Welcome toBute

Bute has one of the finest Victorian mansions in the UK, and secluded bays for picnics, paddling, and seal-spotting.

1 of 5 Ardencraig Gardens, Bute

More about Bute

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History & heritage Food & drink

From a Victorian gothic mansion to Bronze Age stone circles

Bute's Mount Stuart is an elaborate and ambitious piece of Victorian architecture - complete with a white marble chapel that wouldn't be out of place in Venice. The ferry to Bute docks at Rothesay, where the jazz festival transforms the art deco Pavilion in May each year. Drive out to the hills and you'll come to a ruined chapel from the 12th century, and a Bronze Age stone circle looking out to the Firth of Clyde.

Ettrick bay is great for its beautiful views over Arran, and the mile-long beach is an excellent spot for a paddle in the sea. Further south, try Scalpsie Bay for a picnic, where you might catch sight of a colony of over 200 seals - and some wandering cows - on the shore.

For more information on Bute visit the Visit Bute website.

How to get here

The ferry leaves from Wemyss Bay on the mainland, arriving at Rothesay on Bute. The journey takes 35 minutes.

There's also a ferry from Colintraive on the mainland to Rhubodach on Bute, which takes 5 minutes.

No advance booking is necessary on the above routes. Simply turn up at the port of departure, buy a ticket, and go on the next available sailing.

Looking for the best form of travel to and from our ports? Traveline can help you find the way that best suits you for making your journey using the most up to date information from around the UK for all transport companies.

We have also listed some travel information below that you may find useful:

Getting to Wemyss Bay from Glasgow:

By train

Regular trains to Wemyss Bay leave from Glasgow Central Station, and take 52 minutes. Why not purchase a Rail and Sail ticket from Glasgow to Rothesay? Check the train times at ScotRail