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6 min read

The perfect day trip from Glasgow: Visit the Isle of Bute

Scotland's Adventure Coast

If you fancy a Scottish island adventure, then Bute is a great choice. It’s easily reached from the Central Belt of Scotland and makes an excellent day trip from Glasgow.

There's lots to discover on the Isle of Bute! You could spend a happy day exploring Rothesay, a fantastic Victoria seaside resort brimming with history, Italian cafés and good old-fashioned shops. Or why not bring your car or bike on the ferry and discover the rest of the island?

So, hop the ferry to Rothesay on Bute and spend a day exploring this charming Victorian seaside resort. Here are some things for you to see & do on Bute!

Things to See & Do on Bute

Historic buildings, pretty beaches & lush forests

Explore Bute's Historic Sites

Bute is packed with history. Rothesay is home to Rothesay Castle, which dates back to the early 13th century. Built by the Stewart family to defend against invading Vikings, the castle’s immense circular curtain wall makes it unique in Scotland. Just up the road from Rothesay Castle is Bute Museum, a treasure trove full of fascinating objects and information. You can find out more about Bute’s many archaeological sites at the museum, including standing stones and stone circles.

One of the highlights of a visit to Bute is Mount Stuart, a spectacular neo-Gothic palace set amid acres of lush gardens. The house, the ancestral home of the Marquess of Bute, features magnificent design and craftsmanship.

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Visit Bute's Beaches

Bute is home to some breathtaking beaches. Ettrick Bay sits on the north-west coast of the island. It’s a mile-long stretch of golden sand with stunning views over to Argyll’s Secret Coast and the neighbouring island of Arran. At the start of the beach, Ettrick Bay Tearoom serves up ice cream, excellent lunches and mouth-watering cakes.

St Ninian’s Bay (also known as The Straad) is a small horseshoe-shaped bay further south of Ettrick Bay, covered with white cockle shells. Further south still is secluded Scalpsie Bay, a beautiful stretch of reddish sand where you can watch the large colony of seals, both Common and Grey, on their rocky perches. Kilchattan Bay and Stravanan Bay are also lovely beaches to visit.

Visit Bute's Lush Gardens

Ardencraig Gardens is a lovely walled garden in Rothesay on Bute that bursts with colour in the summer. It originally formed part of a larger area designed for the owners of the nearby Ardencraig House by Percy Cane. Ascog Hall Fernery & Gardens is another fabulous garden to visit. The Victorian Fernery is a beautiful sunken structure fed by natural spring waters and housing many fern species. And finally, the gardens at Mount Stuart are simply stunning. You’ll find woodland glades, shoreline wilderness and meticulous formal lawns and gardens, all set against the backdrop of the Firth of Clyde.

Go Cycling on Bute

Quiet roads, stunning scenery and great cafés – Bute is the perfect place for a one-day cycling mini-adventure. One of the best ways to see if Bute is to cycle the 23-mile loop that takes you right around the island. The route is a stunner, with glorious views to the Kyles of Bute, Arran and beyond.

Rothesay to Ettrick Bay is a great day’s cycling for all the family. Explore Bute’s wild west coast with this 10-mile route. If you would rather explore the south of the island, then try the loop from Rothesay to Kingarth via Mount Stuart, which is around 11 miles long.

You can either bring your own bikes on the ferry or rent some e-bikes at Bike Bute in Rothensay.

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Where to Eat on Bute

Bute's Food & Drink

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Explore Bute's Vibrant Food Scene

Bute is awash with great-tasting produce. Delicious beef and lamb come from livestock that feed on the island’s lush pasture, while seafood is hauled from the surrounding waters. You’ll find an abundance of eateries serving up this fabulous local food in stunning locations, from beachside cafés to fine-dining restaurants by the harbour. Pop by Isle of Bute Coffee inside the charming shop Bonnie Bling for a delicious coffee and pastry!

And don’t miss the chance to visit Bute Yard, a contemporary hub for local makers and producers in the heart of Rothesay. Home to the Isle of Bute Smokehouse, Isle of Bute Distillery, and Bute Brew Co, Bute Yard runs a taproom from 12 noon each day.

Discover more independent food & drink producers on the Bute Kitchen section of our website.

Getting To Bute

Planning Your Visit

Head on a Hop-on-Hop-Off Bus Tour

Our open-top bus tour on the Isle of Bute is a great way to explore this beautiful island if you're leaving the car behind in Glasgow. All you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the fantastic views. Explore historic Rothesay Castle, discover the grandeur of Mount Stuart or wander along the white sands of Ettrick Bay. With 7 stops, you can hop on and off to really get a feel for the beauty of this Island.

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Getting to Bute from Glasgow

Bute is considered the most accessible island off the west coast of Scotland. It’s just 50 minutes away from Glasgow by road or rail, followed by a 35-minute CalMac ferry crossing from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay. Another CalMac ferry runs from Colintraive to Rhubodach, taking less than five minutes.

We advise booking your travel in advance to avoid disappointment.

Staying on Bute

There is a variety of accommodation available on Bute. Wether you'd like to enjoy the coastal views from Seaview Cottage or enjoy the luxurious space of the Coach House at Steward Hall - You'll find your perfect accommodation on Bute!

Looking for something more unique? Stay at the Charcoal Huts in Bute Forest to truly immerse yourself in the quiet and peaceful woodland landscape.

So with all these options from a gentle spin with the family, to a lycra-clad, competitive Cat 2 climb, what are you waiting for? Make a bee-line for Bute for some bicycling bliss!