Mount Stuart
Mount Stuart
4.5
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
1 within 5 kms
Attractions
51 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- ultonian42 contributionsThe best house ever!This is an absolutely fascinating house, with so much to see. The guide we had (Jim) was superb. Knowledgeable, funny, engaging and entertaining. Couldn’t praise this experience enough. Simply a must do on Bute. A tad expensive but worth every penny.Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 11 April 2023
- cockneywarriorColchester, United Kingdom215 contributionsSimply StunningWow. What a gem, how have I never heard of this place before. The pictures don’t do it justice. Make sure you arrive for a Tour time as you can wander round on your own, so we did the 1130 tour but you can arrive from 10 and and buy tickets and do the Garden first. The house is stunning and our guide Lance was brilliant. The tour is about an hour but we spent another 3 exploring the grounds and gardens and walking along the Beach. If you just do the house you are missing out. We got the ferry over which is easy. You don’t need a car you can get a bus fromRothesay, all I would say is you are dependant on an hourly service. So we drove so we. Weren’t worried about times etc. we were shattered by the end from all the walking so didn’t explore e anywhere else on the island. The Sea Front is a disappointment rundown and nothing there.my recommendations are drive, do the 1230 tour for the light in the Altar ( trust me). Worth the ferry over.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 May 2023
- Alison K23 contributionsMount Stuart on a rainy dayDid a guided tour of the house. So much information which was great. Guide was very knowledgeable but kept asking why we were so quiet. It was mostly due to everyone being very interested but also no time to ask any questions due to being given so much info. It would have been nice to have some time at the end to ask questions but the next group were waiting so this wasn’t possible. The gardens are huge and spectacular. It’s easy to spend a whole day there. Only one recommendation and that would be to have a summerhouse or small sheltered seating here and there for rainy days or elderly who need to rest out of the sun. I need to go again as I couldn’t do it justice in one day.Visited May 2023Travelled soloWritten 8 May 2023
- AuntyRoses78 contributionsDon't save for a rainy day!Mount Stuart exceeded our expectations. It's well worth a visit. There are many tours every day - you can't visit the interior without a tour, but don't let that put you off. The information and history will amaze you and bring the place alive and is presented in an interesting and amusing way, and not too long. Don't overlook the grounds. Do visit the beach area. Do visit the kitchen garden. The cafe is OK....fresh food although small and all white bread. Nice soup though. Don't save this visit for a dreary day. It's a good half day out and nice to finish with a short drive to visit nearby Skalpsie beach to see the seals.Visited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 20 May 2023
- tomalli68Falkirk, United Kingdom634 contributionsBeautiful houseVisited the house whilst on a trip to Bute. Beautiful house with beautiful gardens. Great history in the place and certainly the rooms have the wow factor. Grounds also have access to a lovely beach which was very quiet on the day we visited. Staff we came across were exceptionally nice and appeared knowledgeable. It is quite expensive for entry so make the most of your visit. There is a cafe with a good range of food on offer and standard cafe prices. The grounds are huge and it would be easy to get lost. Whilst they do give you a small map it's not great and signage around the place is limited. Would still recommend a visit if you can.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 July 2023
- Shane005Belfast, United Kingdom61 contributionsExcellent day out in a unique settingVisited 3rd July 2023 with family. Excellent day out - bring a picnic as you need to spend at least 4 hours to enjoy your visit. Our tour of the house was self guided, though there were guides in most of the rooms. These people were a goldmine of information, giving insight into the history of the family and the house. Every room is beautifully decorated, but there are so many styles, and so much to view that it can be a bit overwhelming. The grounds are laid out into a series of mini gardens of differing styles. Unfortunately the weather was against us, but we will return in future as there is so much to see. The house is available for weddings and functions as they have 30 modern en-suite bedrooms in addition to the historic rooms.Visited July 2023Written 4 July 2023
- RelaxedchilledKendal, United Kingdom40 contributionsA great way to spend a dayThe guided tour around the house was excellent. The guide was full of information having worked there for many years. Loved the stained glass windows. Grounds extensive and could have gone back to do more. Local bus and tour bus stop at the estate. Bit disappointing no real wallabies in wee garden. I think it was intended for children to search out the cardboard cut outs but need to be made clear. Enjoyed sitting on the beach.Visited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 5 July 2023
- lindsey h14 contributionsAmazing House & Fascinating HistoryWe visited along with my parents in early July. The house is beautiful, and after and early lunch in the cafe ( very nice and good value) we toured the house. This was a self tour and we were given a map and met by knowledgable and friendly guides in each room . The Elderly gentleman in the drawing room was one of our highlights and we could have chatted to him all day! Amazing interior, fascinating history of the family but we were left disappointed that you didn’t get to see more as the house is clearly huge and had lots of other areas we wanted to see and we had read about that weren’t on the self tour - no smoking room, swimming pool, billiard room etc. at £16.50 for entry we saw the house in around 90 mins and wandered through the gardens - it’s pretty expensive for what you have access to. I believe you maybe see more on the guided tours but at £40pp we felt that was a bit steep! Worth a visit, go on a nice day to enjoy the gardens and beach and visit the cafe for lunch or a coffee.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 July 2023
- Suzanne S6 contributionsInteresting and rich history and absolutely beautiful Gothic PalaceHad a lovely tour of this beautiful gothic Palace. The history is absolutley unique with wonderful human stories. There are large and extensive gardens and a beach to spend the rest of the day. Delicious refreshments and food on site too and a nice gift shop.Visited July 2023Written 10 July 2023
- Allan7 contributionsNostalgic family trip to 'back' to ScotlandProbably the top 'house & gardens' which we have visited. A real treasure trove! Tip - we arrived early, almost first in the door & it was worth it. It is certainly the top attraction on the Island. Guides in every room and all very knowledgeable.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 31 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,295 reviews
Excellent
1,002
Very good
219
Average
51
Poor
15
Terrible
8
Jean C
Kendal, UK3 contributions
Sept 2023
Sadly the cafe, which advertised lots of home grown produce, didnt serve any meals with vegetables. It was all just mostly sandwiches and no gluten free bread at all.
