Cawdor Castle, about fifteen miles east of Inverness near Nairn, is one of the most atmospheric castles in the Highlands because it is still a family home. Its core is a fourteenth-century tower house built by the Thanes of Cawdor, famously said to stand around a holly tree whose remains are still in the vaults, and later generations added wings, a drawbridge and fine interiors. Visitors walk through furnished rooms full of tapestries, portraits, furniture and curious objects, with witty notes written by the family. The castle's fame rests on Shakespeare's Macbeth, whose hero is named Thane of Cawdor, though the real castle was built long after the historical Macbeth. Outside, three gardens, including a walled garden with a holly maze, and the ancient Cawdor Big Wood reward a long visit. The castle opens from late April to early October.
Inside the castle
The route covers a series of principal rooms, from the drawing room and tapestry bedroom to the old kitchen and the vaulted chamber with the remains of the legendary holly tree around which the tower was built. The family notes on the walls add humour and personality, and the collections range from Flemish tapestries to modern art. It is a self-guided visit, and guided tours can be arranged for groups.
The gardens and grounds
The Flower Garden, laid out in the early eighteenth century, has formal borders, roses and herbaceous planting; the Walled Garden includes a holly maze, a laburnum walk and a knot garden; and woodland trails lead into the Big Wood, one of the finest remnants of old native woodland in the area. There is a woodland play area for children, a café and shops. July and August usually bring the best colour in the borders, but the gardens are lovely throughout the season.
Planning a visit
Cawdor is a twenty to thirty minute drive from Inverness, and it combines well with Culloden, Clava Cairns and Fort George in a day east of the city, or with the seaside town of Nairn. Allow two to three hours. Tickets for the castle and gardens, or the gardens alone, can be bought on arrival or in advance, and arriving early avoids the tour coaches.
Outside the season the castle returns to being a private home and is not open to casual visitors. Several day tours from Inverness include Cawdor with Culloden and Clava Cairns, which is convenient if you are not driving.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided tour of a furnished, lived-in castle, followed by three gardens, woodland trails, a café and a play area.
Best time
Early on a summer morning, before tour coaches, when the gardens are at their best.
How long
Two to three hours for the castle and gardens.
Tips
Check the season before you go, arrive early, combine it with Culloden and Clava, and allow time for the walled garden and holly maze.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Castle lovers who want a lived-in home rather than a ruin.
- Families
- Good, with a woodland play area, maze and trails to keep children busy.
- Couples
- A romantic garden stroll followed by lunch in Nairn on the coast.
- Pair with
- Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns and Fort George.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
When is Cawdor Castle open?+
From late April to early October each year; outside the season it is a private home.
Is Cawdor Castle really Macbeth's castle?+
No. Shakespeare's Macbeth is Thane of Cawdor, but the castle was built long after the historical Macbeth, so the link is literary.
How far is it from Inverness?+
About fifteen miles east, roughly twenty to thirty minutes by car.
Can I visit just the gardens?+
Yes, garden-only tickets are usually available, as well as combined castle and garden tickets.
Is there a tour from Inverness?+
Several day and half-day tours combine Cawdor with Culloden and Clava Cairns.
