DISCOVER BUTE | THINGS TO DO & SEE
The Isle of Bute has long been a destination for those seeking a holiday by the sea or keen to comune with nature. Bute is the first island in the Scottish highlands. In fact the highland fault line runs right through the middle of the island, giving one half of the island in the lowlands and one in the highlands. It is also one of the most accessable islands in Scotland, making it the ideal destination for weekends away or longer.
MUST SEE
MOUNT STUART HOUSE & GARDENS
The awe inspiring Mount Stuart house is regarded as one of the UK’s best examples of Victorian gothic architecture. Home to the Stuarts of Bute, descendants of the Royal House of Stuart, this stunning mansion is a must see for any visitor to the island. Sitting in 300 acres of gardens inspired by the 3rd Marquess of Bute’s love of nature, the house was a trailblazer in its time as it had the world’s first domestic heated indoor swimming pool and was also the first house in Scotland to be lit by electricity.
ST BLANES CHAPEL
This atmospheric and important monastery sits around 2 miles from Kingarth in a beautiful hollow with stunning views out over towards the Isle of Arran. The site contains impressive remains of the monastery of St Blane, which was originally founded in the 6th century and is considered a forerunner to the better known monastery of St Columba on Iona. An enclosure wall surrounds the monastic site of St Blane’s, inside of which stands. The site is considered an extremely important part of early christianity in Scotland and beyond.
BUTE MUSEUM
If you are interested in the the history and nature on Bute then a visit to the Bute Museum is a must. The museum is home to a collection of historical artifacts that show Bute’s rich history along with a collection of rock samples illustrating Bute’s complicated geology caused by its position on the Highland Boundary Fault and the subsequent violent activity associated with it.
See stone tools and items of pottery left by later Neolithic settlers at various grave and settlement sites along with artefacts and metal working implements of Iron Age date that were excavated at Dunagoil Fort on the South West coast of Bute and form an important and outstanding collection.
Back to the present day—the Natural History room houses cases of mammals and birds from a wide variety of habitats reflecting today’s wild occupants of Bute. Records of the flora and insect life are carefully kept, while a display of wild flowers is on show during the season. Children can enjoy handling various natural objects set out on the Touch Table. The Museum houses a Lecture room and Library with a fine collection of books, documents, photographs and archival material relating to Bute.
ARDENCRAIG GARDENS
The existing gardens originally formed part of the larger layout designed by Percy Cane for the owners of Ardencraig House, with the walled garden being acquired by the local council in 1970.
The gardens and greenhouses are maintained by volunteers and provide propagation for floral displays around the island as well as for educational purposes and Ardencraigs own stunning show garden.
It is a truly beautiful and peaceful spot and well worth a visit.
The gardens also features a large avary housing a range of foreign birds species that fill the gardens with bird song.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
LEAFIELD ALPACA TREKKING
Join Freddie, Louie, Chester, Rueben and Oberon for a trek around the Ettrick bay area of Bute.
Alpacas are originally from South America and these boys are now living here on the Bute. They are docile, social and well suited to the Scottish climate. They are highly intelligent and have inquisitive and curious natures.
Huacaya Alpacas are woolly and look like huggable teddy bears and they make a humming sound! The Leafield Alpacas enjoy going for walks, meeting people and posing for the camera.
Whatever your age you will love the experience!
BUTE FOREST
Bute forest is on the north end of Bute, near to the Colintraive-Rhubodach ferry terminal. If nature is your thing then you can see a whole variety of plants, animals, insects, fungi and protected bird species or if you’re more into your history you can visit archaeological sites or the WWII decoy village bunker. You can wander anywhere in the forest and make your own discoveries or follow the waymarked paths to see some of our favourite spots.
KILCHATTAN KAYAKING & PADDLE BOARD
Kilchattan Bay Kayaking is located in a safe and attractive Bay at the southern end of Bute.
You can hire kayaks and SUPs (Stand-up Paddlebords ) from the Old Pier in Kilchattan Bay village. Please note that they work around the tides, so please call ahead to book so you know the best times to head out. Their facebook page is regularly updated with this info.
Kilchattan Bay Kayaking is owned and managed by Mark Gunston. After teaching Watersports and Skiing for 35 years in Europe, Israel and the USA, Mark now lives in Kilchattan Bay.
WILD BUTE
Wild Bute offer walking tours of Rothesay and the Isle of Bute, offering an insight to its history, nature and people.
Bute has many sites of historical significance and Wild Bute bring this history to life. For those wanting to find out more about this beautiful island, these tours are a great way to do so.
OPEN TOP BUS TOUR
An open-top bus tour on the Isle of Bute is a great way to explore this beautiful island. All you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the fantastic views.
The tour takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, taking in all the main sights, with insightful and often funny commentary courtesy of our your friendly driver.
The tour departs regularly each day through-out the summer months, leaving opposite the ferry terminal. with children under 5 going free.
FOOD & DRINK
There is a varied choice of places to eat on Bute. While there are no fine dining options on the island, there are places that should suit all tastes. Despite being an island, seafood is difficult to find but you will find plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
One of the most popular places to eat is the Kingarth Hotel near Kilchattan bay. It offers a good menu with a great selection of specials using locally sourced produce. Up on Canada Hill with stunning views, you’ll find The Jam Jar with plenty of options on its menu. For those wanting to stay in Rothesay, you will find The Esplanade Hotel, The Bonnie Clyde, The Black Bull, The Waterfront, The Glenburn Hotel, Ghillies at The Victoria Hotel and Kettledrum serving evening meals but check ahead as some only serve food Thursday to Sunday and are not open late.
If you are staying nearer to Port Bannatyne then the French influenced Caledonia Bistro is a funky wee place, while the Rockabilly Diner offers a slice of America and a bit of honky tonk.
If you are wanting breakfast or lunch instead, then Musicker offers an excellent vegan menu, While Tazza offers Syrian based dishes and outstanding cakes. Callows Cafe also offers lunches and fantastic cakes. Gather Deli serves lunches and lite bites, and also has pop-up restaurant events.
If you do want to try something with more of a fine dining experience, you can park the car at Rhuboddoch and take the short ferry crossing to the Colintraive Hotel.
If you are just looking for a drink, then you are well served with The Rabbie, The Golfers, The Grapes, The Struan, The Galatea, The Anchor Tavern, the upmarket Sulking Room & Bute Yard, who have pop-up restaurant events, are amongst the most popular.