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tricia M
9 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
This house is absolutely amazing the decoration inside is completely awe inspiring, the tour gave lots of info and pointed out the little quirks of the building . We will definitely go back.
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil
Thessaloniki, Greece2,396 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We visited outside main sesaon, and only guided tours of the house with about 90 minuts wait were avaiable. Easy to get to by car/bike/public- and sightseeing bus.
Written 19 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marv B
1 contribution
May 2023 • Couples
We just back recently from a month in Europe. This was amongst the best we seen. Tour guides were fantastic. Definately would go again and highly recommend.
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FlyingPigPorksville
Scotland, UK52 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
This is pretty amazing stately home from a time when millionaires thought it was okay to flaunt their ridiculous wealth by building equally ridiculous buildings.
If you have any socialist tendencies, give it a miss. If you’re a true blue capitalist, fill your boots.
Either way, if you do go, take the time to visit all of the gardens including the kitchen garden (which is quite a walk).
If you have any socialist tendencies, give it a miss. If you’re a true blue capitalist, fill your boots.
Either way, if you do go, take the time to visit all of the gardens including the kitchen garden (which is quite a walk).
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allan
7 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Probably the top 'house & gardens' which we have visited. A real treasure trove! Tip - we arrived early, almost first in the door & it was worth it.
It is certainly the top attraction on the Island. Guides in every room and all very knowledgeable.
It is certainly the top attraction on the Island. Guides in every room and all very knowledgeable.
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David H
20 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Fascinating building and grounds. Well worth the visit. Very enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff in the house itself and in the information centre.
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suzanne S
6 contributions
Jul 2023
Had a lovely tour of this beautiful gothic Palace. The history is absolutley unique with wonderful human stories. There are large and extensive gardens and a beach to spend the rest of the day. Delicious refreshments and food on site too and a nice gift shop.
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nutella24365
Vancouver, Canada3 contributions
Jul 2023
Excellent room guides.
Very informative and interesting.
Their passion for the house was palpable.
Beautiful gardens.
Also worth walking to the beach.
Very informative and interesting.
Their passion for the house was palpable.
Beautiful gardens.
Also worth walking to the beach.
Written 6 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lindsey h
14 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We visited along with my parents in early July. The house is beautiful, and after and early lunch in the cafe ( very nice and good value) we toured the house. This was a self tour and we were given a map and met by knowledgable and friendly guides in each room . The Elderly gentleman in the drawing room was one of our highlights and we could have chatted to him all day!
Amazing interior, fascinating history of the family but we were left disappointed that you didn’t get to see more as the house is clearly huge and had lots of other areas we wanted to see and we had read about that weren’t on the self tour - no smoking room, swimming pool, billiard room etc. at £16.50 for entry we saw the house in around 90 mins and wandered through the gardens - it’s pretty expensive for what you have access to. I believe you maybe see more on the guided tours but at £40pp we felt that was a bit steep!
Worth a visit, go on a nice day to enjoy the gardens and beach and visit the cafe for lunch or a coffee.
Amazing interior, fascinating history of the family but we were left disappointed that you didn’t get to see more as the house is clearly huge and had lots of other areas we wanted to see and we had read about that weren’t on the self tour - no smoking room, swimming pool, billiard room etc. at £16.50 for entry we saw the house in around 90 mins and wandered through the gardens - it’s pretty expensive for what you have access to. I believe you maybe see more on the guided tours but at £40pp we felt that was a bit steep!
Worth a visit, go on a nice day to enjoy the gardens and beach and visit the cafe for lunch or a coffee.
Written 5 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sonya H
Newport Beach, CA
Im interested in reviews of Mount Stuart weddings AND reviews of staying overnight at Mount Stuart. Thank you.
Claire C
Edinburgh, UK
Are there plans for you to open after July 15th in line with the government's plans re covid?
Can you bring a dog?
Agnes A
Motherwell, UK28 contributions
Dogs are not allowed in the house, however there are certain trails you can go with your dog. You are given a map at the beginning.
