Top Things to do in Isle of Bute
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The 10 Best Things to do in Isle of Bute, Scotland
Mount Stuart House is one of Britain’s finest pieces of Gothic revival domestic architecture and a popular visitor attraction. Interiors of the house are grand and elaborate and reflect the history and wealth of the Stuarts of Bute, who have been on the island for over 700 years. A quirky attraction at Rothesay harbour is the elaborately decorated Victorian public toilet.
Restaurants in Isle of Bute
1. Scalpsie Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
2. The West Island Way
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By sheona - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
We walked the southern part of the route on a beautiful autumn day, starting near St Blane's Church. The route is well marked with signs highlighting nearby places of interest. The terrain is varied - over hilltops and a tricky section along the southern coastline, and the views are splendid throughout the route. It took around three hours with time for a picnic and lots of photostops.
3. Ettrick Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By 739lornac - Stirling, United Kingdom
The weather was amazing allowing a beautiful view of the isle of Arran across the water. The beach is spotlessly clean, a must if you are visiting Bute and the cafe on sight is an added benefit.
4. Rothesay's Victorian Toilets
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 480 reviews
Reviewed By mathesoncs - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Beautifully maintained old public toilets right beside the ferry terminal. A very modest fee to get in butt worth it
5. Mount Stuart
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,205 reviews
Reviewed By HMac_2013 - Santa Fe, United States
We didn’t see the inside of the house - we’re not much for house tours. It was the gardens we came for and they are lovely, and the grounds beautiful, extensive and well tended. The rock garden, right by the house, was my favorite, with paths winding around rocks, a brook, and an interesting variety of trees, shrubs and flowers, including my favorite wild orchids. The Wee Garden, a 10-15 minute walk from the house is hardly “wee” except in comparison to the hundreds of acres of Mount Stuart’s grounds, but quite extensive with paths winding among trees, some of them exotic from places like New Zealand and Tasmania. The cafe, too, makes for an exceptionally pleasant lunch or afternoon snack.
6. Ascog Hall Fernery and Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
A well stocked garden with many architectural features, including a sunken Victorian Fernery (1875) and large stable's ruin all located in the grounds of a baronial style house from 1844. A plant hunter trail, many water features and Britain's oldest exotic fern (more than 1000 years) add interest to this distinctly old fashioned and rather magical experience. Open from 10am to 5pm 1st April to 30th October.
7. St Blane's Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By 739lornac - Stirling, United Kingdom
Beautiful scenery from the top, really breathtaking, well worth the short climb up the hill, parking at the bottom of the hill is limited. The ruins are very interesting.
8. Ardencraig Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Paul1971Glasgow - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Beautiful hidden gem in Rothesay, lovely beds, greenhouses, succulents and cacti and an aviary. Very friendly and knowledgeable gardening team who made us feel welcome. Great for a visit.
9. Rothesay VisitScotland iCentre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
Reviewed By JLxGlasgow - Glasgow, United Kingdom
This is a great centre with lots of information, video displays and a lovely shop with local products and souvenirs. Also good for a toilet stop when out a walk in the town!
10. Rothesay Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 334 reviews
This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Situated on the Isle of Bute, Rothesay Castles dates back to the early 13th century and is remarkably well preserved in spite of its age. Built by the Stewart family to defend against invading Norwegian fleets, Rothesay’s immense circular curtain wall makes it unique in Scotland. In 1230 it survived a three-day siege by King Haakon IV of Norway which precipitated the castle’s fortification with four round towers. It became a royal residence soon after and was later occupied by Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence and served as a base for Cromwell’s troops in the late 17th century. The grandiose great hall was restored by a Marquess of Bute in 1900 which now contains informative interpretive display which illuminate the history of the castle and its inhabitants.
Reviewed By Q6147UWharrys - St. Andrews, United Kingdom
A visit we had to do while in Rothesay. 2 min walk from our lunch cafeteria and great to see in the middle of the town centre. Run by historic Scotland so good if you’re members
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