Cawdor Castle - Cawdor Castle - A five star visitor attraction near Nairn in the Scottish Highlands.

Cawdor Castle dates from the late 14th century, built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor.

Cawdor Castle with its iron yet gate, moat & drawbridge, turrets, turnpike stairs and vaulted 16th century kitchen is steeped in intrigue and history.

This ancient medieval tower house built for the 3rd Thane of Cawdor has been home to over 23 generations of the Cawdor family.

Explore 12 principal rooms of this unique home containing collections of Rare Tapestries, Fine Art, Furniture, Ceramics and Sculpture spanning 3,500 years.

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  • The Castle

    Around the Castle

    The Tapestry Bedroom

    Part of the civilizing additions of the 17th Century the Tapestry Bedroom houses a collection of rare Flemish tapestries including the arras hangings made in 1682 for this very room.

    The Tapestry Bedroom
  • The Castle

    Around the Castle

    The Tree Room

    Modern scientific tests show that the holly tree which the tower was built around, died in about 1372 when it was deprived of daylight. Holly is a pagan and Christian symbol of life and luck, and as some people believe infallible against lightning, fiends, and fairies.

    The Tree Room
  • The Castle

    Around the Castle

    The Old Kitchen

    In active use between 1640 and 1938. Containing a well dug straight into the Old Red Sandstone rock on which the Castle is founded and out of which it is constructed, a beautiful room rather than every chef’s dream.

    The Old Kitchen
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Castle
Group Visits
Cawdor has hosted tourists from as early as 1773 when Dr Simon Johnson and James Boswell were in awe of Cawdors old trees, in 1787 Scotland’s National Bard; Robert Burns visited on his Tour of the highlands.
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Castle
Accessibility
We strive to ensure we deliver a memorable and inclusive experience for all our visitors. However, as a historic property we face limitations within the castle interior for customers with mobility issues.
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What’s on

We are delighted to continue our Open Air Theatre program for the summer of 2024 with three returning touring companies.
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