Is there anywhere to play football on the island, somewhere with goal posts?
Joey
Scotland, UK57 contributions
Probably at the sports ground near the swimming pool.
Irene C
Auchterhouse, UK
Visiting Rothesay in February so question is best things to see please?
CoolCollectedMummy
Northallerton, UK40 contributions
Mount Stuart was probably the most memorable thing on the island. Really quite spectacular and the tour was very informative. Definitely not to be missed. It's the jewel on the island It's a beautiful drive around the island too. On arrival Rothesay looks pretty from the boat but is a little run down on closer inspection but don't let that put you off a really beautiful peaceful as relaxing island. We stayed for a week and left feeling thoroughly recharged.
Cardeeth
Cardiff, UK18 contributions
How regular are the buses from the ferry at rothesay to mount stuart please? We are travelling in August. Thank you.
jpeterhughes2017
Abergele, UK25 contributions
every 15 minutes or so.
although a taxi is very reasonable.
There is a Mini bus takes you within the grounds and is included in the admission fee.
Farhat S
glasgow1 contribution
Hi , I am bringing about 49 women and children to bute and will like to visit mount Stuart. Can I ask what the cost is and how to arrange a tour guide ? Also if there is place for us to have picnic ?
MS_Visitor_Services
Rothesay, UK
Hi Farhat S
We can offer you the group rate of £7.50PP which includes entry to the Gardens and free flow admission to the House. Please contact the office tel: 01700 503 877 and ask to speak to Kate or Euan who will be able to assist with your booking.
I would really like to have the Latin wording of the inscription on the memorial in the grounds.
Paul C
Brecon, UK14 contributions
Hi Margaret,
We visited Mount Stuart all too briefly last week. We were actually visiting a friend on Bute and didn't have a huge amount of time. Intrigued by the column, I went to have a look to see who it represented. I was none the wiser as to who it was, but recognised the Latin inscription (dum memor ipse mei, dum spiritus hos regit artus) as a quotation from Virgil's Aeneid - in my humble opinion the greatest work of poetry ever written. In Book 4, Aeneas, the Trojan prince who is destined to settle with the remnants of the Trojans in Italy, has fallen in love with the Carthaginian queen Dido. As far as she is concerned, they are husband and wife and will rule together in Carthage. Reminded that it is his destiny to sail off to found a new home for his people, Aeneas realises that he has to leave Dido even though he loves her. Having failed to find the right time to break the news to her, he clears off in the middle of the night. When she finds out that he has sailed away, Dido kills herself, but not before she has cursed Aeneas and all his descendants, demanding that the Carthaginians will always hate Aeneas' descendants (the Romans) and that an avenger will arise who will hound them in the future (i.e. Hannibal). The whole sentence from which this quote comes (Aeneid 4. lines 335-6) is nec me meminisse pigebit Elissae, dum memor ipse mei, dum spiritus hos regit artus - 'I will never regret remembering Elissa (an alternative title for Dido) as long as my memory itself remains and as long as my spirit rules these limbs'. The inscription on the column is from 'as long as my memory ,,, limbs'. It comes from part of the story when Aeneas is trying and failing to break the news gently to Dido, suggesting that he has to leave but that he will always remember her and be grateful for her kindness towards him and his people.
Though it struck me that this was a strange choice of quotation given the original meaning, I assumed that it was a memorial to a dead spouse. The guidebook (which mistranslates the Latin) states that the column was dedicated to Augusta Dowager Princess of Wales by the 3rd Earl of Bute on her death in 1772. She had founded Kew Gardens and the 3rd Earl was her botanical advisor. He admitted that he was devoted to her and his opponents suggested that he was rather too close to her. She stated that she found both his botanical knowledge and company invaluable. The column was erected in its present position in the early 1870s and has recently been restored.
I hope this helps.
Paul.
scottishmags
Stockport, UK39 contributions
Hi, I'll be visiting in May with a group of French friends. Many don't speak English and I am trying to gain some information in advance so I can translate for them. Do you have written guides in French available at all?
Thanks
MS_Visitor_Services
Rothesay, UK
Dear scottishmags
Thank you for your enquiry. I can confirm that we have a French room guide available free of charge. Please contact the office tel: 01700 503877.
Kind regards
Louisa Davidson
Visitor Experience Manager
Nckprr
4 contributions
Is the house closed in November? I am in Bute two night on the 4th of December and would love to visit when I'm here.
Robert F
Liverpool, UK153 contributions
The house closes after Sunday the 6th November but grounds and tea room still open do check the web site as sometimes it changes.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Stuart
- Hotels near Mount Stuart:
- (5.68 km) Highlander House B&B
- (6.96 km) Jack's Alt-Stays
- (5.62 km) Boat House Super Suites
- (9.66 km) Northend Guest House
- (9.58 km) St Leonards Guest house
- Restaurants near Mount Stuart:
- (1.04 km) Mount Stuart Restaurant
- (5.45 km) The Waterfront, Rothesay
- (5.48 km) Helmi’s
- (5.49 km) Musicker Cafe
- (5.50 km) Kettledrum Cafè & Bistro