Discover the Enchanted Rait Castle
Explore Rait Castle, a stunning heritage landmark in Nairn, offering rich history and picturesque views for every traveler.
Rait Castle, a captivating heritage site located in Nairn, invites tourists to explore its rich history and stunning architecture. This iconic castle stands as a testament to Scotland's storied past, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the life of nobility in the region. With its picturesque surroundings and well-preserved structure, Rait Castle serves as a perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
A brief summary to Rait Castle
- Unamed Road, Nairn, IV12 5QX, GB
- +441667404401
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Bring a camera; the castle's architecture and surrounding scenery provide great photo opportunities.
- Check local weather before visiting to ensure a pleasant day for exploration.
- Consider exploring nearby walking trails for an extended outdoor experience.
- Look out for any seasonal events that may be taking place at the castle for a unique experience.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving from Nairn town center, start by heading southwest on the A96. Continue on this road for about 1 mile until you reach the junction with the B9039. Turn left onto the B9039, and after approximately 0.5 miles, you'll see the sign for Rait Castle on your right. Follow the Unamed Road leading to the castle entrance.
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Public Transportation
To reach Rait Castle using public transportation, catch a bus from Nairn town center heading towards Inverness. Ensure to check the bus schedules as they may vary. Disembark at the stop closest to the B9039 junction (ask the driver for advice). From there, you will need to walk approximately 0.5 miles along the B9039 until you see the entrance to Rait Castle on your right. Alternatively, check if there are any local taxi services available from the bus stop for a more direct route.
Discover more about Rait Castle
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Culloden Viaduct
15.0 km
Scotland’s longest masonry viaduct, a stunning 29-arch railway bridge spanning the River Nairn valley near historic Culloden Battlefield.
Leanach Farm
15.9 km
Experience authentic Highland farm life with luxury comfort, scenic views, and historic sites just minutes from Inverness.
Milton of Clava
16.5 km
Explore ancient Bronze Age burial cairns and standing stones in a serene Scottish setting near the historic Culloden Moor.
Sueno's Stone
16.7 km
Scotland's tallest Pictish monument—a 6.5-metre enigma carved with battle scenes and royal ceremony.
Culloden House Hotel
18.3 km
Elegant Georgian mansion with historic charm, fine dining, and tranquil gardens near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.
Holiday Inn Express Inverness, an IHG Hotel
21.3 km
Comfortable, eco-friendly hotel in Inverness offering modern rooms, free breakfast, and easy access to Highland attractions.
Inshes Gate Brewers Fayre
21.8 km
Experience the warmth of family dining at Inshes Gate Brewers Fayre, featuring delicious British cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.
Asliesk Castle (remains)
22.7 km
Explore the ivy-clad ruins of Asliesk Castle, a 16th-century Scottish tower house steeped in history and legend near Elgin, Moray.
Kingsmills Hotel
23.0 km
Historic elegance meets modern luxury with spa, pool, fine dining, and tranquil grounds just minutes from Inverness city center.
Silverstrands Guest House
23.3 km
Discover the charm of Inverness at Silverstrands Guest House, where comfort meets Scottish hospitality in a picturesque setting.
The Broad Stone, Inverness
23.3 km
Discover Inverness’s ancient Broad Stone, a mysterious medieval relic with a storied past nestled between city parks.
The Corriegarth
23.4 km
Cozy and friendly Highland hotel with a charming pub, quality dining, and peaceful rooms near Inverness city center.
St John's Scottish Episcopal Church, Inverness
23.4 km
Explore the serene beauty and architectural splendor of St John's Scottish Episcopal Church, a historic landmark in the heart of Inverness.
Cheese & Tomatin
23.5 km
Discover the delightful flavors of Cheese & Tomatin, Inverness' favorite pizza restaurant, where every slice tells a story of quality and taste.
Girvans
23.5 km
Discover Girvans in Inverness, where delightful breakfasts and a warm atmosphere await, perfect for fueling your adventures in the Scottish Highlands.
Unmissable attractions to see
Sainsbury's
3.6 km
A convenient and comprehensive supermarket in Nairn’s Balmakeith Business Park, offering fresh produce, bakery delights, and everyday essentials.
Auldearn Castle
3.8 km
Explore the historic 12th-century motte and dovecote of Auldearn Castle, a royal Scottish stronghold steeped in medieval and Civil War history.
Boath Doocot
3.9 km
Explore the historic 17th-century Boath Doocot, a circular dovecote perched on a mound overlooking the battlefield plains near Auldearn village.
