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Rothesay Harbour

Isle of Bute

Scotland's Adventure Coast

Bute is perhaps the most accessible of Argyll’s islands. Thanks to this, and a balmy climate, it has been a popular holiday spot for well over a century. Rothesay, Bute’s chief town, is a seaside resort brimming with character, cafés and good old-fashioned shops. Follow the coastal road south, and you’ll find Mount Stuart, a spectacular palace set amid acres of woodland.

Bute is a lovely place to explore on foot, by bike, or via our island bus. Most of Bute’s inhabitants live around the two wide bays on the island’s eastern side, so if you’re looking for peace, solitude and the best beaches, head west. Ettrick Bay is a beautiful stretch of sand, while Scalpsie Bay is home to a seal colony.

If forest walks and pretty villages appeal, head north to Port Bannatyne, the Marina, and Kames Bay. Continuing round the corner and before you reach the wee ferry crossing from Rhubodach to Colintraive, you can spend some time exploring the Community Forest. Want to see it all and feel energetic? Then the West Island Way is a fantastic 25-mile walk that takes you the length of the island.

Whatever your adventure, a visit to the Isle of Bute is guaranteed to be worth your while!

Gaelic in Scotland

The indigenous language of Argyll is rich in expression. Here we have shared a phrase from local Gaelic poetry about the Isle of Bute.

Soraidh bhuam don Eilean Bhódach (Farewell from me to the Isle of Bute)

Far am bu nòs leam bhith ’fuireach (Where I was want to dwell)

Donnchamh Caimbealach

Gaelic with thanks to CHARTS

Learn more

Top reasons to visit

Scotland's most accessible island

Beaches & sea views

Mount Stuart & Rothesay Castle

Bute Forest

Victorian gardens

Gin distillery

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Why visit the Isle of Bute?

Scotland's most accessible island

Once a popular holiday spot for Victorians, there's plenty to discover on Bute! Starting in Rothesay, Bute’s main town, a seaside resort brimming with character, with great places for refreshments and traditional, welcoming shops. It is a striking town stretching along the shores of Rothesay Bay with Rothesay Castle at its heart, surrounded by a moat.

Mount Stuart is Bute’s jewel in its crown. One of the world’s most impressive neo-Gothic mansions, it is home to the Stuarts of Bute, descendants of the Royal House of Stuart. The flamboyant house and its 300 acres of gardens reflect the artistic interests showcased in its architecture, furnishings and outstanding art collection.

Bute is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, no matter your preferred type of adventure! From wildlife watching to boat tours and long-distance cycling trails, Bute is best explored on two wheels rather than four.

Just a short 35-minute ferry crossing across the Firth of Clyde from Wemyss Bay and an even shorter 3-minute crossing at the top of the island from Colintraive on the Cowal Peninsula, Bute is a brilliant weekend getaway destination!

Discover Bonnie Bute

Plan your visit with our downloadable PDF guide to the island.

Download our Destination & Experience Guides

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Explore Bute

Discover places to stay, eat & drink and things to do on the isle of Bute.

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Explore Bute's Places of Interest

Discover some special places of interest while staying on the Isle of Bute. Click on our map icons to discover where to see on your travels. If you see multiple icons clustered in one area, zoom in on the map to decluster them.

Things to Do on the Isle of Bute

From grand historic houses to white sand beaches and tranquil woodlands, there's plenty to discover on the Isle of Bute!

Historic Sites & Standing Stones

Mount Stuart House & Gardens

A visit to Bute wouldn't be complete without exploring Mount Stuart House & Gardens. Famed for its decadent architecture, from the marble hall's star-mapped ceiling to the opulent chapel, Mount Stuart House will leave you speechless! We recommend joining one of their guided tours to learn more about the place's fascinating history.

The house is surrounded by 300 acres of gloriously maintained grounds featuring woodlands, glass houses, and meticulous formal lawns. Visit the rock garden, designed by the famous Victorian landscape architect Thomas Mawson. Explore the arboretum, with trees dating back to the estate’s early days. And don’t miss the pinetums – home to more than 800 towering conifers!

Finish your visit with a delicious lunch at the cafe – or stay for the night in one of the estate's charming cottages.

