Mount Stuart
Mount Stuart
4.5
Full view










What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
1 within 3 miles
Attractions
48 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- RevJamesMillsGlasgow, United Kingdom116 contributionsLoved it so much, we chose it as our wedding venue!To avoid disappointment, please check first that it is open to the public on the day of your visit, and not being used for a wedding! My partner and I found this absolute gem of a country estate in a visit to Rothesay. We arrived on the day of a wedding, but thankfully for us, we had no idea it could be booked for a wedding… we made some enquiries with the staff and came back with our family to show them the place we have found to get married! We have a somewhat “private tour” a few weeks later to see more of the house that is used for exclusive use, and we are absolutely in love with the house! We will be back again with more friends and family, wedding event staff etc., Ferry for 2 adults and a car is £38 return, entry to the house is not expensive, the cafe was warm and welcoming and the food we bought was very nice. 10/10 for first impressions, and they will definitely last a lifetime.Dear RevJamesMills, Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your visit to Mount Stuart House. I am delighted that you liked the house so much so that you have booked to have your wedding here! It is a fabulous venue to host events. We look forward to welcoming you again soon at Mount Stuart! Kind regards, MarinaWritten December 20, 2022This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Traveled as a coupleWritten August 18, 2022
- OH_travellerPerth, United Kingdom20 contributionsOutstandingI’ve been kayaking past this place for over 20 years, always meant to come and visit, so when the weather destroyed this year’s kayak trip I thought I’d play tourist. Wow. I’m so pleased I did. What a fabulous place, both historically and architecturally. It absolutely oozes class and refinement, and as each key space has a highly informed guide, you get a story about the room. And they have the knowledge to answer questions and engage in discussion. The gardens and policies are outstanding as well, and the cafeteria/coffee shop serves excellent soup, light snacks and sandwiches. Even at 16:00. Unlike other ‘castles ‘ in the geographic area! Very, very impressive place. I thoroughly recommend a visit.Dear OH_traveller, Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your recent visit to Mount Stuart. I am glad that you were impressed by your visit to the house, our guides are very passionate and really add to the overall experience! I am delighted that you enjoyed the gardens and cafe too. We hope to welcome you again soon to Mount Stuart. Kind regards, MarinaWritten December 20, 2022This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Traveled as a coupleWritten October 24, 2022
- Karen HCardiff, United Kingdom297 contributionsA grand day outWe were fortunate to be in the area on holiday on the first day of the house opening where we had prebooked tickets. We were given an excellent map of rooms which we could visit along with the one way system we had to follow. There were ten rooms open all with knowledgeable, friendly and helpful staff. The history of the house is extremely well explained and includes some amazing details. The tour takes about an hour as there are limits on number of people in each room, which was managed extremely well. The house itself is absolutely stunning as are the vast gardens. We spent around five hours here and could have easily have spent longer. The tea room again is very well managed and stocks soup, sandwiches, cakes and ice creams as well as the usual drinks. Toilet facilities were excellent. If you are on the Isle of Bute or staying locally this place is a must see. It truly is a great day out!Dear Karen H Thank you for taking the time to provide such comprehensive feedback on your visit. I'm really pleased that you found our Covid-19 measures easy to follow and I hope that you will be able to visit us again in the future under more normal circumstances. Kind regards LouisaWritten September 3, 2021This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Traveled with familyWritten June 5, 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,272 reviews
Excellent
986
Very good
215
Average
49
Poor
14
Terrible
8
Swedishtomcat
Diss, UK3,233 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Each room has its own wow factor for example the library, marble chapel, stained glass astrological windows and even the en suite. There are staff on hand to point out features and answer any questions. The cafe was ok. It was too wet to explore the extensive grounds and gardens.
Written October 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Swedishtomcat,
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your recent visit to Mount Stuart.
I am delighted that the house displayed its WOW factor and the staff were attentive in assisting you.
We look forward to welcoming you to Mount Stuart again in the future, hopefully the weather is kind and you get to enjoy the gardens!
Kind regards,
Marina
Written December 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
OH_traveller
Perth, UK20 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
I’ve been kayaking past this place for over 20 years, always meant to come and visit, so when the weather destroyed this year’s kayak trip I thought I’d play tourist.
Wow. I’m so pleased I did. What a fabulous place, both historically and architecturally. It absolutely oozes class and refinement, and as each key space has a highly informed guide, you get a story about the room. And they have the knowledge to answer questions and engage in discussion.
The gardens and policies are outstanding as well, and the cafeteria/coffee shop serves excellent soup, light snacks and sandwiches. Even at 16:00. Unlike other ‘castles ‘ in the geographic area!
