Mount Stuart
Extraordinary Gothic mansion house in a waterside setting.
Mountstuart, Isle of Bute, PA20 9LR
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Bike storage facilities
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Cafe / restaurant
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Charged parking
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Easily accessible without car
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EV charging options
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Facilities for children
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Free parking
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Garden only
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Good journey mark
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
- Accessible toilets
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
Mount Stuart, Britain’s most spectacular Victorian Gothic house, offers a memorable day out for the whole family.
Walks on the beach, discoveries in the gardens, dazzling interiors, unique architectural details, seasonal events and exhibitions make Mount Stuart a place that captures the imagination!
The original house was built in 1719 by the 2nd Earl of Bute but had to be rebuilt after a fire in 1877 by the 3rd Marquess of Bute. The main part of the house is a striking example of 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture, built in a reddish-brown stone and takes inspiration from history, astrology, art and mythology.
In the company of a senior Guide, you will be taken on a tour of Mount Stuart’s magnificent interiors. Discover the fascinating history of the Bute family and view masterpieces from the Bute Collection. Further information is available here.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
2026 Season Opening Times
Mount Stuart is open from 1st April to 18th October 2026. The property operates on different schedules depending on the season, with extended summer hours and reduced autumn opening.
House Opening Times
The House is open for self-guided admission with the following hours:
- 1st April - 30th June and 1st September - 18th October: 11.30am - 3pm
- 1st July - 31st August: 11.30am - 4pm
Last entry to the House is one hour before closing time. Time slots are available every 15 minutes during opening hours.
Please note: The House is closed every Friday from 1st September onwards. On 19th September, the House closes early at 2.30pm (last entry 1.30pm), though the Gardens, Café and Shop remain open as normal.
Gardens Opening Times
The Gardens are open daily from 10am - 5pm throughout the entire season, including on dates when the House is closed.
Quiet Hours
Every Friday in August from 3pm - 4pm, the House offers quieter visiting hours for those who prefer a more peaceful experience.
Special Events & Experiences
Mount Stuart offers a range of guided tours and special events throughout the season:
- The Architecture & Design of Mount Stuart: 16th August and 6th September 2026
- Curator Tour: The Weather Inside II: Friday 21st August 2026
- Discover Mount Stuart at a Quieter Pace (Quiet Hours Event): 3pm - 4pm on Friday 14th and 28th August 2026
- Behind the Bricks & Mortar: Archivist Exhibition Talk: Friday 28th August 2026
- Community Engagement — Discussion Opportunities: Wednesday 2nd September 2026
Exhibitions & Displays
Trysorau Cymreig / Welsh Treasures: Object of the Month Displays run throughout the season from 1st April - 18th October 2026.
Historic Houses members visit for free.
Summer Saver Tickets valid 25th June to 1st September only
Adult: £16.63
Concession: £14.66
Student: £12.25
Child: £9.19
Family: £51.63
Young Scot: £0.88
Large groups are welcome at Mount Stuart and we have a number of packages available to make your visit extra special.
Group visits must be pre-booked and discounts on admission and catering packages are available for groups of 15 or more. We have ample coach parking at both the Visitor Centre and the House and tour leaders and coach drivers receive free entry.
We are able to offer educational workshops in the House and Gardens. Content can be tailored to fit with the school curriculum for both primary and secondary classes.
For more information please contact:
Morven Gregor
- Accessible toilets
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
Getting here
Mountstuart, Isle of Bute, PA20 9LR
Mount Stuart is located on the Isle of Bute with good public transport links that are fully integrated ensuring that visitors can get here quickly and easily.
Once on the Isle of Bute from Rothesay ferry terminal Mount Stuart can be found by following the A844 (East Princes Street) approximately 4m down the coast. The entrance to Mount Stuart is clearly signposted on the left hand side.
We believe Mount Stuart was the first home in the world to have an indoor heated swimming pool, and the first house in Scotland to be purpose built with electric lights, central heating and a telephone system.
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