What's On

Step into the magic of the season at Mount Stuart.....11am-4pm on Sunday 30th November.

There’s something for all ages, with a range of free family activities, including:

• Elf Trail in the Wee Garden – Pick up a map from the mince pies and mulled wine stall and see how many festive surprises you can spot. Remember, come back to get your map stamped once you’ve completed the trail!
• The Fairy Factory in the Learning Studio – Create your own fairy decoration to take home as a keepsake. Delivered in partnership with Achievement Bute, with booking details to follow soon.
• And - weather permitting - a very special guest will be joining us: Father Christmas, accompanied by his Scottish reindeer friends from the free-roaming Cairngorm Reindeer Herd.
• The reindeer will be on site from 11am-2pm. They will be doing a short walk from their pen and arriving at Mount Stuart house at 11.30am.
• (Important; blue badge holders - please note, access to accessible parking will be suspended from approx. 11.30-12 midday for Father Christmas)

We’re delighted to partner with the Isle of Bute Artists’ Collective (IBAC) to bring you our Festive Craft Market and Stalls, a celebration of creativity, community, and Christmas spirit.

Throughout the weekend, discover unique handcrafted gifts and artworks from a host of talented makers, including Alison Clarke, Animac, Carol Nunan, Mags Maclaren, Yennie van Oostende, Liz Wren, Dilys Foster, Stephen Doak, Laura Herrington, Elspeth McVey, Mike Hislop, Gordon Stevenson, John Lawson, Gianna Milani, Susan Whyte, Ruth Slater, Susan Myler, Sarah Jane Hemsley, Tim Saul, and Paul Simpson. We’re so grateful to them all for their creativity and support.

The Courtyard Café will be open, serving a delicious selection of seasonal snacks and drinks - the perfect complement to a day of festive shopping. You can also enjoy a warming mulled wine and mince pie from our pop-up stand.

Useful info:

• Entry is free and no ticket is required. As a charitable trust, we gratefully welcome any donations to support our work.
• To make transactions easier, cash is recommended for purchases and donations, as Wi-Fi and mobile signal can be limited across the grounds.
• Entrance is by the main front gate only and limited parking will be available on site. The primary car park is Blackwood (the 'old' visitor car park) which we will ask visitors to use first, followed by the current visitor car park.
• Blue badge holders may use the accessible spaces at Mount Stuart House except at approx. 11.30-12midday for the reindeer walk.
• Apple Tree Nursery have generously loaned MST their mini bus and so will be running to and from Blackwood to Mount Stuart House. It seats 16 people and we estimate it will take around 15/20 mins to do a round trip, depending on traffic.
• Visitors travelling by bus should check West Coast Motors timetables. (Important: please note, as we are out of season, buses will stop at the main entrance and not at the house itself. This is an approx. 20-minute walk through the grounds.)
• Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome throughout the grounds and in the external seating area at the Courtyard Café. Dogs are not permitted within the formal garden areas, including the Kitchen Garden, Rock Garden, Wee Garden, and Shore Chapel. We and the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd appreciate your support with this.
• All activities, timings, and appearances are subject to change or cancellation due to weather or circumstances beyond our control.
• Reindeer are managed in accordance with animal welfare and safety regulations.
• Food and drink offerings may vary on the day and may contain allergens — please speak to café staff for full ingredient information.
• Photography and filming may take place during the event for promotional use by Mount Stuart Trust and partners. Attendance implies consent unless otherwise stated to staff on site.

More information will be added as we approach 30 November, so please check back for updates. We look forward to welcoming you for a magical, festive community experience at Mount Stuart!