Very, very impressive place. I thoroughly recommend a visit.
Wow. I’m so pleased I did. What a fabulous place, both historically and architecturally. It absolutely oozes class and refinement, and as each key space has a highly informed guide, you get a story about the room. And they have the knowledge to answer questions and engage in discussion.
The gardens and policies are outstanding as well, and the cafeteria/coffee shop serves excellent soup, light snacks and sandwiches. Even at 16:00. Unlike other ‘castles ‘ in the geographic area!
Very, very impressive place. I thoroughly recommend a visit.
Written October 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear OH_traveller,
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your recent visit to Mount Stuart.
I am glad that you were impressed by your visit to the house, our guides are very passionate and really add to the overall experience! I am delighted that you enjoyed the gardens and cafe too.
We hope to welcome you again soon to Mount Stuart.
Kind regards,
Marina
Written December 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richie M
3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Thoroughly enjoyed day out with the kids, they navigated the map that was provided by the car park, beautiful grounds to explore.
It had been around 15 years since I was last down and there is always something new to discover, including a new trail opened to the public.
It had been around 15 years since I was last down and there is always something new to discover, including a new trail opened to the public.
Written October 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear 67richiem,
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your recent visit to Mount Stuart.
I am happy that you enjoyed your day out and that the children were well occupied navigating the map! There is always something new to see and children can enjoy play through exploration.
We look forward to welcoming you to Mount Stuart again soon.
Kind regards,
Marina
Written December 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
George D
Edinburgh, UK15 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Stunning architecture and the white marble in the chapel with blow you away. The large grounds ideal for a stroll it’s worth a walk down to the shore and we found the sandy beach spotting a seal or two was a bonus
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear JorgeDuire,
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your visit to Mount Stuart.
I am delighted that you were blown away by the marble chapel and enjoyed exploring the gardens and beach! We look forward to welcoming you again to Mount Stuart soon.
Kind regards,
Marina
Written December 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Penny Dainty
Winchester, UK7 contributions
Sep 2022
Wonderfully unusual house in a stunning setting. The exterior is marvellous but it doesn't prepare you for the fabulous interior which is opulent and individual yet clearly a family home.
I wouldn't bother with the cafe; sad pasties, sausage rolls and run out of soup by 1.30 - seems like a missed opportunity especially with the abundance of produce on Bute. But we were there for the house which certainly didn't disappoint.
I wouldn't bother with the cafe; sad pasties, sausage rolls and run out of soup by 1.30 - seems like a missed opportunity especially with the abundance of produce on Bute. But we were there for the house which certainly didn't disappoint.
Written September 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear jacmacaswas,
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your visit to Mount Stuart.
I am delighted that you found the exterior and interior of the house fabulous!
Providing a high end visitor experience is at the heart of Mount Stuart and we are always looking for ways to improve our services. It is disappointing the café did not meet your expectations, our produce has limited availability as it is freshly prepared daily with local produce. I welcome you to reach out to me directly via email if you wish to provide additional feedback or discuss this further - visitors@mountstuart.com
We look forward to welcoming you to Mount Stuart again soon.
Kind regards,
Marina
Written December 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ROADTRIP1408
Birmingham, UK73 contributions
Sep 2022
The visit to the house was excellent. The house is an amazing piece of architecture. Unfortunately the whole experience was spoilt due to the lack of signage around the external areas of the estate.
The walk to the beach area was reasonably marked but when you went on to the beach and continued to walk there were no signs to take you back to the direction of the house.
There is no signage within the wee garden telling you how to leave the area - which considering a lot of visitors who are probably not too mobile would struggle with.
We were approached by an elderly couple who wanted to know if they were heading to the kitchen garden. They were going in the opposite direction again due to no signs.
Mount Stuart really needs to understand the demographic of its audience in a more caring and informative way. Signage doesn't just end with the visit to the house. Most of us can cope with upstairs and downstairs!
I really struggled and became annoyed and tired. The lack of signage and instructions for an audience who are probably on site for the first time was dreadful.
Mount Stuart need to help their audience in a much clearer way.
The walk to the beach area was reasonably marked but when you went on to the beach and continued to walk there were no signs to take you back to the direction of the house.
There is no signage within the wee garden telling you how to leave the area - which considering a lot of visitors who are probably not too mobile would struggle with.
We were approached by an elderly couple who wanted to know if they were heading to the kitchen garden. They were going in the opposite direction again due to no signs.
Mount Stuart really needs to understand the demographic of its audience in a more caring and informative way. Signage doesn't just end with the visit to the house. Most of us can cope with upstairs and downstairs!
