The appeal of Cawdor Castle transcends its shaky literary connections. The castle–which is still home to the descendants of the Clan Campbell of Cawdor–remains remarkably preserved and is surrounded by immaculate gardens, the Cawdor Big Wood, and a nine-hole golf course. Highlights for visitors include the sumptuous Drawing Room, with its fascinating family portraits; the Dining Room, with its grand stone fireplace; the 17th-century-style Tapestry Bedroom; and the Old Kitchen. According to legend, the castle is built around a thorn tree—since identified as a holly dating from 1372—which visitors can still see today in the dungeon.
Many sightseeing tours of the Highlands and Inverness include stops at Cawdor Castle alongside nearby Culloden and the Clava Cairns. If you don’t have your own transportation, a guided tour is your best bet for checking off several attractions in one day, rather than relying on public transportation, which can be time consuming.