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

The Castle boasts three very different gardens. Each with their own unique history and appearance.

Expanded over the years by generations of owners

One of the countries great gardens, displaying a wealth of flora and fauna, the gardens at Cawdor Castle are ever changing with the seasons.

The gardens include large herbaceous borders, collections of rhododendrons and azaleas, whole borders full of lilies and galtonias, flowering trees and shrubs, archways of rambling roses and laburnum, spring bulbs and contemporary sculptures.

The Castle
  • The Castle

    Around the Garden

    The Maze

    There is no entry into the labyrinth at Cawdor Castle. Due to the over-zealous planting of many trees in a relatively small area and an increase in visitor numbers choosing to enter the labyrinth, in 2016 the 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.
    The labyrinth can now be viewed as a sculptural part of the Walled Garden. In the middle of the labyrinth, you can see sitting more than three metres above the beautifully trimmed hedges, a bronze Minotaur by sculptor artist Gregory Ryan.

    The Maze
  • The Castle

    Around the Garden

    The Orchid Tree
    The Orchid Tree’ bird feeder in the Flower Garden. A favourite feeding stop for our resident red squirrels and many local and visiting bird species. Commissioned by Lady Cawdor, Danish born artist Illona Morrice has exhibited widely including SAAC, Edinburgh Annual Show and Cambridge Contemporary Art.
    The Orchid Tree
  • The Castle

    Around the Garden

    The Slate Garden
    The Cawdor Sphere was created by Scottish artist James Parker in 2009 using reclaimed Slate and Lead from the Castle roof to construct the central feature. The large sphere represents the sun in our solar system and signifies its importance as the foundation of all life. The lead dish symbolises the Earth, the pillar of Yew represents Nature, and the flowing water is the Essence of the Divine.
    The Slate Garden
  • The Castle

    Around the Garden

    Adam and Eve

    Adam and Eve leaving paradise’ created by one of Frances most respected artists, George Jeanclos. His massive body of work includes a masterpiece of detailed bronze framing and textured glass at the entrance to Lille Cathedral Notre-Dame de la Treille.

    Adam and Eve
1 /
Castle
Auchindoune Gardens

With its living links to Tibet, formal and vegetable gardens, an orchard and arboretum, there is much to be enjoyed and discovered in the gardens of Auchindoune House.

Find Out More
Castle
Friends of Cawdor

Become a Friend of Cawdor and enjoy watching the gardens transform throughout the season. Our membership program provides unlimited access to the Castle, the landscaped gardens, the ancient Cawdor Big Wood, Nature Trails, our well stocked shops and our Courtyard Café.

Enjoy a range of exclusive member benefits including a complimentary hot drink on every visit.

Friends Of Cawdor Gardens
Book your tickets today