Cawdor Castle and Gardens — Attraction in Scotland

Well worth a visit! We are fortunate to live reasonably near to this castle with it's wonderful gardens and other entertainment. The castle is bijou and very much a castle, not just a stately home. The duchess lives there in the winter and down the road in her other residence in the summer. The gardens show a good variety of trees, shrubs and blooms as the seasonal changes happen. Early in the season the Rhododendrons are glorious. Midsummer the garden is vibrant and full of colour. The gardens have gorgeous red squirrels and plenty of birds around the beautiful and unusual bird feeder and a bright red bench to sit on while you bird watch or drink your coffee. There is takeaway coffee near the golf shop 👍Later on in the season a lovely blowsy quality of the mature garden at the start of autumn. There are several feature gardens each one has charm and beauty. There is a mix of weather as is normal for the highlands of Scotland so come prepared with jackets, jumpers, umbrellas and lighter gear for nice sunny days. Check the weather forecast for advice. Take plenty of photos 😀 It really is such a nice place to visit. The forest walks are interesting. I believe there are rare mosses and plants. The walks are different lengths and are sign posted. Turn left here 😄 The walks can get wet and muddy underfoot. Don’t forget to take your bottle of water. The forest walks are not suitable for the disabled. There are memberships available. You can rent golf clubs and play a round or put. The coffee shop is nice but could do with more variety covering a wider range of options with at least a few vegan, vegetarian, for people who have diabetes and gluten free. After all what a disappointment when you travel here and can find nothing to eat or drink for afternoon tea or lunch. A proper, formal afternoon tea would be a fantastic addition to the cafeteria! 🤞The prices are in the medium price range. There is plenty of free parking including for busses and camper vans. The toilets are clean. Most places are disabled friendly. The gardens are closed in the winter. It is open from the end of April onwards, seven days a week. Last entry I believe is 5pm. Cawdor castle has a very good website with lots of information on what there is to see and do....

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

I recently had the pleasure of exploring the captivating Cawdor Castle, and I must say, it was an experience that exceeded all expectations! From the moment I stepped foot inside, I was greeted by a warm and friendly welcome from the delightful girl at the front desk, setting the tone for a truly memorable visit.

The castle's surroundings are nothing short of magical, with picturesque local walks that invite you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish countryside. As you meander through these accessible paths, you can't help but feel a sense of tranquility, unburdened by the pressures of time. It's the perfect opportunity to slow down, take in the awe-inspiring scenery, and savor every moment.

What truly sets Cawdor Castle apart is its rich and fascinating history. Every room you explore tells a story, each corner revealing a new facet of its past. The attention to detail is remarkable, and you can't help but marvel at the preservation of the castle's heritage. From the elegant tapestries that adorn the walls to the beautifully furnished chambers, every step is a step back in time.

One of the aspects I appreciated most about my visit was the lack of rush. There was no pressure to hurry through the castle's many rooms and exhibits. Instead, I was encouraged to take my time, to fully absorb the beauty and historical significance of each space. It allowed me to appreciate the castle at my own pace and truly connect with its remarkable heritage.

I must also mention the exceptional staff at Cawdor Castle. Their knowledge and passion for the castle's history were evident in every interaction. They were more than happy to answer any questions, share intriguing anecdotes, and provide valuable insights, making my visit both educational and engaging.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Cawdor Castle to anyone seeking a memorable and immersive experience. Its delightful combination of accessible local walks, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere make it the perfect destination for those who wish to embrace the past at their own pace. Trust me, you'll leave feeling inspired, enlightened, and perhaps a little reluctant to bid farewell to this...

On paper, Cawdor Castle should be an amazing place to visit. There are walled gardens, nature trails, and, of course, the castle. The reality is a little different.

The inside of the castle was lovely, but there were times that it felt like we were just walking through someones private home, and it felt a little intrusive. The audio guides were handy, but the information was repeated on the room information sheets. Actually, if you speak English, the room information sheets are better than the audio guide because whoever had written them has added sassy little comments in. These comments were, honestly, the highlight of the day! The walled gardens were lovely, serene, and full of narrow little paths. Some were so narrow that it felt like being birthed by yew trees... There were cute little walks down towards the river and through the woods. And there's also a woodland play area for the kids. There were, of course, multiple gift shops. These were full of the usual sort of stuff you find in gift shops, and were on the pricey side, even for that. The staff in the Highland Gift Shop and the Wool Shop were fabulous, and although we didn't buy anything, they shared a great laugh. We took a picnic with us, and there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy. Although, some of the benches are more comfortable than others. So choose wisely. The toilets are before the ticket barrier and whilst you can leave and re-enter as required, it's kind of a trek if you just want a quick wee. On a side note to that, if you have even the smallest sensation that you might need a wee within the next half an hour, go before wandering down to the river. The gurgling, splashing, and trickling will induce a sudden urge to pee...