2025 Nairn Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

#timetotravel My visit to Cawdor Castle and Gardens in the UK was a magical step back in time, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Nestled in the Scottish Highlands near Nairn, this historic castle transported me to the pages of a fairy tale. Exploring its centuries-old corridors, filled with artifacts and stories, was like delving into history itself. The castle's meticulously maintained gardens, with their vibrant blooms and serene pathways, provided a tranquil escape that perfectly complemented the grandeur of the castle itself. The location's picturesque surroundings, including a picturesque drawbridge and moat, added to its charm. Cawdor Castle and Gardens felt like a hidden gem, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a world of legends and heritage while surrounded by the splendor of nature. #scotland #uk #Nairn

#wecreate If you want to have a laid back holiday but at the same time be near to the highlands and the beach then Nairn is the perfect city getaway for you and your family. This little city is quiet and offers an atmospheric vibe. We stayed in Nairn for 6 days and we enjoyed walking by the beach and driving to nearest tourist spots Where to Eat and Stay: 1. Albert Inn 2. Bandstand 3. HouseHill Courtyard What to see: 1. Brodie Castle 2. Brodie Countryfare

#wecreate Househill Courtyard Cafe is only 10 minutes drive away from the high street of Nairn but it is about 40 minute walk. It is such a quaint environment and offers good food and teas. My family went there for lunch and their food is delicious. The service is fast and very accommodating staff. They offer takeouts and reservations. Budget: 10-15 pounds per person with drinks. Location: Househill Courtyard, Grantown Road, Nairn. Enjoy your food! #mytripvlog #tripblazers #scotland #cafe

#wecreate The Bandstand is a hotel/bar/restaurant so if you are in Nairn to enjoy your summer beach holiday in Scotland then The Bandstand is one of your options. We came here for a pint after a walk on the beach and they have a number options of drinks for you to quench your thirst. It has a lovely outdoor and indoor area and their restaurant has a panoramoc view of the beach. It is a great place to stay and have a drink. You can definitely book a room here. Enjoy you stay. #mytripvlog #hotel #bar #beach #tripblazers #scotland

#mytraveldiary Ambience & Setting Nestled near Nairn in the Scottish Highlands, Cawdor Castle is a castle steeped in legend and surrounded by expansive, colour-rich gardens and ancient woodland. The soft scent of flowers, birdcalls, shaded paths through old trees, and distant views of hills and glen combine to give a feeling of calm grandeur and timeless beauty. The gardens change with each season—spring bulbs, summer blooms, autumn foliage—making the place feel alive and constantly renewed.  ⸻ Highlights • Multiple Distinct Gardens – There are three main gardens: the Flower Garden (laid out c.1710), the Walled Garden (original kitchen garden, remodeled in 1981, now with a symbolic garden & maze of over 1,200 holly plants), and the Wild Garden (added in the 1960s, featuring rare species and bordered by the Big Wood).  • Sculptures & Artworks – Contemporary sculptures punctuate the landscaped gardens (e.g. the bronze Minotaur in the maze) and artistic installations enrich parts of the Castle Gardens.  • Historic Castle Structure – Built around a 15th-century tower house, with later additions through centuries. The legend of the holly tree that lived inside the castle’s lower level adds myth and charm.  • Ancient Woodland & Nature Trails – Big Wood surrounds parts of the estate, offering shady woodland walks, rich tree species, and habitat for birds and wildlife.  ⸻ Practical Info • Location: Cawdor, Nairnshire, Scottish Highlands, IV12 5RD.  • Opening Season & Hours: Open seasonally usually from late April to early October; typically 10:00–17:00.  • Admission: There are separate charges for the Castle + Gardens + Grounds, and for the Gardens, Grounds & Nature Trails only. Children under certain ages often free.  • Facilities: Café, shops (gift, wool, Highland goods), well way-marked paths. Some parts may have steeper or uneven terrain, especially in wild garden or woods. Dogs allowed on leads in many areas.  ⸻ Why It’s Worth Visiting Cawdor blends myth, horticulture, history, and nature into a cohesive whole. The diversity of garden styles ensures each part offers something different—formal, wild, symbolic. The combination with the castle’s medieval legacy makes for a richer experience than just a garden or just a historic building. Whether you love photography, walks, plants, or stories, Cawdor gives a layered visit. ⸻ Final Thoughts Make time for a full circuit: start in the Flower Garden, then explore the Walled Garden and Wild Garden. Bring camera, especially at dawn or dusk when light softens stone and leaves. Wear comfortable shoes (some paths are uneven or muddy after rain). Allow pauses—not just to look, but to sit, listen, smell. Cawdor rewards patience and observation.

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An unwind opportunity to relax and reset the mind during a school exchange in UK 🇬🇧😇

#travelchecklist #100waysoftravel This is Nairn Beach and it is absolutely stunning at sunset time. We specifically went to the beach to experience this. What a lovely sight to behold. If you are ever in Nairn, I highly recommend to just go on a stroll or even just sit on a bench by the beach and wait for the sunset. Absolutely stunning and perfect for picture taking. It is perfect for relaxation even during day time with the sea breeze , the smell of the ocean and the sound of the waves. Enjoy your trip.

#timetotravel My inlaws are frequent here whenever they go for a holiday in Nairn and is highly recommended by them so when we were back there as a family of course they took us back for an aftetnoon coffee and tea. They said they maybe tried almost all the food on the menu and they always loved it. The hot summer complimented the atmosphere of the place. Such a lovely resto bar wherein you can sit out and enjoy the summer weather or any season. Have a nice day. #mytripvlog #tripblazers #scotland #restaurant

#wecreate The Albert Inn is located in the Scottish Highlands which is also by a Scottish beach. Albert Inn offers guest rooms food and drinks. My family and I went there for food and they offer great deal for a 2 or 3 course meal for only 15 and 19 pounds. I must say that it was worth it as the food is tasty. Drinks costs from 3-6 pounds. The restaurant bar is tiny but cozy. If you are going there as a large group then you need to have an advance reservation. Enjoy your stay. #mytripvlog #tripblazers #hotel #restaurant

#wecreate A beautiful and relaxing beach in Nairn where you can walk along the long stretched beach sand by yourself, with your family and your pet dogs. With a stunning view , you will surely enjoy your stroll on this beach. It also has lots of parking areas and paths for walking if you're not keen on walking on the sand. I personally saw people sunbathing and dogs swimming in the ocean too. I was also pleasantly surprised with the fine white sand. There are bars/cafes around so if you ever get hungry you won't have to travel far. Tip: Walk/run/jog during the sunset when the weather is nice because apparently the sunset view is stunning and sometimes dolphins show themselves during sunset. Location: it is about 30-40 minute drive from Inverness. Enjoy Nairn Beach. #mytripvlog #tripblazers #beach #scotland