I really struggled and became annoyed and tired. The lack of signage and instructions for an audience who are probably on site for the first time was dreadful.
Mount Stuart need to help their audience in a much clearer way.
Written September 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear ROADTRIP1408,
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your visit to Mount Stuart.
I am delighted you enjoyed your visit to the house.
Providing a positive visitor experience is at the heart of what we do, we are always looking for ways to improve our services and your comments will contribute to that. I am sorry to hear that our signage did not meet your expectations during your visit. I hope that this does not deter you from visiting us again. I would be happy to hear more from you, should you wish to, you can reach out via email - visitors@mountstuart.com.
We hope to welcome you again at Mount Stuart in the future.
Kind regards, Marina
Written December 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
saniyan
London, UK43 contributions
Aug 2022
The house isn't very old (1870s) but my word the architecture and attention to detail is simply stunning. Website suggested a 2 hour visit to the house but that is way too short if you want to admire everything, down to intricately carved light switches, door handles and hinges. What made our visit that bit extra special was the staff who were on hand in every room to explain the history and architecture, without ever getting in the way. The cafe was reasonably priced and served nice food. We didn't explore the gardens given time constraints but if the house is anything to go by the gardens will be stunning too.
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear saniyan,
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your visit to Mount Stuart.
I am delighted that you found your visit to the house enjoyable and that our guides added to your overall experience. Like you say its quite detailed and the grounds are quite extensive so a full day or return visit is needed to really enjoy both!
We look forward to welcoming you again soon to Mount Stuart House and Gardens.
Kind regards,
Marina
Written December 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dolphin57
Ayr, UK139 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Amazing architecture and attention to detail- one visit isn’t enough to take it all in!
The gardens and woodland shouldn’t be missed either- peaceful walks, we’ll signposted.
The cafe is worth a visit- knowledgeable about allergy requirements with good ‘alternatives’
The gardens and woodland shouldn’t be missed either- peaceful walks, we’ll signposted.
The cafe is worth a visit- knowledgeable about allergy requirements with good ‘alternatives’
Written September 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear dolphin57,
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your visit to Mount Stuart!
I am glad that you enjoyed your visit to the house and gardens. Like you say its quite detailed and requires more than one visit to really appreciate the extent of the house and the grounds!
We look forward to welcoming you again soon to Mount Stuart House and Gardens.
Kind regards,
Marina
Written December 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gordon M
West Malling, UK33 contributions
Aug 2022
Really amazing place to visit with a fascinating history. The exterior belies the opulent interior. Large grounds to walk around including along the shore
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Gordon M,
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your visit to Mount Stuart.
I am delighted that you found the history fascinating and enjoyed your visit to the house and gardens!
We look forward to welcoming you again to Mount Stuart soon.
Kind regards,
Marina
Written December 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MICHELLE M
2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
I was recently here with family for a visit. The house and grounds are stunning and so well cared for. I had my dad in a wheelchair and although the lifts are small we managed, especially with the help of Hayley who was brilliant. Outside was more challenging as it was gravel and very difficult to push the chair over to get to the accessible entrance then round to the café. Maybe changing this is something that could be considered. But overall was a great visit.
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear michelleml9345LT,
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your visit to Mount Stuart.
I am delighted you enjoyed your visit to the house and Hayley was attentive to your parties needs.
Providing a positive visitor experience is at the heart of what we do, we are always looking for ways to improve our services and your comments will contribute to that. It is disappointing that you experienced difficulties in the grounds. I hope that this does not deter you from visiting us again. I would be happy to hear more from you, should you wish to, you can reach out via email - visitors@mountstuart.com.
We hope to welcome you again at Mount Stuart soon.
Kind regards,
Marina
Written December 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sonya H
Newport Beach, CA
Im interested in reviews of Mount Stuart weddings AND reviews of staying overnight at Mount Stuart. Thank you.
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, UK56 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, UK23 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, UK38 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.
Mount Stuart (Rothesay) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Stuart
- Hotels near Mount Stuart:
- (0.01 mi) Kennels, ROTHESAY, ISLE OF BUTE
- (0.02 mi) KENNELS, detached, en-suite, woodburning stove, pet-friendly, Rothesay, Ref
- (3.51 mi) Boat House Super Suites
- (6.04 mi) Northend Guest House
- (5.99 mi) St Leonards Guest house
- Restaurants near Mount Stuart:
- (0.65 mi) Mount Stuart Restaurant
- (3.41 mi) The Waterfront, Rothesay
- (3.43 mi) Helmi’s
- (3.43 mi) Musicker Cafe
- (3.40 mi) Harry Haw's