Related Information

Daily 11am – 5pm (last entry 4pm)
Saturday Closed at 1pm on occasional Saturdays, please ring to confirm.

Confirmed dates for early house closure are as follows:

Saturday 22 June
Saturday 20 July

Tours will take place at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 1.30pm.

Tel: +44 (0) 1700 503877
Daily 10am - 6pm
Daily 10am - 6pm (last entrance 5pm)
Restaurant
May/June 10am - 5pm
July/August 10am - 6pm
September 11am - 4pm
October 1-3 &
October 22-31
11am - 4pm
October 4-21 11am - 5pm
Courtyard Tea Rooms
Selected Dates 11am - 5pm
Farm Shop
Daily 11am - 5pm
Garden Centre
Daily 10am - 5pm
Dates Open 28 March to 31 October 2013

Throughout the year, Mount Stuart hosts and organises a varied programme of events and activities, from themed garden walks and craft workshops, to party nights and concerts in the Marble Hall.  We are proud to work in association with other local organisations and groups to deliver events such as Achievement Bute's annual "Dens Week".  Please keep an eye on our What’s On calendar for up-to-date details of our events.

Weekend Workshops

Selected Saturdays throughout the year

These new and exciting workshops aims to introduce people of all ages to their local woodlands, champion sustainable woodland management and offer workshops in practical woodland skills.

Sunday Roast Dinner

Available selected Sundays

By the end of the weekend the idea of slaving over a hot stove is nobody's idea of fun. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than coming to enjoy a 2 course roast in our relaxed and stylish restaurant.

Young Explorers

Daily until 31st October 2013

Let your children follow our map and join in the scavenger hunt around our gardens. Finish the trail and become an official Mount Stuart Young Explorer.

Woodland Meditation

Every Sunday until 27th October 2013

Woodland meditation can be a wonderful blessing in your busy and stressful life. Join us on Sunday mornings to reconnect with the woods. We will be finding the simplicity of our own place within nature through guided meditation and respect for all living things.

Afternoon Tea from a Bygone Era

Daily until October 31st 2013

Enjoy our Victorian Afternoon tea, complete with dainty sandwiches and mouth watering, homemade cakes. Served daily from 2pm – 5pm in our stylish Restaurant, relax and spend the afternoon surrounded by spectacular views.

Wood Watch - Nature Detectives

Every Saturday until 26th October 2013

Wood watch are inviting nature detectives of all ages to explore the hidden secrets of our woodlands during a relaxing afternoon stroll. Whatever your interest, flora & fauna, myth & magic or tree identification, a knowledgeable member of wood watch will be on hand to answer your question.

Behind the Scenes Tours

Every Wednesday and Sunday in June 2013

Your Guide will take you on a private Behind the Scenes tour viewing rooms such as the Swimming Pool, the Burges Chapel, the Billiard Room and other treats not normally open to the general public. Your fascinating exploration of Mount Stuart will culminate in a sumptuous Afternoon Tea served in a Private Family Sitting Room.

Clay Critters

Saturday 22nd June 2013

Join Gill Brandon-Turner from Beautiful Baboon who will be on hand to help you decorate your own clay critter!

Lucy Skaer: Artist Talk

Sunday 23rd June 2013

LUCY SKAER: A Proposal for Mount Stuart 2013. Artist Talk: In conversation with the artist.

Pinetum Walk

Monday 24th June 2013

Graham Alcorn, our deputy Head gardener, with over 27 years horticultural experience will be leading this guided walk, join him and explore our Pinetum and learn more about our involvement with the International Conifer Conservation Project.

Dutch Ovens, Cob Ovens & Fresh Bread

Saturday 29th June 2013

Gain hands-on experience learning how easy it is to build a traditional oven using natural and reclaimed materials. Acquire basic cob building skills, and enjoy the awesome experience of working with other excited, like-minded people in an inspiring environment.

Seed & Bean Tasting Day

Sunday 30th June 2013

Calling all Chocoholics, join Stephen Rudkin from the innovative and multi-award winning Seed & Bean. Discover what your flavour fix will be - fiery chilli & lime, rich coffee espresso or soothing Lavender.

Behind the Scenes Tours

Every Wednesday and Sunday in July 2013

Your Guide will take you on a private Behind the Scenes tour viewing rooms such as the Swimming Pool, the Burges Chapel, the Billiard Room and other treats not normally open to the general public. Your fascinating exploration of Mount Stuart will culminate in a sumptuous Afternoon Tea served in a Private Family Sitting Room.

A Weekend of Felt Craft and Well Dressing

Saturday 6th July 2013 to Sunday 7th July 2013

The origin of well dressing is something of a mystery and may date back to the Celts or even earlier. At its simplest it is the art of decorating springs and wells as a thanks giving for the gift of water.

Heather Hills Honey - Tasting Day

Saturday 13th July 2013

This speciality company will be buzzing around our Farm Shop offering you the chance to adopt a bee hive and sample some award winning honey. With varieties including, Heather, Blossom, Lime, Orange and Manuka you are sure to discover the flavour that sets your taste buds, buzzing.

