Mount Stuart

Visit the gothic splendour of Mount Stuart

This is Britain's most astounding Victorian gothic mansion. Home to the Stuarts of Bute, descendants of the Royal House of Stuart, this magnificent house sits proudly on the Isle of Bute – ancient stronghold of Scottish kings.

Although it feels as if you have escaped to a wild and wonderful kingdom, this award-winning historical attraction lies just an hour away from Glasgow.

The flamboyant house and its 300 acres of gardens reflect the artistic, religious and astrological interests of the 3rd Marquess of Bute. Although still a family home, they provide a spectacular private venue for luxury weddings, exclusive parties and corporate events.

Mount Stuart is a shining example of the grand domestic architecture that came out of Britain’s 19th Century Gothic Revival. It stands, cathedral-like, as a monument to an obsession with the medieval past.

The house arose from the ashes of the previous Mount Stuart, a building dating from the reign of Queen Anne, which was destroyed by fire in 1877. Under the direction of the 3rd Marquess of Bute and his architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson, this extravagant new house was born, fusing powerful architecture with noble themes and lavish designs.

Like its creator, the 3rd Marquess of Bute, this sandstone palace is profoundly inspired by history, astrology, art and mythology. As the greatest architectural patron of his day, Bute poured his passion and imagination into the imposing marble hall, breathtaking chapel, pioneering swimming pool and ornate reception rooms you see today.

Yet the enormous house was never finished, much only being completed in an ambitious restoration programme begun by the late 6th Marquess in the 1980s. The careful development, refurbishment and investment into the fabric of Mount Stuart continues to this day.

Mount Stuart Visitor Centre Restaurant

Savour the freshest seasonal locally-sourced food while you admire panoramic views across the grounds towards the Firth of Clyde. The impressive restaurant occupies the first floor of the award winning Visitor Centre. Frameless glass walls display the glorious views to their full potential, while al fresco dining on the balcony further enhances the vantage point during the summer months.

Shortly after opening in 2001 early feedback described the restaurant as the ‘best looking’ in Scotland and it is very easy to see why.

Sourcing good, fresh and local produce for the daily-changing menu is our main priority, providing a unique ‘Taste of Bute’ experience to our visitors. Suppliers from the Island of Bute and the wider region of Argyll include McAlisters Milk, Drumachloy Rose Veal, Windyhall Farm Beef and Loch Fyne Oysters. Vegetables, salads, herbs and fruit from the Mount Stuart Kitchen Garden are used wherever possible as well as our eggs being produced on the estate, by our 150 hens.

There is no need to buy a visitor pass. This licensed restaurant is a cool and tranquil place to enjoy a light snack or delicious meal.

Mount Stuart Visitor Centre Restaurant Opening Hours:

April – October:

Restaurant 10am – 6pm.

(Thurs – Sun) 10am -10pm

Pre booking is recommended for large parties and bespoke set menus are available on request – please email contactus@mountstuart.com or call 01700 505276.

Visit the Mount Stuart Website