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
Season Dates: 1st April – 18th October 2026
Regular Opening Pattern:
- 1st April – 30th June: Open 6 days per week (closed Fridays)
- 1st July – 31st August: Open daily
- 1st September – 18th October: Open 6 days per week (closed Fridays)
House Opening Times
The House is open for self-guided admission with timed entry slots available every 15 minutes:
- Standard Season (April–June, September–October): 11:30am–3pm
- July & August: 11:30am–4pm
- Last entry is 1 hour prior to closing time
Early Closures: The House closes at 2:30pm (last entry 1:30pm) on 1st August and 19th September. Gardens, Café and Shop remain open as normal on these dates.
Gardens
The Gardens are open 10am–5pm on all regular open days throughout the season. They also remain open during private event closure dates when the House is closed.
Private Event Closures
On the following dates, the House, Courtyard Café, Round-house and Family Entrance Shop are closed, but the Gardens remain open 10am–5pm and the Courtyard Pantry is open 10am–3pm:
- 23rd May
- 5th September
- 24th–27th September (inclusive)
- 10th October
Guided Experiences & Events
Guided House Tours
New for 2026, guided House tours run regularly throughout the season at 10:15am.
Collections Viewings
Select dates in 2026, 2pm–2:45pm.
Special Events & Exhibitions
- Behind the Bricks & Mortar: Archivist Exhibition Talks – Friday 28th August 2026
- Community Engagement at Bute Yard Tipi – Wednesday 3rd June, 10am–12noon
- The Mount Stuart Kitchen Garden Pop Up – Every Thursday, 11am–3:30pm
- Veronica Ryan: The Weather Inside II – 30th May – 18th October 2026
- Trysorau Cymreig / Welsh Treasures: Object of the Month Displays – 1st April – 18th October 2026
- Step into the Story of Mount Stuart this Summer – 1st April – 18th October 2026
Historic Houses members visit for free.
House and gardens:
Adult £18.25
Concession £16
Student £12
Child (5-15) £10
Child under 5 FREE
Family £55
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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