Address: B9090, Cawdor, Nairn IV12 5RD, United Kingdom
Phone: +441667404401
Rating: 4.6
based on 272 reviews.
Castle and Grounds
Pros:
"A gem of a castle, and you can't really tell from the photos online and its exterior."
"Cawdor Castle and Gardens is a true gem! The castle's rich history and stunning architecture take you on a captivating journey through time."
"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."
"The gardens show a good variety of trees, shrubs and blooms as the seasonal changes happen."
"The gardens are beautiful, very thoughtfully laid out and well tended."
"The Castle gardens and the Big Wood are virtually without comparison in the world."
"The gardens are alive with flowers birds and red squirrels."
Cons:
"Personally didn't think it was worth paying £15 each to get in."
"Don't bother going here close to closing they lock the gates early and you can't see anything from the road due to the dense bush."
"Was looking forward to visiting the gardens. On arrival we were met with several signs saying NO DOGS ALLOWED IN GARDENS."
"There apparently was a small hedge maze, but its entrance was locked."
"Shame the maze was shut when we were there in early June 2021."
"The gardens are practically void of flowers before May so I would check before visiting."
"The forest walks are not suitable for the disabled."
Staff and Service
Pros:
"Colin was very knowledgeable, telling us not only the history of Cawdor but also the local area, he really made the visit memorable."
"The staff are informative if you want to ask questions."
"Thanks to the staff too, who were helpful and friendly."
"The staff are really knowledgeable as well as welcoming and friendly."
"The staff in the Highland Gift Shop and the Wool Shop were fabulous."
"Staff very friendly with great knowledge about the place."
"The staff were so friendly in the shop and in the castle."
Cons:
"The lady at the kiosk welcomed us very coldly and told us that we have to wait for the manager like we were criminal or something."
"Staff are in your face - especially if you have kids."
"Cafe food was not very good, a case of quantity over quality and staff were rude when we asked about veggie options."
"The gift shop within castle also rude left standing for ages to be served."
"Woman in castle was very rude and was abrupt that I did not have them."
"It really would help to pay for a few extra hands at the ticket gate."
"Worst experience ever. We have booked online tickets. However, we were not able to reach the place at the time we booked."
Accessibility
Pros:
"Most places are disabled friendly."
"There are a limited number of (free) lockers available as backpacks and purses are not allowed."
"Large car park, easy to find."
"Ample parking, lots of tour bus visitors but still didn't feel crowded."
"Only a few rooms on the ground floor are wheelchair accessible though."
"Carpark: lots of spaces to park and an easily accessible, flat, short walk of ~100m to the entrance of the castle."
"Castle tour not suitable for wheelchair but gardens are."
Cons:
"Had 1 rickety wheelchair that was not suitable for the terrain."
"Bathrooms poor and need cleaning, not accessible."
"The entry conditions and facilities feel hostile (no bags and only one accessible toilet in a staff only area)."
"If you have mobility issues, especially regarding stairs, you will struggle as there are stairs you can't avoid if you want to get the best out of the castle."
"Steep ramp to the cafe, need 3 people to push my guest back up the ramp in a wheelchair."
"Rubbish for accessible needs. No mobility scooters available despite it meant to have lovely gardens and views."
"Any disabled person will struggle to visit this place."
Value for Money
Pros:
"We felt the price to get it was a fair bit (£17)."
"The castle building is very interesting and you get to see an excellent selection of rooms."
"This was a beautiful castle well kept and reasonably priced to enter at around 30 pounds for a family of four."
"We paid a generous fee for admission, but it was worth every pence and I would visit it again in a heartbeat."
"The castle is reasonably priced at around 10£, incl castle garden."
"Worth the £8 entry fee."
"The entrance fee is a little steep but for what you get, it’s well worth it."
Cons:
"Their is the obligatory gift shop, with prices that actually scared me."
"Stupidly expensive in there!"
"Bandit prices still in place - £29 for a couple."
"Lovely gardens and castle... otherwise rather expensive entry fee to see even just the gardens which is such a shame."
"Avoid until things up and running properly! 'Open' meaning selling overpriced cold sandwiches only."
"We would have bought several things in the gift shop had it not been so expensive."
"Only downside is that it's a bit expensive for what you get."