Mount Stewart
County Down, Northern Ireland
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
Pinpoint
Portaferry Rd, Newtownards BT22 2AD
Telephone 028 4278 8387
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Mount Stewart is an 18th-century house, former home of the Marquesses of Londonderry, set within a garden of international standing that ranges from formal planting to areas dedicated to nature conservation, including a red squirrel hide. The family connection is still live - descendants remain part of the story reviewers hear from staff, who are consistently praised as knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Reviewers rate it as a relaxed, pleasant place to spend a morning or afternoon rather than a rushed tick-box visit.
Worth the trip
The internationally renowned garden, spanning formal areas through to nature conservation zones including a red squirrel hide.
Before you go
The £14 ticket price is worth budgeting for in advance, and if you're staying at the nearby National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park, entry to Mount Stewart and other NT properties is included free.
Reviewers consistently praise Mount Stewart's varied grounds, ranging from formal gardens to conservation areas, and highlight the red squirrel hide as a rewarding feature for patient visitors. The house is described as full of interesting curios and history from a family that still lives there, with staff singled out repeatedly as knowledgeable and enthusiastic. One reviewer felt the ticket price was a little high, though still considered the visit worthwhile overall. The cafe is well regarded, and visitors staying at the adjoining National Trust caravan park note they receive free entry to the gardens and house as part of that arrangement.
18th-century house, former home of the Marquesses of Londonderry, set within an internationally renowned garden
“Gardens looking great. The people who work in the house are just wonderful. They obviously love the place and are so knowledgeable. Wonderful gossip about events ages ago.”- Deborah King, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “We parked up our caravan at National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park and so had free entrance to all NT properties and gardens.” - Ronald Jansen
- Facilities
- “We visited the cafe at the end of our five hour visit for a very welcome cuppa and a bite to eat.” - Al Rotchell
Common questions about Mount Stewart
Where is Mount Stewart?
Mount Stewart is in County Down, Northern Ireland, at Portaferry Rd, Newtownards BT22 2AD.
Do you need a ticket to visit Mount Stewart?
Yes - Mount Stewart is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Mount Stewart?
The internationally renowned garden, spanning formal areas through to nature conservation zones including a red squirrel hide.
Is Mount Stewart a ruin or still intact?
Mount Stewart is largely intact - 18th-century house, former home of the Marquesses of Londonderry, set within an internationally renowned garden.
