No, it is not essential to book in advance. Tickets can be purchased on arrival at the kiosk from 10am to 5pm daily. 

We are fairly flexible, we use advanced bookings to help us manage capacity. We will not turn you away if you have a valid unredeemed ticket and are late/early, however, you may have to wait until the next available entry to the Castle.

Yes, please contact us on 01667 404 401 or email info@cawdorcastle.com

We will email you a booking confirmation which will include a barcode. We encourage you to keep this barcode handy on your smart phone and present the barcode at our admissions kiosk on arrival. If you do not have a smart phone, make a note of the reference number and provide it to our admissions staff on arrival.

It is your responsibility to check your order and tickets throughout the online purchase process; mistakes cannot always be rectified.

Tickets are non-refundable but date changes are possible by contacting us in advance of your booked date.

From 2023, dogs will now be welcome within the grounds and gardens at Cawdor Castle. The following are guidelines which must be adhere to:  

• One dog per person, ie a 1:1 ratio. 
• All dogs must be kept under close control on a short lead. 
• Any mess to be picked up and disposed of appropriately
• Dogs are not permitted inside the Castle, however, they will now be permitted across the Drawbridge within the South Courtyard, Café and Highland Shop.  

Visitors are welcome to come and go once they have their ticket, should they wish to exercise and leave their dogs to visit the interior of the Castle.  You are welcome to use our dog walking area which extends from the car park to the woodland, with a way marked trail and a dog relief area.

We currently have no shaded/covered car parking spaces for cars with animals in them, and Cawdor Castle accepts no responsibility for any pets left within cars.  

Our tickets are sold by arrival times, once you have arrived you can stay in the gardens for as long as you wish within our opening hours.

We recommend you allow at least 1.5 - 2 hours for your visit of the Castle and Gardens.

Yes, we have free lockers available at our entrance kiosk. Please note backpacks, bags and pushchairs are not permitted in the Castle. 

The gardens offer accessible paths suitable for wheelchairs, there is a hill from the Walled Garden back to the Castle Drawbridge, but access to the Flower Garden is all on one level. There is an accessible toilet in the Café area, access to the Café is also accessible for wheelchair users.

We have decorative benches placed throughout which are ideal for those visitors who may need to pause and rest whilst they explore the splendour of the gardens at their own pace.

Mobility Scooters are not permitted within the Castle Tour but can be used to access the Café and Gardens. There is a ramp to assist with access to the Highland Shop. 

Due to the layout of the Castle and its historical nature, there is no lift or means of accessibility to the 1st floor of the Castle. Accessibility is very limited, with wheelchair access only available in two of the fourteen rooms: the Dining Room and the Modern Kitchen. These rooms have a ramp access via our back door, whereas the rest of the Castle is accessed via steps which due to their age can be uneven and steep.

Your admission includes a self guided audio guide tour of the Castle, available in 10 languages.

If you would like more information on a specific guided tour of the castle with one of our expert guides, please contact info@cawdorcastle.com

Yes, we have a free to use car park and coach park.

Yes, but flash photography is strictly prohibited.

For filming enquiries please contact info@cawdorcastle.com

No, drone flying is not permitted over Cawdor Castle, Gardens or Grounds without prior consent.

Any unauthorised drones may be removed and destroyed at the discretion of Cawdor Castle.

No, in 2016 after signs of deterioration in the health of the Holly trees forced the decision to close the maze to members of the public and protect it for future generations to enjoy.

Yes. Our new woodland playpark was installed in 2021 by Timberplay Scotland Ltd. The playpark features a climbing frame, a big swing and an impressive slide. It can be found in the Big Wood accessed from the Flower Garden. 

Cawdor Castle and Gardens is privately owned by the same family who built it over 600 years ago. We are not a member of the National Trust for Scotland or Historic Environment Scotland membership schemes.

Yes, Cawdor Castle is a Historic Houses Member.

Free Entry is permitted on presentation of a valid Historic Houses membership card.

Yes, Cawdor Castle Gardens is an RHS Partner Garden.

Free Entry to the Gardens and Grounds is permitted on presentation of a valid RHS membership card.

Cawdor Castle is open between April – October. In the winter months the Castle is open by appointment only. Out of season visits to Cawdor is a premium experience and also requires additional resources; the price reflects this. A private guided tour must be taken to visit the castle. In additional, there are restrictions around the availability of these visits.  Please contact us on 01667 404 401 or email info@cawdorcastle.com to enquire. 

Yes, accompanying carers receive free entry.

Anyone requiring assisance will pay the normal rate of entry for themselves.

We welcome the Highland Council Plus One scheme. If you have a plus one card, please show this at the kiosk.

No. Unfortunately we do not hold any weddings or private functions here.