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 Opening Times 2026
General Estate Opening
Cawdor Castle, Gardens, Grounds and Nature Trails are open from Saturday 25th April to Sunday 4th October 2026, daily from 10am to 5pm. Last entry is at 5pm.
Gardens, Grounds and Nature Trails Only
If you wish to visit the gardens, grounds and nature trails without entering the castle, these are available during the same seasonal period: 25th April to 4th October 2026, 10am to 5pm daily (last entry 5pm).
Woodland Playpark and Cawdor Big Wood
Both the Woodland Playpark and Cawdor Big Wood with its nature trails are accessible during the general estate opening hours.
Additional Facilities
9-Hole Golf Course
The golf course operates seasonally from 1st May to 31st October each year. Visitor pay-and-play is available from 10am to 5pm. Members enjoy unlimited access during these seasonal opening hours.
Banchor Beat Fishing
Fishing on the River Findhorn is available from April to September.
Group Visits
Group visits can be arranged during the general seasonal opening period.
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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