Meet the Author - Story Telling Afternoon

Sunday July 14th, 21st and 28th, and August 4th

Silvana Biagioni, a new Scottish Author and illustrator will be on site reading extracts from her newly published children’s book “Sacha meets a Selkie”. Silvana will be bringing her story sack full of items from Sacha’s bedroom for children to rummage through, and will happily sign copies of the book purchased on the day.

Guided Summer Walk

Wednesday 24th July 2013

Join Graham Alcorn, our deputy Head gardener, who will be leading this guided walk to explore the Rock garden and Wee garden, where our rhododendrons, deutzia’s, hydrangea’s and candelabra primulas will be putting on a show and parading their finest blooms.

Willow & Hazel Workshop

Saturday 27th July 2013

An ancient craft brought right up to date - participants will learn how to create their own willow structure's to take home. Willow withes, hazel sticks, string & wire and a little imagination is all you need to make garden supports, wall hangings and more.

Love Leaf Tea

Saturday 27th July 2013

Don’t know your oolong from your earl grey? Fear not the team at Love Leaf have years of experience in the art of tea, from flowering to herbal infusions, they will be on hand to guide you through their range and help you choose your favourite.

A Passion for Cheese

Sunday 28th July - TBC

Do you have a passion for cheese? We will be sampling some of Scotland’s finest cheeses in our Farm shop including, Criffel Organic, Ailsa Craig and Merangie sheep’s brie. Discover your cheese preference: Strong, mild, stinky or blue?

Scottish Fine Soap

Daily throughout August

Join us for some retail therapy that saves you money; spend over £10 on Scottish Fine Soaps classically timeless Au Lait, Sensuous Poetica, Reinvigorating Sea Kelp or Deep cleansing Gardeners therapy range and receive a FREE goody bag.

Scottish Sea Glass Jewellery Demonstration

Saturday 3rd August 2013 to Sunday 4th August 2013

Gaynor Hebden-Smith from Scottish Sea Glass will be with us all weekend demonstrating her unique craft. Commission your own necklace, bracelet or earrings on the day by handpicking your own piece of Sea Glass provided by Gaynor and she will transform it into your own original treasure whilst you explore Mount Stuart.

Behind the Scenes Tours

4th, 7th, 11th, 14th, 18th, 21st, 25th, 28th, 31st August 2013

Your Guide will take you on a private Behind the Scenes tour viewing rooms such as the Swimming Pool, the Burges Chapel, the Billiard Room and other treats not normally open to the general public. Your fascinating exploration of Mount Stuart will culminate in a sumptuous Afternoon Tea served in a Private Family Sitting Room.

Bute’s Best Dressed Cupcake!

Saturday 10th August 2013

Calling all mini Paul Hollywood's and Mary Berry's. Whatever your ability - we are searching for Bute's best dressed cupcake. Simply bring your homemade, hand decorated entry along to our Visitors centre where it will go on display and be judged by the talented Elaine McIntyre from the Baking Barn at 4pm.

How to Keep Chickens

Saturday 24th August 2013

Back by popular demand! What could be better than a ready supply of Fresh, Free range eggs with little work and little cost involved. This day is ideal for those keen to keep their own happy, healthy brood of chickens.

Earth Art, Talisman and Amulets

Saturday 24th August 2013 - Half or Full Day Course

Using natural materials scavenged from the grounds, we will be making personal and unique amulets and talismans.

The Cress Company

Saturday 24th August 2013

The Cress Company have spent many hours sourcing an original and diverse range of high quality products from some of the finest food producers across Scotland and the UK, they are committed to small producers many have won 'great taste' awards.

Free Machining Workshop - Wall Hanging

Saturday 31st August 2013

We will look for inspiration in the amazing setting of Mount Stuart House and using free machining with other interesting techniques, we will make a decorative panel which can be used to decorate a simple bag or make a wall hanging.

Glass Jewels

Saturday 31st August 2013

Amy Beverley founder of AB Jewellery creates stunning glass jewellery, her pieces are possibly the most wonderful fused glass jewellery you'll ever see, full of light and colour. Commission your own pendant, ring, cufflinks or broach on the day to complement a particular outfit or personality.

Henshelwoods

September - TBC

Handmade in small batches, Henshelwoods use only locally-sourced fruit and vegetables, Lynn’s herbs all come from the Mount Stuart Kitchen Garden. All of Henshelwoods’ premium products are free from artificial colorants and additives and are gluten free.

Behind the Scenes Tours

Every Wednesday and Sunday in September 2013

Your Guide will take you on a private Behind the Scenes tour viewing rooms such as the Swimming Pool, the Burges Chapel, the Billiard Room and other treats not normally open to the general public. Your fascinating exploration of Mount Stuart will culminate in a sumptuous Afternoon Tea served in a Private Family Sitting Room.

