MOUNT STUART HOUSE & GARDENS

HX Suggested Reasons to Visit

Sea Views

Temporary Exhibitions

Astrological Ceiling Painting

Stand beneath Mount Stuart’s soaring 80-foot Marble Hall, a breathtaking fusion of rare Italian and Sicilian marble. Described by Gavin Stamp as the house’s 'dark and mysterious heart,' it reflects the 3rd Marquess of Bute’s fascination with astrology, with zodiac-stained glass and a vaulted, star-filled ceiling creating a celestial wonder.

About

Set on the Isle of Bute, Mount Stuart is a house unlike any other in Scotland—an extraordinary fusion of Victorian Gothic architecture, pioneering innovation, and artistic vision. Originally built in 1719, the house was devastated by fire in 1877, leading to a bold reconstruction under John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute. Inspired by his fascination with astrology, art, and medieval architecture, the Marquess created a house of unrivalled imagination, blending rare Italian marble, celestial symbolism, and cutting-edge technology.

Mount Stuart is renowned as Scotland’s first home to be purpose-built with electric lighting, alongside central heating, an indoor heated swimming pool, and a Victorian passenger lift—all remarkable innovations for their time. Today, it remains an archetypal example of Gothic Architecture.

Mount Stuart is home to the Bute Collection, one of the UK’s most significant private collections, encompassing fine and decorative art, rare books, and historic archives. The house also hosts an acclaimed contemporary arts programme, showcasing leading Scottish and international artists in exhibitions and performances throughout the year.

The estate spans 300 acres of spectacular gardens and grounds, featuring a globally significant plant collection, the Mawson-designed Rock Garden, and a private beach overlooking the Firth of Clyde. These landscapes, shaped over centuries, offer visitors tranquil walks through woodland, wildflower meadows, and formal gardens, each reflecting the estate’s long commitment to conservation and sustainability.

Mount Stuart invites visitors to explore at their own pace with self-guided tours, while private and special access tours provide deeper insight into its extraordinary history. The Courtyard Café serves light lunches and homemade baking, while the gift shop offers a curated selection of locally made crafts and island-inspired gifts.

With its celestial interiors, historic collections, and breathtaking landscapes, Mount Stuart is a place of wonder and discovery, where heritage, innovation, and creativity converge.

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House & Gardens Ticket

Book this ticket to explore Mount Stuart's architectural story. Visit the Georgian wings with a Victorian design. Inside, astrological, artistic, and mythological designs await you, alongside innovations like an early telephone system and a Victorian passenger …

Mount Stuart Gardens Access

Enjoy 300 acres of Mount Stuart's beautiful gardens and surrounding landscape with the Firth of Clyde providing a remarkable backdrop. You will find that the Bute family's love for plants can be seen at every turn. …

Directions

Mount Stuart, Rothesay, Isle of Bute, PA20 9LR

Public Transport:

Train: Scotrail runs regular trains between Glasgow Central and Wemyss Bay ferry terminal. Ferries to Bute depart from the same station. There are no trains on the Isle of Bute.
Bus: McGills operates regular bus services between Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station and Largs (services 901, 906, 906X), with stops directly at Wemyss Bay ferry terminal. West Coast Motors provides bus services on Bute, with the 90/490 routes running directly to Mount Stuart from opposite Rothesay ferry terminal.
Ferry: Calmac Ferries offers two routes to Bute: Wemyss Bay-Rothesay (35 minutes) and Colintraive-Rhubodach (5 minutes). Wemyss Bay-Rothesay is the main route, and tickets can be booked online via Calmac's website. For a scenic drive, use the Colintraive-Rhubodach crossing.

By Car:

For sat-nav, use postcode PA20 9LR. Note that sat-nav systems may direct you to the main house, where parking is only for Blue Badge holders. Follow directional signs once you enter the Mount Stuart grounds.
Cars can travel on both Calmac ferry routes. There is a pay & display car park at Wemyss Bay ferry terminal if you prefer to leave your car and travel as a foot passenger. At Mount Stuart, free parking is available a 5-minute walk from the main house. The car park is on an incline, so visitors with Blue Badges can park directly at the house, following signs for accessible parking and drop-off.