SKY Delights
4.1 km
A cozy health food deli in Nairn offering fresh, wholesome bites and a welcoming atmosphere for health-conscious visitors.
Co-op Food - Nairn - High Street
4.1 km
Conveniently located Co-op Food store on Nairn High Street, offering fresh groceries and essentials daily from early morning to late evening.
Castle Square
4.1 km
Historic Castle Square in Nairn, where medieval roots meet charming coastal town life and vibrant community culture.
Scottish Exotic Animal Rescue
4.2 km
A compassionate refuge in Nairn offering sanctuary and education for exotic animals through immersive, appointment-based visits.
Nairn Museum
4.3 km
Discover Nairn’s history and heritage through engaging exhibits in the charming Regency-era Viewfield House.
Nairn Highland Games
4.5 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of Scotland’s oldest free Highland Games, where tradition, sport, and community unite on the scenic Nairn Links.
james's
4.6 km
A cozy seaside coffee and ice cream shop in Nairn offering quality brews, diverse flavors, and a friendly, casual atmosphere near the putting green.
Nairn Boat Trips
4.6 km
Moray Firth dolphin cruises from a welcoming harbour town with expert crew and modern comfort.
Nairn Harbour
4.7 km
A historic fishing harbour turned leisure marina, offering stunning coastal views and a warm Highland welcome on Scotland’s Moray Firth.
Nairn Beach
4.7 km
A serene sandy beach on Scotland’s Moray Firth, perfect for family fun, wildlife watching, and stunning coastal sunsets.
Nairn Fisherwife Statue
4.7 km
Discover the Nairn Fisherwife Statue, a poignant tribute to the resilient women of the fishing community, set against breathtaking coastal views.
RSPB Culbin Sands
5.0 km
Explore the windswept dunes and rich birdlife of RSPB Culbin Sands, a protected coastal reserve with unique history and stunning natural beauty.
Essential places to dine
Househill Cafe
2.8 km
Experience vibrant brunch and lunch delights with a sustainable touch in the cozy, stylish setting of Househill Cafe, Nairn.
The Classroom Bistro
3.9 km
A welcoming bistro in Nairn serving fresh, locally sourced Scottish dishes with a modern twist and accommodating diverse dietary needs.
Uncle Bob's Bar
4.0 km
Experience the lively atmosphere at Uncle Bob's Bar in Nairn—your destination for great drinks, sports action, and community vibes.
Nairn Tandoori
4.1 km
A reliable Indian restaurant on Nairn’s High Street, serving aromatic curries, tandoori grills, and generous portions in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Lorenzo
4.1 km
A no-frills pizza takeaway on Nairn’s High Street, serving hot, generous slices for a casual evening meal by the Moray Firth.
Ozzy's Fine Dining Restaurant
4.1 km
A unique blend of Scottish and Kurdish fine dining in the heart of Nairn, served with passion and impeccable hospitality.
Thai Cottage
4.1 km
Authentic Thai flavours in a relaxed, no-frills setting on Nairn’s High Street – perfect for a satisfying, affordable dinner.
Aurora Hotel & Italian Restaurant
4.1 km
Cozy Scottish coastal hotel with authentic Italian dining and warm hospitality in the heart of Nairn.
Boath Garden Cafe
4.1 km
A tranquil garden café nestled within Boath House’s walled garden, offering fresh, seasonal dishes in a serene Highland setting.
The Royal Bengal
4.1 km
Experience authentic Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine in a smart, welcoming setting on Nairn’s High Street, blending rich flavors with attentive service.
Salt & vinegar
4.1 km
Discover the authentic taste of Britain's favorite dish at Salt & Vinegar, where fresh fish meets golden chips in beautiful Nairn.
The Leerie
4.1 km
Cozy up to fresh Scottish seafood and international flavors in the welcoming ambiance of The Leerie, Nairn’s charming culinary gem.
Boath House Restaurant & Rooms
4.2 km
Elegant Highland retreat blending historic charm with innovative dining and serene gardens near Nairn.
Cafe Nairn
4.2 km
Generous Highland breakfasts and exceptional value on Nairn's High Street.
One One Two Wine Bar and Eatery
4.2 km
A stylish Nairn wine bar where small plates with South East Asian and Middle Eastern flavours meet hand‑picked wines in a relaxed, contemporary setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Auldearn Antiques
3.0 km
Discover timeless antiques and architectural treasures at Auldearn Antiques, a family-run gem in Nairn with over 35 years of expertise.