Bird Walks

Tuesday 3rd September 2013

Guided walks help you get to know the birds, wildlife and beautiful setting of Mount Stuart better whether you are local or on holiday. Our extremely knowledgeable expert guide, Billy Shields will lead these group walks, and will be happy to answer your questions along the way.

Dogstar Theatre’s THE BARONESS

Saturday 7th September 2013

Mount Stuart Trust is proud to present Dogstar Theatre’s THE BARONESS. Starring Roberta Taylor, THE BARONESS is Thor Bjorn Krebs’s provocative, free interpretation of the relationship between 62 year old writer of ‘Out of Africa’, Karen Blixen and the young poet, Thorkild Bjørnvig.

Dip Nation

Saturday 14th September 2013

The farm shop has gone all saucy and will be sampling DipNations fine selection of mouth-watering dips.
Whether you are dunking a tortilla, filling a jacket or stirring into cooked pasta the DipNation range have a dip to suit your palate. Whether you are dunking a tortilla, filling a jacket or stirring into cooked pasta the DipNation range have a dip to suit your palate.

Clay Craft

Saturday 14th September 2013

Hunt around the grounds and gardens to find your perfect leaf. Gill Brandon-Turner from Beautiful Baboon will then be on hand to preserve it in clay as a treasure for you to keep forever.

September Weekend Food & Craft Market

Sunday 22nd September 2013

We celebrate September Weekend in Style with our Food & Craft Market – a vast array of fresh, local produce will be available to sample and purchase.

Coracle Making

Saturday 28th September to Monday 30th September 2013

3 day workshop. Using willow and canvas, we will be constructing Boyne Valley coracles that were historically used for fishing and transportation on both lochs and rivers across the West coast of Scotland.

Behind the Scenes Tours

2nd, 6th, 9th, 13th, 16th, 20th, 23rd, 27th October 2013

Your Guide will take you on a private Behind the Scenes tour viewing rooms such as the Swimming Pool, the Burges Chapel, the Billiard Room and other treats not normally open to the general public. Your fascinating exploration of Mount Stuart will culminate in a sumptuous Afternoon Tea served in a Private Family Sitting Room.

Bird Walks

Tuesday 8th October 2013

Guided walks help you get to know the birds, wildlife and beautiful setting of Mount Stuart better whether you are local or on holiday. Our extremely knowledgeable expert guide, Billy Shields will lead these group walks, and will be happy to answer your questions along the way.

Blooming Winter Bulbs

Saturday 12th October 2013

Are you a four season’s gardener? Even though the winter winds are blowing you can still spruce up your planters and containers. Join Dot, an experienced member of the garden team and horticulturalist for a demonstration of winter planting.

Hedgehog Hibernation Heaven!

Saturday 19th October 2013

It's time to put the heating on, get out the jumpers, bring in the garden furniture and start drinking cocoa. As the colder weather approaches we are not the only ones thinking about staying indoors, animals will be looking for a cosy home for the winter. Why not come along and make your very own hedgehog hibernation box to take home for your garden.

Guided Autumn Walks

Wednesday 23rd October 2013

Wrap up warm and enjoy the spectacle of rich autumnal colours by joining Graham Alcorn our deputy head gardener on a guided walk of the estate.

Tree Coppicing

Saturday 26th October 2013 to Sunday 27th October 2013

Coppicing is a traditional method of woodland management where stems are cut at ground level promoting vigorous re-growth. Aimed at beginners the course will give an insight into the history, wildlife and practical aspects of coppicing. This weekend will involve the physical work of cutting stems, stacking and possibly dragging them.

Behind the Scenes Tours

6th, 13th, 20th, 27th November 2013

Your Guide will take you on a private Behind the Scenes tour viewing rooms such as the Swimming Pool, the Burges Chapel, the Billiard Room and other treats not normally open to the general public. Your fascinating exploration of Mount Stuart will culminate in a sumptuous Afternoon Tea served in a Private Family Sitting Room.

Christmas Party Nights

Saturday 30th Nov, 7th Dec, 14th Dec and 21st Dec 2013

Why not spend your Christmas party night in style at our licensed restaurant in the award winning Visitor Centre. Large parties or small, our dedicated Visitor Services team will ensure your party night is full of festive fun.

Behind the Scenes Tours

4th, 11th, 18th December 2013

Your Guide will take you on a private Behind the Scenes tour viewing rooms such as the Swimming Pool, the Burges Chapel, the Billiard Room and other treats not normally open to the general public. Your fascinating exploration of Mount Stuart will culminate in a sumptuous Afternoon Tea served in a Private Family Sitting Room.

Christmas Fair 2013

Sunday 8th December 2013

The annual Mount Stuart Christmas Fair marks the start of the Christmas Celebrations on Bute! The event includes our ever popular food & craft market, children's activities, a programme of live entertainment, carolling and of course - Santa Claus will be there to hear children’s Christmas wishes!