FAQ

If you cannot see the answer to your question listed below, please don't hesitate to call us on (01700) 503877 or email contactus@mountstuart.com.

Getting Here, Arrival and Admission

Is it easy to get to Mount Stuart?

Yes! Mount Stuart is located on the Isle of Bute, the most accessible island off the west coast of Scotland. We are just ninety minutes from Glasgow, with frequent bus, rail and ferry services. The public transport links to Mount Stuart are fully integrated, ensuring that visitors can come here easily. For further information on how to get here, please see our guide to Finding us.

What is the Joint Ticket Promotion?

You can buy one ticket at Wemyss Bay ferry terminal that covers your return fare on the ferry and the bus to Mount Stuart, as well as entry to the House and Gardens of Mount Stuart itself. Please contact us for further information.

What facilities are free?

You can visit our award winning Visitor Centre, Restaurant, Gift Shop, eatBute Farm Shop, Garden Centre, Audio Visual Theatre and Adventure Play Area for free. Tickets must be purchased for access to the House and Gardens at our Visitor Centre reception desk.

Where is the car-parking?

Free parking is available on site, directly in front of the Visitor Centre, and courtesy transport is available to take you from the Visitor Centre to the House.

Where is the disabled car-parking?

Visitors who display a blue badge in their car can park next to the main House. Please see our guide on Access for further information.

How much does admission cost?

Ticket prices for a single day are £11 for an adult, £9 for a concession and £6 for a child. Season tickets and group discounts are also available: for further information please see our opening times and prices.

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are very welcome at Mount Stuart, with designated dog walking routes marked out. However they are not allowed in the Adventure Play Area or House, with the exception of guide dogs. Please ensure your pet is cleaned up after, and is kept on a lead at all times.

Tours

What are the opening hours for Mount Stuart?

Mount Stuart is open every day until 31st October. The House itself is open from 11am - 5pm: for further information please see our opening times and prices.

How often do guided tours take place?

Tours take place every hour, leaving from the main entrance to the house. The first tour is at 11am and the last tour commences at 4pm. In the peak summer months we also offer a 'free flow' system.

How long do guided tours last?

Each tour lasts for up to one hour.

Can you arrange private tours?

Yes, we are more than happy to organise private tours, however these need to be arranged in advance of your visit. Please contact us for more details.

Do you take group bookings?

Yes, we take bookings from groups of all sizes. For more details on what Mount Stuart can offer your group, please see our Group Visits guide.

Do you offer tours in languages other than English?

We can arrange foreign language room descriptions and speaking guides for you and your group, however these must be booked in advance. Please contact us for more information.

Are you allowed to use a camera in the house?

For conservation reasons, no photography of any nature is allowed in the house. You can, however, take pictures of the grounds and of the outside of the house.

What kind of footwear is appropriate for walking around the house?

For your comfort and to protect the floors of the house, we recommend that visitors wear sensible footwear (flat shoes rather than high heels).

Are the tours accessible for wheelchair-users or those requiring mobility-aids?

Yes. An alternative, ramped entrance ensures access and a lift is available for exploring the upper floors. For further information, please see our Access for All guide. If you have any questions about accessing Mount Stuart, please do not hesitate to contact us.

During Your Visit

Where can you get refreshments?

The Visitor Centre's restaurant caters for those who are looking for a light snack, sit-down lunch or dinner. The Courtyard Tea Room is just a few steps away from the main entrance to the house and provides a selection of sandwiches, home baking and hot drinks. You can choose to sit in or you can take advantage of our 'Food to Go' range available at the eatBute Farm Shop.

Are there baby-changing facilities?

Yes: there are baby-changing facilities in all the public toilets at Mount Stuart, which are clearly signposted for your convenience.

Events

What's happening at Mount Stuart this year?

We offer a varied and exciting programme of events at Mount Stuart, from our Visual Arts Programme to our regular craft and farmers markets. To see an up-to-date list of our events, please see our guide to What's On.

How can I book Mount Stuart as a venue?

You can book Mount Stuart as a venue for corporate events, weddings and more. Our Events team would be delighted to discuss options with you, so please contact us with any enquiries.

How do I book a stall at eatBute, the Farmers' or Christmas markets?

All bookings must be made in advance through the Events team: please contact us for further information.

About Mount Stuart

How can I find out more about the history of the house and gardens?

You can find out more about these aspects of Mount Stuart in the History and Heritage section, but the best way is to come and visit us in person!

Do you have records about the estate and the people who worked there?

The Archives at Mount Stuart holds various records relating to the history of the estate. If you have a specific enquiry please contact the Collections department on (01700) 503877 or email us at archiveenquiries@mountstuart.com.