Heritage Britain

Castles in Inverness-shire, Highlands and Islands

Cawdor Castle, Inverness-shire

Cawdor Castle

Nairn
Inverness-shire
Highlands and Islands
IV12 5RD
Tel: +44 (0) 1667 404401
Fax: +44 (0)1667 404674
Email: click here
Cawdor Castle online: information and bookings

This splendid romantic castle dating from the late 14th century was built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor, and remains the home of The Dowager Countess Cawdor to this day. The ancient medieval tower was built around the legendary holly-tree

Although the house has evolved over 600 years, later additions mainly of the 17th century were all built in the Scottish vernacular style with slated roofs over walls and crow-stepped gables of mellow 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.

Good furniture, fine portraits and pictures, interesting objects and outstanding tapestries are arranged to please the family rather than to echo fashion or impress. Memories of Shakespeare’s Macbeth give Cawdor an elusive, evocative quality that delights visitors.

The Flower Garden has again a family feel to it, where plants are chosen out of affection rather than affectation. This is a lovely spot between spring and late summer. The Wild Garden beside its stream leads into beautiful trails through a spectacular mature mixed woodland, through which paths are helpfully marked and colour-coded.

The walled garden has been restored over the last twenty years by Lord and Lady Cawdor, to recreate a 16th century atmosphere, the date of the garden walls. It comprises a holly maze, paradise garden, knot garden and orchard.

For the keen shopper there is a Gift Shop: items include cashmere, china, leather goods, children’s toys, sweets and a wide selection of products made in Scotland, many exclusively for Cawdor Castle. The Highland Shop sells a wide and unusual selection of books, prints, stationery and cards. The Wool Shop: the best of Scottish cashmere, capes, ponchos and a large collection of sweaters, scarves and stoles.

The licensed restaurant and coffee house serves good country cooking and delicious home baking.

For the amateur golfer there is an interesting, but not too taxing, 9-hole golf course, definitely worth trying.

Cawdor Castle, Inverness-shire

Facilities
Historic House, Gardens, Restaurant, Tea Room, Picnic Area, Car Park,

Additional Services
4 star rated Banchor Cottage, part of the property of the nearby Cawdor Castle, lies nestled in the Findhorn Valley overlooking the picturesque River Findhorn. This secluded location is perfect for the get-away holiday in which to relax and enjoy the immediate surroundings, but is also ideally situated as a base for fishing, hill walking, sightseeing and touring.

Further Information
ACCOMMODATION AT BANCHOR COTTAGE - Banchor Cottage, part of the property of the nearby Cawdor Castle, lies nestled in the Findhorn Valley overlooking the picturesque River Findhorn. This secluded location is perfect for the get-away holiday in which to relax and enjoy the immediate surroundings, but is also ideally situated as a base for fishing, hill walking, sightseeing and touring

In case of alteration, please check prices, opening times and any specific important information before booking or visiting

Go Back to Highlands and Islands?
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Places to Stay near Cawdor Castle

Swallow Golf View Hotel, Nairn
Cawdor Tavern, Cawdor
Banchor Cottage, Nairn
North End, Nairn