Early records show that the castle dates back to at least 1454. Although there have been many fortifications and additions over the last 640 years, the building has been remarkably well-preserved, and gives a wonderful impression of how the landed gentry would have lived back in the 15th Century. To this day the castle remains in the Campbell family, with the Dowager Countess Cawdor, stepmother of the 7th Earl of Cawdor, residing there over the winter months.
You will be presented with an audio guide (available in 10 languages) which provides an interesting and entertaining overview of each room of the castle. From the 16th Century Drawing Room with its splendid fireplace and portrait gallery, to the bedroom showcasing Flemish tapestries from the 17th Century, all of the magnificent rooms feature fine art and antique furniture, and every object has a story behind it. This is no more so than in, “The Thorn Tree Room”, where you hear the story of the legendary tree which the castle was built around back in 1372 and which, remarkably, still exists there today!
After you have completed the audio tour we would recommend heading outside to the immaculate gardens: The Flower Garden is a formal garden designed in the 18th Century and featuring lavender borders and yew tree hedges; The Walled Garden features exotic plants, a maze, a Knot Garden and a hidden Paradise Garden; The Wild Garden is a hidden delight which leads into 750 acres of woods and trails. There is also a coffee shop, featuring home-baked scones and cakes, and three gift shops, one of which sells a wonderful selection of classic Scottish souvenirs unique to the castle.
Admission to the castle is £12 (£7.50 for children) if booked and paid with us in advance.
This will be your opportunity to pick up a packed lunch, with the castle offering a lunch deal exclusively for WOW guests. Further information, include a menu and prices, can be found under the FAQs tab above.
We spend around 90 minutes at Cawdor Castle.
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