor-castle/accessibility-access/
Cawdor Castle dates from the late 14th-century, having been built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor, with the ancient medieval tower built around the legendary holly tree – wherever you look, Cawdor Castle is steeped in intrigue and history.
Later additions, mainly from the 17th-century, were all built in a Scottish style with slated roofs over walls and crow-stepped gables of local stone. This style gives Cawdor a strong sense of unity, and the massive, severe exterior belies an intimate interior that gives the place a surprisingly personal, friendly atmosphere.
The imposing, rectangular tower-house consisted of four storeys and a garret with one entrance to the outside world set at upper first floor level; the perfect design to keep out unwelcome visitors.
This ancient castle, home to the Cawdor family to this day, has evolved over 600 years and has been lovingly filled with beautiful furniture, fine portraits, intriguing objects and amazing tapestries.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Cawdor Castle and its associated attractions offer a variety of experiences for visitors. Below is a detailed summary of the opening times, attractions, and other relevant information:
Opening Times
Cawdor Castle and Gardens will be open from Saturday, 26th April 2025 to Sunday, 5th October 2025, daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For the 2026 season, the opening dates are Saturday, 25th April 2026 to Sunday, 4th October 2026, with the same daily hours. The last entry is at 5:00 PM.
Currently, the castle and gardens are closed to the public and will reopen at the end of April 2026.
Admission Prices
- 2025 Season:
- Castle, Gardens, Grounds, and Nature Trails: Adults £16.50, Concessions £14.50, Children (6-15) £8.50, Under 5s free, Family Day Pass £40.00.
- Gardens, Grounds, and Nature Trails only: Adults £10.00, Children (5-16) £8.00, Under 5s free.
- 2026 Season:
- Castle, Gardens, Grounds, and Nature Trails: Adults £17.00, Concessions £15.00, Children (6-15) £8.50, Under 5s free, Family Day Pass £40.00.
- Gardens, Grounds, and Nature Trails only: Adults £10.00, Children (5-16) £7.50, Under 5s free.
Attractions
- The Castle: A traditional Scottish castle with a medieval tower and a rich history.
- The Gardens: Three distinct gardens: the Flower Garden, the Walled Garden, and the Wild Garden, each with unique features and historical significance.
- Cawdor Big Wood: Ancient oakwood with nature trails ranging from ¾ mile to 5 miles.
- Courtyard Café: Offers freshly prepared, homegrown, and local produce.
- Golf Course: A 9-hole course available for visitors.
Special Notes
- The labyrinth in the Walled Garden is closed to the public but can be viewed as a sculptural feature.
- Auchindoune Gardens are not open to the public this season.
- Dogs are welcome in the gardens and grounds but must be kept on a short lead.
For group visits, special rates and tours are available, including private tours and guided experiences in the gardens and woodlands.
Historic Houses members can visit for free by presenting a valid membership at the ticket desk on arrival.
Tickets may be, but do not have to be, pre-booked; please any pre-booking will incur a charge.
Find out more about pre-booking experiences at Cawdor here.
Castle admission:
- Adult: £16.50
- Concession: £14.50
- Child: £8.50 (aged 5-15 yrs)
- Family: £40 (2 adults and up to 5 children 5-15 yrs).
- Gardens Only: £10
A reduced entrance rate is available for groups of 12+ when booked and paid together.
Privately guided group tours of the Castle and/or Gardens can be arranged, by appointment, when open and during the closed season.
Please contact the office on 01667 404401 or email [email protected] for more information on the above.
We welcome schools and educational visits and can provide a brief introduction to the castle and its history from one of our Castle Guides.
As a historic property we face limitations within the castle interior for customers with mobility issues.
Our landscaped gardens are fully accessible, with wide paths suitable for wheelchair users. We have decorative benches placed throughout which are ideal for those visitors who may need to pause and rest whilst they explore the splendor of the gardens at their own pace. Accompanying carers receive free entry.
Our full 19-page Access Statement is available here: https://www.cawdorcastle.com/cawdor-castle/accessibility-access/
Getting here
Nairn, Nairnshire, IV12 5RD
The main visitor entrance is at ///binders.beak.desktop. What does this mean?
A short distance from the A9 at Inverness, Cawdor Castle can be found off the A96. Follow the B9090 to Cawdor Village where signs will lead you to the castle.
The castle can also be reached by public transport to Nairn where a taxi would be required.
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