Home Bargains
3.6 km
Affordable everyday essentials and more at Home Bargains, Nairn’s trusted discount retailer in Balmakeith Business Park.
The Highland Weigh
4.0 km
Nairn’s welcoming zero-waste shop and vegetarian café blending sustainable living with community spirit and delicious organic coffee.
Ink And Pink
4.0 km
Explore the latest trends at Ink And Pink, Nairn's premier ladies' clothing shop, where style meets comfort in a charming boutique setting.
Vitamin Sea Nairn
4.1 km
Explore Vitamin Sea Nairn, a charming gift shop in Nairn, for unique souvenirs and local treasures reflecting the beauty of the Scottish coastline.
Highland Hospice - Nairn Shop
4.1 km
Discover unique treasures and support compassionate hospice care at Highland Hospice - Nairn Shop, a beloved charity retail destination in the Scottish Highlands.
British Red Cross shop, Nairn
4.1 km
Explore the British Red Cross shop in Nairn for unique finds and sustainable shopping while supporting a great cause.
The Original Factory Shop (Nairn)
4.1 km
Discover unbeatable discounts on fashion, beauty, and more at The Original Factory Shop in Nairn’s vibrant High Street.
Nickel & Dime
4.1 km
Explore Nickel & Dime in Nairn: your go-to hardware shop for quality tools, paints, and unique home improvement essentials.
Brambles
4.1 km
Discover unique ladies’ fashions and accessories at Brambles, Nairn’s charming boutique on Leopold Street.
Maggies Hippylicious Dreams
4.1 km
Quirky bohemian shop on Nairn's High Street offering vintage clothing, handmade crafts, and alternative lifestyle treasures.
Bridgemill Direct
4.1 km
Your trusted source for quality outdoor clothing and gear in Nairn, bridging adventure with reliable equipment for all ages.
nairn wool shop
4.1 km
Discover a vibrant hub of wool, yarn, and local crafts in the heart of scenic Nairn, where creativity and community intertwine.
Co-op Food - Nairn - King Street
4.1 km
Experience the convenience of Co-op Food in Nairn, where you can find fresh groceries, local products, and tasty snacks to fuel your adventures.
The Nairn Bookshop
4.2 km
A long‑standing independent bookshop on Nairn’s High Street, with a wide, thoughtful selection of fiction, non‑fiction, children’s books, and local interest titles.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Aido's bar
4.0 km
Aido's Bar offers a cozy, friendly pub experience in Nairn with local ales, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.
The Play House
4.1 km
Experience Nairn’s vibrant nightlife at The Play House, a lively nightclub and bar known for energetic music, dancing, and social fun.
The Albert Inn
4.1 km
Cozy Scottish pub and hotel in Nairn offering exceptional steaks, warm hospitality, and a charming Highland atmosphere.
Brackla Hotel
4.3 km
A friendly and lively bar with comfortable hotel rooms, perfect for relaxing and socializing in the heart of Nairn.
The Clubhouse B&B
4.6 km
Boutique coastal B&B in Nairn offering modern comfort, friendly service, and easy beach access for a peaceful Highland getaway.
Thistle Bar
15.4 km
Cozy and friendly bar on Forres High Street, offering affordable drinks and a warm local atmosphere every day from 11am to 10pm.
Legends
15.5 km
Lively pub with hearty fare, live weekend music, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Forres.
Sloe & Steady
15.7 km
Discover Forres’ cozy cocktail haven where creative drinks and a warm atmosphere blend for an unforgettable night out.
The Union Tavern
17.2 km
A cozy Fortrose pub offering local ales, live traditional music, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere on the Black Isle.
The Fishertown Inn
18.1 km
A cozy Georgian pub in Cromarty offering exceptional food, local ales, and a warm Highland welcome on historic Church Street.
The Snow Goose
21.3 km
Cozy up by the fire at The Snow Goose, Inverness’s charming pub serving hearty Highland classics in a warm, welcoming setting.
Dows Bar
23.4 km
A welcoming gastropub in Inverness blending local flavors, craft beers, and lively sports in a family-friendly setting.
The Imperial
23.7 km
A lively traditional Scottish pub and sports bar in Inverness, offering great drinks, hearty pub grub, and nonstop sports action on big screens.
The Tooth & Claw
23.7 km
Inverness’s vibrant rock and live music bar offering rustic charm, local brews, and an inclusive, lively atmosphere.
Platform 8
23.7 km
A lively Inverness pub blending classic charm with modern dining and a celebrated draft beer selection.
