Group visits to Mount Stewart

Published:: 31 January 2023

Visitors inside the Temple of the Winds at Mount Stewart House and Garden, County Down. | © ©National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

The house and gardens at Mount Stewart are world famous. Discover more about the history of the Londonderry family and enjoy a day out with your group. We’ll ensure that you have a day to remember.

Group visit information

Group tours are available daily at discounted prices (minimum party of 15 people required). Tour at your own leisuire or join one of the experienced guides and learn about the fascinating history of the house and experiences of conserving this historic home.

Group bookings

Mount Stewart, located on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down, is Northern Ireland’s much-loved family home. Following a three-year, £8 million restoration programme, this 19th-century house has been significantly transformed, making it a must-see attraction on the island of Ireland.

Groups will have the opportunity to explore this home at their leisure or by guided tour to learn more about the Londonderry family and the important role they played in local and international history.

Visiting the gardens

The gardens reflect a rich tapestry of design and planting artistry, bearing the hallmark of its creator, Edith, Lady Londonderry. The mild climate of Strangford Lough allows rare and tender plants from across the globe to thrive in the garden.

Each of the formal gardens exudes a distinct character and appeal and makes it one of the top ten gardens in the world.

Highlights

See collections of international and national significance and one of the most significant silver displays we care for
Family collections will be on show including works by Lawrence, Brock and Stubbs
Visitors can enjoy the landscaped and informal grounds surrounding the lake walk
Stroll around miles of walking trails and discover a landscape lost in time. Taking in the views from the Temple of the Winds, the trails will take you through woodland and farmland, set within rolling drumlin landscape beside Strangford Lough.

The south front and formal garden at Mount Stewart, County Down in Northern Ireland. — The south front and formal garden at Mount Stewart, County Down | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

Why choose Mount Stewart for your group visit?

Supporting a charity organisation
Discounted group rates for advanced booking
Fast-track entrance for advanced booking
Group welcome and orientation
Coach drop off and free on-site parking
Discounted catering packages
Tea-room opens daily, with indoor and outdoor seating available
Bespoke souvenirs and locally hand-crafted gifts available in the gift shop.

What are the opening hours?

Mid March 2024 – October 2024
Property open daily from 10am – 5.00pm.
House open daily from 11am, last entry 3.45pm.

Nov 2024 to Feb 2025

Property open daily from 10am – 4.00pm.
House open Thursday to Sunday 11am, last entry 3.15pm.

2024 Rates

Non-National Trust Members - £13.30 (Min 15 / No Max)

National Trust Members - Free (Min 15 / No Max)

Freeflow House - Free (as part of admission) (Min 15 / No Max)

Freeflow Gardens- Free (as part of admission) (Min 15 / No Max)

Standard Tours - Rates

Guided house tour with volunteer guide (45mins) - additional £9.00pp (applies NT Members & Non-Members) (Min 15 / 20 Max)

Guided garden tour with member of garden team (1-1.5hr) - additional £9.00pp (applies NT Members & Non-Members) (Min 15 / 20 Max)

Guided house tour with Property Curator (1-1.5hrs) - additional £250 per group (Min 15 / Max 20)

Guided garden tour with Head Gardener Formal Gardens only (1-1.5hrs) - additional £250 per group (Min 15 / Max 20)

Guided garden tour with Head Gardener - Formal Gardens and significant garden highlights. (2-2.5hrs) - additional £350 per group (Min 15 / Max 20)

Catering

Mount Stewart Tea-room offers a range of refreshment options from ‘To Go’ options which can be enjoyed around the grounds. Minimum numbers apply and advanced booking is essential. Special dietary requirements can be catered for. Menu options and pricing is available on request.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have a guided tour of the House?

Only groups not exceeding 20 people can pre-book a guided tour of the house. Please be aware that we are unable to accommodate groups of more than 20 people for a guided tour – entry to the house for larger groups will be by free flow only.

There are two options available for guided tours of the house (no more than 20 people):
- Guided tour with volunteer guide - £9.00 per person (including members) - will last approx. 45 mins.
- Guided tour with Property Curator - £250.00 per group – will last approx. 1.5hrs.
Can I have a guided tour of the gardens?

Only groups not exceeding 20 people can pre-book a guided tour of the gardens. Please be aware that we are unable to accommodate groups of more than 20 people for a guided tour – entry to the gardens for larger groups will be by free flow only.

There are three options available for guided tours of the Gardens (no more than 20 people):
- Guided tour with member of Garden team - £9.00 per person (including members) - will last approx. 1-1.5hrs.
- Guided tour with Head Gardener - £250.00 per group – will last approx.1- 1.5hrs – Formal gardens only.
- Guided tour with Head Gardener - £350.00 per group – will last approx. 2-2.5hrs – Formal Gardens and significant garden highlights.
Please let us know by completing the relevant section on the booking form or by emailing us: groupsmountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Disabled parking available
- Adapted toilet located on site
- Lake walk wheelchair friendly
- Mobility scooters on site (subject to availability and by pre-booking only)
- Garden incorporates steps and paths so not always suitable for wheelchairs
- Service dogs permitted in the House and Temple of the Winds
Confirmation of numbers will be required 48hrs in advance of visit and the amount due will be based on these numbers. Payment can be made by Cash, Card or Cheque on the day

Payment by invoice/voucher is only permitted when a Customer Validation Form is completed and accepted on our system. This option is only available to groups making multiple visits a year. Payment will be for the number of attendees confirmed 48hrs in advance and no refund will be given for non- attendees on the day of visit.

Free familiarisation visits for group leaders

If you're planning a group visit you can request our free Travel Trade Pass and you and a friend or colleague will gain free entry to over 300 of our places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 12 months. There’s nothing quite like seeing or experiencing somewhere for yourself to help you plan a successful visit. To receive your pass, call 0344 800 2329 or email us at NTTravelTrade@capita.co.uk.

Who is eligible for free entry?

Registered tourist board guides (on production of a valid badge), coach drivers and tour leaders escorting groups of 15 or more. National Trust members also receive free entry, so it is at your discretion whether to refund the entrance fee to members if you have included it in your package – this is not refunded by the National Trust.

Members must bring their current membership cards with them to avoid paying the full group rate. If any of your group would like to join the National Trust please direct them to our Membership page or call 0344 800 1895.

A family walking across the garden lawn surrounded by flower beds and hedges at Mount Stewart, with a view of the house in the background

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Group visits to Mount Stewart