Sightseeing on Bute
Sightseeing
Mount Stuart House and Gardens offers a memorable day out for the whole family.
Walks on the beach, discoveries in the gardens, dazzling interiors, unique architectural details, seasonal events and exhibitions make Mount Stuart a place that captures the imagination!
The original house was built in 1719 by the 2nd Earl of Bute but had to be rebuilt after a fire in 1877 by the 3rd Marquess of Bute. The main part of the house is a striking example of 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture, built in a reddish-brown stone and takes inspiration from history, astrology, art and mythology.
Mount Stuart house is open annually from April to October and more information can be found on their webpage www.mountstuart.com
26 locals recommend
Mount Stuart
Mount Stuart House and Gardens offers a memorable day out for the whole family.
Walks on the beach, discoveries in the gardens, dazzling interiors, unique architectural details, seasonal events and exhibitions make Mount Stuart a place that captures the imagination!
The original house was built in 1719 by the 2nd Earl of Bute but had to be rebuilt after a fire in 1877 by the 3rd Marquess of Bute. The main part of the house is a striking example of 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture, built in a reddish-brown stone and takes inspiration from history, astrology, art and mythology.
Mount Stuart house is open annually from April to October and more information can be found on their webpage www.mountstuart.com
Rothesay Castle is unique among Scottish castles for both its early date and unusual circular plan. It's also famous for its close links with the Stewarts - both while they were hereditary high stewards and, from 1371, a royal dynasty. To this day, the heir to the throne still has the title Duke of Rothesay.
More information can be found through the historic environment scotland website.
30 locals recommend
Rothesay Castle
Rothesay Castle is unique among Scottish castles for both its early date and unusual circular plan. It's also famous for its close links with the Stewarts - both while they were hereditary high stewards and, from 1371, a royal dynasty. To this day, the heir to the throne still has the title Duke of Rothesay.
More information can be found through the historic environment scotland website.
Enrich your experience of the island - explore the museum first! Experience the archaeology, history and natural history of the island with their extensive displays from every period of Bute's past.
More information can be found on their website www.butemuseum.org.uk
17 locals recommend
Bute Museum
7 Stuart StEnrich your experience of the island - explore the museum first! Experience the archaeology, history and natural history of the island with their extensive displays from every period of Bute's past.
More information can be found on their website www.butemuseum.org.uk
These gardens in Craigmore were recently described as having the "best display of summer bedding anywhere in Scotland". These beautiful walled gardens and glasshouses are at their finest in July and August. There are a number of aviaries housing a range of exotic bird species that have been built to provide further interest - these are very popular with visiting children!
In recent years, due to council cut backs, Ardencraig Gardens have been under threat of closure. We recommend you show your support of these wonderful gardens by making it a "must see" during your holiday on Bute.
Ardencraig Garden Council
6 Ardencraig LnThese gardens in Craigmore were recently described as having the "best display of summer bedding anywhere in Scotland". These beautiful walled gardens and glasshouses are at their finest in July and August. There are a number of aviaries housing a range of exotic bird species that have been built to provide further interest - these are very popular with visiting children!
In recent years, due to council cut backs, Ardencraig Gardens have been under threat of closure. We recommend you show your support of these wonderful gardens by making it a "must see" during your holiday on Bute.
Put your walking shoes on and head to the south end of the island and visit the ruins of St. Blanes Chapel. This lovely church ruins dating back to 1200s sits nestled in a valley at the southern end of Bute and boasts views that stretch as far as the Isle of Arran and the Holy Isle.
11 locals recommend
ST BLANE'S CHURCH
Plan RoadPut your walking shoes on and head to the south end of the island and visit the ruins of St. Blanes Chapel. This lovely church ruins dating back to 1200s sits nestled in a valley at the southern end of Bute and boasts views that stretch as far as the Isle of Arran and the Holy Isle.
Ettrick Bay is a long, golden sandy beach reaching about a mile along the west coast of the island. Monitored by SEPA, the bay is popular with both visitors and locals who enjoy paddling in the beautiful, clear waters.
There is also a tearoom which serves food all afternoon, a car park and a small childrens play area.
9 locals recommend
Ettrick Bay Beach
Ettrick Bay is a long, golden sandy beach reaching about a mile along the west coast of the island. Monitored by SEPA, the bay is popular with both visitors and locals who enjoy paddling in the beautiful, clear waters.
There is also a tearoom which serves food all afternoon, a car park and a small childrens play area.
Commissioned by Rothesay Harbour Trust in 1899 during Rothesay's hey-day as a holiday resort, the gents lavatory is a magnificent sight to behold. The interior walls are entirely clad in ornately patterned decorative ceramic tiles and the floors are designed with cermaic mosaic. Apart from the cisterns in the cubicles, all the original fitments remains as supplied by Twyfords Ltd of Glasgow for £530.
Victorian Toilets
EsplanadeCommissioned by Rothesay Harbour Trust in 1899 during Rothesay's hey-day as a holiday resort, the gents lavatory is a magnificent sight to behold. The interior walls are entirely clad in ornately patterned decorative ceramic tiles and the floors are designed with cermaic mosaic. Apart from the cisterns in the cubicles, all the original fitments remains as supplied by Twyfords Ltd of Glasgow for £530.
The Isle of Bute Discovery Centre, formerly the Winter Garden, is set in the centre of Rothesay’s splendid Esplanade Gardens. Since its restoration and re-opening in 2001, the Centre showcases the many and varied attractions of the island, using a mix of multimedia, games and graphics.
It is also home to the local Visit Scotland information centre where tourists can find out more about what activities and sights Bute has to offer as well as an array of gifts and souveniers to bring home with you.
At the rear of the building is the refurbished and extended luxury 90-seat Discovery Theatre, used for a variety of events, shows the latest film releases nightly in air-conditioned comfort.
6 locals recommend
Discovery Centre Cinema
Victoria StreetThe Isle of Bute Discovery Centre, formerly the Winter Garden, is set in the centre of Rothesay’s splendid Esplanade Gardens. Since its restoration and re-opening in 2001, the Centre showcases the many and varied attractions of the island, using a mix of multimedia, games and graphics.
It is also home to the local Visit Scotland information centre where tourists can find out more about what activities and sights Bute has to offer as well as an array of gifts and souveniers to bring home with you.
At the rear of the building is the refurbished and extended luxury 90-seat Discovery Theatre, used for a variety of events, shows the latest film releases nightly in air-conditioned comfort.