PLACE REVIEW: CAWDOR CASTLE

CAWDOR CASTLE

Photo by Rachel Nigh

WHAT TO LOOK FOR AT THE SITE AND WHO ITS SUITED FOR:
This castle may be among my top three in Scotland. I may be slightly biased as it was pouring rain and who doesn't want to see a castle in the pouring rain? But, beyond the weather I really enjoyed this one. It is gorgeous inside and out and the gardens are some of the best I've seen here. There is a magical side to this castle as it is a more Victorianized one but has still maintained a grey outer stone that is enchanting. The walks are beautiful and there's even a maze (currently closed while it recuperates). A must for all families to get here at least once while in Scotland.

GIFT SHOP / TEA ROOM / RESTAURANT / TOILET AVAILABILTY:
There are several gift shops, a bookstore, a restaurant, and toilets in several locations. This is a site not only for the historic castle hunters but for the guests of an exclusive place to stay.

SITES AFFILIATIONS AND COSTS:
Unfortunately, Cawdor is privately owned and therefore costs a pretty penny to get your family through the gates. But, I think it was a worthwhile cost.

Adults	£8.30
Concessions	£7.50
Children (aged 5 to 15)	£5.20
Student (with valid student I.D. card)	£7.30
Family Ticket (2 Adults + up to 5 children aged 5 to 15)	£26.00
Adult parties (20+)	£6.95
Children's parties (20+) (one teacher free with every 20 pupils)	£4.50
Gardens, Grounds & Nature Trails	£4.50
Adult season ticket - Castle and Gardens	£80.00
Adult Season Ticket - Gardens only	TBC
Child Season Ticket	£35.00
9-Hole Golf Course - Day Ticket	£12.00
Putting Green (per round)	£1.50

OPENING TIMES:
May 1, 2010 to October 3, 2010 from 10am to 5:30pm (last entry at 5pm) 7 days a week.

LOCATION / TIME IT TAKES TO GET THERE:
Cawdor castle is in Nairn, a whopping 2 1/2 hours away. I suggest splitting this as a day trip with Urquhart or some other northern areas such as Lossiemouth (for Spynie Palace and Elgin Cathedral). Most of this trip is on the A96 heading north north/west.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Visit their website: www.cawdorcastle.com

EVENTS:
See their site.

PLACES TO VISIT NEARBY:
As I stated before you can look for a few other places nearby including the tiny Kilvarock Castle, which we haven't been to. There are also a few great ones towards Inverness and also up top in Elgin. For more info check out our interactive google map: Scotland, According To The Nighs