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 Overview
Mount Stuart opens for the 2026 season from 1st April to 18th October. The property operates on a varied schedule throughout this period, with different opening patterns depending on the time of year.
General Opening Hours
The season is divided into three periods with different opening patterns:
- 1st April – 30th June: Open 6 days a week, closed every Friday
- 1st July – 31st August: Open daily
- 1st September – 18th October: Open 6 days a week, closed every Friday
House Opening Times
Self-guided admission to the House is available during the following hours:
- Standard season (April–June, September–October): 11:30am–3pm
- July & 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.
Early closures: The House closes at 2:30pm (last entry 1:30pm) on 1st August 2026 and 19th September 2026.
Full closures: The House is closed to the public on 25th April, 2nd–3rd May, 23rd May, 5th September, 24th–27th September, and 10th October 2026.
Gardens
The Gardens are open 10am–5pm throughout the season (1st April – 18th October 2026). On dates when the House is closed, the Gardens remain open with tickets available from the Courtyard Pantry, which operates 9:30am–3pm on those days.
Parking
Car parking is available during the visiting season.
Guided Experiences
Guided House Tours
New for 2026, guided House tours run regularly throughout the season at 10:15am.
Collections Viewings
Select collections viewings are available at 2pm–2:45pm on chosen dates throughout 2026.
Archivist Exhibition Talks
Behind the Bricks & Mortar exhibition talks take place on Thursday 16th April 2026 and Friday 28th August 2026.
Exhibitions & Displays
From Brick to Building: Mount Stuart's Development is a returning exhibition running throughout the 2026 season (1st April – 18th October).
Veronica Ryan: The Weather Inside II runs from 30th May to 18th October 2026.
Trysorau Cymreig / Welsh Treasures: Object of the Month Displays are on view throughout the season (1st April – 18th October 2026).
Special Events & Activities
Step into the Story of Mount Stuart this Summer runs throughout the season (1st April – 18th October 2026).
A Community Engagement Discussion Opportunity takes place on 6th May 2026.
Digital Access
The Bloomberg Connects App offers a digital preview of Mount Stuart and is available at any time.
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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