Rothesay, Isle of Butes Main Town

Rothesay - Isle of Bute Capital

Rothesay is the main town on the isle of Bute. You can easily get there by ferry from the mainland town of Wemyss Bay. Wemyss Bay is reached directly by train from Glasgow or by car from anywhere in the UK.
This small town is home to a population of less than 5000 and was the tourist destination of most Glaswegians during the Victorian era. The popular Glaswegian saying of "doon the watter" comes from a time when Glasgow folk would sail down the Firth of Clyde to Rothesay.
Rothesay, like many of Scotland's seaside resorts has quietly lived in obscurity since its energetic heyday. However lately the town has seen an upturn in visitors with tourists starting to reconnect with the dramatic beauty and slower pace of life that Rothesay and Isle of Bute have to offer. Day visitors as well as weeklong vacationers are enjoying the island again bringing this beautiful Victorian gem back to life. See our bed and breakfasts in Rothesay and hotels on the Isle of Bute

Mount Stuart

One of Britain’s most stunning examples of Victorian Gothic architecture. This flamboyant house is also surrounded by 300 acres of beautifully kept gardens.
The Lush Gardens of Mount Stuart date back to early 1700 when the 2nd Earl of Bute began the landscaping of the woodland. Later, in the 19th century, the 5 acre Wee Garden was created and - in 1896 - the famous landscape gardener Thomas Mawson designed a stunning replica of the Via Dolorosa and a finely detailed Rock Garden. Later years have brought further cultivation, including the replanting of the Rock Garden and the updating of the Victorian Kitchen Garden.
May-Sep, Daily, 10:00-18:00.
Adult £3.50, Child £2.00, Concession £3.00, Family (2+2) £9.00.

Mount Stuart Gardens,
Isle of Bute,
Argyll & Bute
PA20 9LR

http://www.mountstuart.com

Mount stuart also boasts some fabulous luxury accommodation. So if you are looking for individual or unique properties to spend your days enjoying the islands countryside then you should have a look at these amazing properties. - Mount Stuart Self-Catering Accommodation

Rothesay Castle

Originally the castle was built around 1098 by the Viking Magnus Barelegs who came to Scotland to conquer the islands. Later it fell into Scottish hands, but was the scene of many battles over the centuries.

Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 7pm and Sunday 2 to 7pm. Closed Thursday afternoons and Fridays during the winter. Telephone 01700 502691.
Castlehill St
Rothesay, Isle Of Bute PA20 0DA, United Kingdom
01700 502 691

The Victorian Loo’s

Okay so we know that this is a bit of weird one but check out the ornate and Award Winning Victorian public conveniences. You will find them just as you get off the ferry at Rothesay Pier. An extremely unusual tourist attraction but one that takes you back to the old days when Rothesay was the holiday destination of the masses. In the 1990's the toilets were restored at the cost of £300,000 and feature fabulously ornate ceramic clad walls and mosaic flooring.

Victorian Loo Website

Bute Museum

Bute Museum was gifted to the Buteshire Natural History Society in the early 1900s by the 4th Marquess of Bute. Walk through the different eras and discover more about the island with items representing the early settlers on the island. These include tools of trade and pottery used by the ordinary people, to the fabulous jet necklace worn by the ‘Queen of the Inch’. An independent museum which enables its visitors to enjoy and immerse themselves in the history, nature and geology of the island
April - September
Mon -Sat 10.30am - 4.30pm
Sun - 2.30pm - 4.30pm
October - March
Tues-Sat 2.30pm - 4.30pm

Adults £2.00 Senior Citizens £1.50 Children £1.00

http://www.butemuseum.org

Castle Gallery

Local arts and Crafts with available space for exhibitions. Drop in and see the displays.
Its opposite the Castle.

Castle Gallery Website

Ascog Hall

Ascog Hall Victorian Fernery and Gardens is set in three acres of land which was neglected for many years the pinnacle of a trip to Ascog Hall is its rare Victorian Fernery which has one of the most captivating collections to be admired. Fully renovated to its former glory, this remarkable estate still retains the ambience of the original Victorian Garden, with its beautifully restored pond, bright colourful flowers and plants which fill the garden with life.

Easter - October (closed Monday and Tuesday)

http://www.ascoghallfernery.co.uk

Ardencraig Gardens

Ardencraig Gardens & Tearooms are owned by the Royal Borough of Rothesay admission to the gardens is free. Situated along the coast to the east of Rothesay. Ardencraig Gardens also have ponds and aviaries with many exotic birds and fish.
May -September, Monday to Friday 9am - 4.30pm, Saturdays and Sundays 1pm - 4.30pm. Ardencraig House is closed to the public.

Bute Holidays