Other Historical Sites

St Blane's Church, in ruins near the southern tip, occupies an attractive setting with substantial medieval remains. Ascog Hall Fernery is another beautiful Victorian garden just South of Rothesay. It features a rare sunken Victorian fernery, rescued from ruin and restored to its former glory in 1997. You can also visit various standing stones across Bute that tell the stories of days long gone.

Spending Time Outside

Go Beach Hopping

Numerous beaches on Bute are well worth a visit! Ettrick Bay offers a fantastic stretch of sand, complete with a tearoom, perfect for families and water sports enthusiasts. Scalpsie Bay provides seal-watching opportunities, with the resident colony often visible from the shore. Kilchattan Bay, showing its Victorian resort origins, offers another pleasant sandy beach. Coastal paths connect these beaches and villages, providing scenic walks with mountain views across the water to Arran and the Cowal Peninsula.

Cycling routes

One of the best ways to see if Bute is to cycle the 23-mile loop that takes you around the island. If you enjoy a lung-busting challenge, don’t miss the opportunity to take on the Serpentine. This technical hill climb is rated Category 2, with no fewer than 14 hairpin bends. The record is 1 minute 57 seconds, but any time under three minutes is something to be proud of!

For off-road mountain biking, try the trails in the forest by Loch Fad or make your way to Bute Forest in the north of the island near Rhubodach. You can also hire bikes in Rothesay at Bike Bute.

Bute Community Forest

This community-owned forest offers walking trails, wildlife watching, and charming accommodation in two Charcoal huts. The forest is managed environmentally, creating jobs and recreational facilities for locals and visitors alike.

Explore Rothesay

Rothesay is a beautiful Victorian coastal town with plenty to discover! Rothesay Castle, dating from the 13th century, features a distinctive circular design and well-preserved ruins. Bute Museum, housed behind the castle, contains treasures of island history, archaeology, and natural history, with interactive touch tables for children.

The Victorian toilets on the pier, winner of multiple awards, demonstrate ornate Victorian craftsmanship and remain in use. The Winter Gardens houses the Discovery Centre with exhibitions about island life, plus a bistro and cinema. St Mary's Church and various historic buildings showcase the town's architectural heritage.

A fantastic way to explore Bute is to join a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, departing from Rothesay town and covering the entire island.

Experience Island Life

Places to Eat & Drink on Bute

Bute has a vibrant local food & drink scene, from gin to coffee and smoked salmon – Bute is a haven for foodies! Discover more about the various local restaurants on Bute Kitchen's website, a social island enterprise dedicated to supporting Bute's producers.

Bute Yard

Enjoy a mix of local offerings at Bute Yard, a food and drink hub showcasing the best local, artisan and craft fare on the Isle of Bute. Treat yourself to drinks, tastings and tours at our on-site brewery, distillery and bar. Discover more here.

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Download Bute's pub trail

From dog-friendly pubs to karaoke nights, the best beer gardens to delicious cocktails - have your fill and download Bute's ultimate pub guide.

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How to get to Bute

Planning Your Visit

By Ferry

Start your adventure with a ferry crossing from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay, either as a foot passenger or with your car. The ferry connects with regular train and bus services to and from Glasgow, and there are buses and bike hire on the island, so why not leave the car behind?

An alternative route is a short ferry link between Rhubodach, north of Bute, and Colintraive at the Cowal peninsula. This can link with the ferry between Hunters Quay and McInroe’s Point near Gourock on the mainland, or you can drive north on the A82 along Loch Lomond, joining the A83, then south on the A815 and A886.

By the Waverley

During the Summer months, the beautiful last seagoing paddle steamer calls in at Bute on its many cruises up and down the Clyde River. It's a very special way to visit the Island, jump off and spend the afternoon and catch the Waverley again on its way home for the evening. Plan your trip here.

Getting around Bute

West Coast Motors operates comprehensive bus services around the island, connecting Rothesay with Mount Stuart, Port Bannatyne, Ettrick Bay, and other destinations. Timetables are available at the Discovery Centre or here.

Bicycle hire is readily available in Rothesay, with the island's compact size and quiet roads making cycling an ideal mode of transport.

Taxis operate from Rothesay for those preferring direct transport. The island measures approximately 15 miles long by five miles wide, making all corners accessible within short journeys.

An open-top sightseeing bus tour operates during the summer, providing guided commentary on the island's attractions and history.

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