Get More From Your Cawdor Hot Tub Cottage Break
Booking cottages with hot tubs in Cawdor gives you the perfect base to explore one of the Scottish Highlands' most historic villages whilst enjoying luxury self catering accommodation. This charming settlement sits just five miles from Inverness and offers medieval castles, ancient woodlands and genuine Highland hospitality without the tourist crowds.
Whether you're planning romantic breaks for 2 or looking for large family getaways, Cawdor delivers. The village combines easy access to Inverness with peaceful countryside settings ideal for hot tub stays. You'll find everything from boutique cottages to spacious lodges with private hot tub facilities.
What to do on a family or couple's hot tub break in Cawdor
Cawdor has been shaped by centuries of clan history and remains dominated by its famous castle. The village sits in the heart of Nairnshire where rolling farmland meets dense forest. Local shops and the traditional Cawdor Tavern provide everything you need for self catering breaks.
The area suits both active visitors and those seeking secluded retreat options. Families appreciate the safe woodland walks whilst couples enjoy the romantic atmosphere of this historic Highland village. Most holiday cottages and lodges here welcome dogs making them perfect pet friendly cottages for exploring with your four-legged friends.
Sightseeing in Cawdor
The village maintains its traditional character with stone buildings and tree-lined lanes. Cawdor Castle dominates the landscape and has done since the 14th century. The surrounding estate includes three distinct gardens and nature trails through ancient woodlands where red squirrels are commonly spotted.
Top 5 attractions you have to see in Cawdor
From medieval fortresses to coastal wildlife reserves, the area around your cottage with hot tub offers remarkable variety within a short drive.
Cawdor Castle
This 14th-century fortress remains a family home and opens to visitors from May to September. The castle features a medieval tower built around a living holly tree, stunning gardens and fascinating clan history. Shakespeare linked it to Macbeth though the historical connection is questionable.
Culloden Battlefield
Just six miles away, this National Trust site marks where the 1746 Jacobite Rising ended. The visitor centre uses immersive displays to explain the battle's significance. Walking the moorland battlefield gives you a powerful sense of Scottish history and the Highland clearances that followed.
Nairn Beach
Eight miles north, Nairn offers two miles of sandy beach perfect for family days out. The town enjoys some of Scotland's driest weather and lowest rainfall. Dolphins are regularly spotted from the shore between May and September making it ideal for wildlife watching.
Clava Cairns
These Bronze Age burial cairns sit four miles from Cawdor and date back 4,000 years. The stone circles inspired the fictional stones in Outlander. The atmospheric site is free to visit and rarely crowded even during peak season.
Cawdor Big Wood
This ancient woodland covers 600 acres of the castle estate with waymarked trails suitable for all abilities. Oak, beech and Scots pine dominate whilst the understorey supports rare wildflowers. Red squirrels, roe deer and numerous bird species make it excellent for nature lovers.
Don't Miss These...
| Attraction | What you'll experience | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cawdor Castle | Medieval architecture, clan history and award-winning gardens in a lived-in fortress | Everyone |
| Culloden Battlefield | Immersive historical displays and moorland walks at Scotland's most significant battle site | Families |
| Nairn Beach | Sandy shores, dolphin watching and traditional seaside town atmosphere | Families |
| Clava Cairns | Atmospheric Bronze Age stone circles in peaceful woodland setting | Couples |
| Cawdor Big Wood | Ancient forest trails with red squirrels and rare Highland wildlife | Everyone |
Visitor FAQs
How do I get to Cawdor?
Inverness Airport sits eight miles away with direct flights from London, Manchester and Amsterdam. The village is five miles from Inverness city centre via the B9090. Regular buses connect Cawdor to Inverness and Nairn. Most visitors hire a car for exploring the wider Highlands.
What family activities are available near cottages to rent in Cawdor?
Cawdor Castle runs children's trails during summer. Nairn Beach offers safe swimming and rock pooling. The Big Wood has easy walking routes suitable for pushchairs. Inverness Leisure provides a swimming pool just 15 minutes away for rainy days.
Where are the best romantic spots for couples?
The walled garden at Cawdor Castle offers peaceful corners for two. Clava Cairns provides atmospheric sunset walks. Book dinner at the Cawdor Tavern for locally sourced Highland cuisine. Many luxury cottages feature log burners and jacuzzi facilities perfect for intimate evenings.
What shopping options exist nearby?
Inverness offers major retailers and independent shops 20 minutes away. Nairn has boutique stores and gift shops. The castle gift shop stocks local crafts. For groceries, Tesco and Sainsbury's in Inverness serve those in holiday lets needing supplies.
Are hot tub cottages suitable for visiting Cawdor year-round?
Absolutely. Winter brings dramatic Highland scenery and cosy nights in your hot tub. Spring sees the castle gardens bloom. Summer offers long daylight hours for exploring. Autumn colours in the Big Wood are spectacular. Book last minute deals for cheap cottages during quieter months.
Staying in cottages with hot tubs in Cawdor combines Highland history with modern comfort. After days exploring castles and beaches, returning to your private hot tub creates the perfect balance. Whether you're after dog friendly accommodation, large holiday houses for groups or isolated forest holiday retreats, this historic village delivers authentic Scottish experiences. Visit Cawdor for cottage breaks that blend culture, nature and genuine relaxation.