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 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

Visitors can explore over 100 acres of formal gardens and pleasure grounds, showcasing the rich design and planting artistry of Edith, Lady Londonderry. The site benefits from a mild climate that supports a remarkable collection of rare plants from around the world, contributing to its reputation as one of the most important gardens in the care of the National Trust.

Highlights for Visitors

Highlights for visitors include an internationally significant collection of over 15,000 items, featuring art, furniture, textiles, costume, and more, with works by renowned artists such as Lavery, Lawrence, Brock, and Stubbs. Knowledgeable guides are present in each room to enhance the experience, while outside, visitors can enjoy a scenic lake walk, picturesque trails through woodlands and farmland, and stunning panoramic views from the Temple of the Winds.

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 conservation charity.
Discounted group rates and fast track entrance with advanced booking.
Dedicated coach drop-off and free parking.
Group welcome and orientation.
Catering packages and locally crafted souvenirs.

Mount Stewart
Opening times		M	T	W	T	F	S	S

Gardens, trails, shop, bookshop and tea-room
1 Jan – 15 Mar	10-4*	M	T	W	T	F	S	S
16 Mar - 1 Nov	10-5*	M	T	W	T	F	S	S
2 Nov - 31 Dec†	10-4*	M	T	W	T	F	S	S

House
8 Jan – 15 Mar	11-3.30**				T	F	S	S
16 Mar - 1 Nov	11-4.30**	M	T	W	T	F	S	S
2 Nov - 27 Dec†	11-3.30**				T	F	S	S

The lift in the mansion house is currently unavailable, please speak to the House team on arrival if you require assistance. Please note that during holiday periods where seasonal programming is taking place i.e. Easter & Halloween - the house will be seasonally decorated, and access may be limited to the ground floor only. In the winter months, the lawn areas of the formal gardens close. Please note Temple of the Winds is closed until further notice due to damage sustained from Storm Eowyn, renovations are ongoing.

2026 Rates

Admission	Rates	Min/Max No.
Non-National Trust Members	£15.20 per person	Min 15 / No Max
National Trust Members	Free	Min 15 / No Max

Standard Tours	Rates	Min/Max No.
Guided House Tour (45 mins)	£9.00 per person	Min 15 / Max 20
Guided Garden Tour (1-1.5 hours)	£9.00 per person	Min 15 / Max 20

Specialist Tours	Rates	Min/Max No.
House Tour (Property Curator, 1-1.5 hours)	£250 per group	Min 15 / Max 20
Garden Tour (Head Gardener, formal gardens only 1-1.5 hours)	£250 per group	Min 15 / Max 20
Garden Tour (Head Gardener, formal gardens & significant garden highlights 2-2.5 hours)	£350 per group	Min 15 / Max 20

Please be aware that we are unable to accommodate groups of more than 20 people for a guided tour – entry to the house and gardens for larger groups willbe by free flow only.

Freeflow access to house and gardens included as part of normal admission rates. Guides located throughout the the house provide information on history andcollection.

N.B. rates are set in September for the subsequent year. Estimated group admission rates below:

2027/28: £16.50
2028/29: £17.10

Catering

The tearoom offers a range of refreshments and convenient “to go” options. The menu highlights local produce and seasonal recipes, and special dietary requirements can be accommodated upon request. For groups, a dedicated function room is available for catered events, with advanced booking required to ensure arrangements are tailored to visitors’ needs.

Booking and Payment

Booking: Email groupsmountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk and complete the form. Submit via email or post.
Payment: Cash, card, cheque, or invoice (with a Customer Validation Form).

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

Our Welcome team can provide an accessible route/and or map on arrival.

There are accessible toilet facilities located in Car Park 1, Courtyard, Visitor Reception and adjacent to Temple of the Winds. There is a Changing Places facility to the rear of the toilet block in Car Park 1, accessed using RADAR key (available from Visitor Reception if required).

Braille property leaflet available at Visitor Reception.

There is a coach drop off point in Car Park 1 and visitors can drop off at the rear of the Courtyard if required.

There are induction loops in Visitor Reception, Tea Room and Shop.

Large print menus and property leaflets available.

There is level access to our Tea Room and Kiosk.

There is level access to the shop.

The majority of our walks are accessible to wheelchairs and buggies, however, some of our trails are not suitable for wheelchair access. The lake walk and formal gardens are accessible.

There is a lift available in the house for access to the upper floor. (Currently out of order)

Some corridors in the house are narrow, however, alternative routes are available if required.

We have 2 powered mobility scooters available for visitors to use which may be booking by contacting our visitor reception team.

Ramped access to our exhibition space.

There is seating available across the site and seating has been provided in each room of the house.

There are steps and uneven terrain across some areas of our formal gardens.

We have a range of outdoor wheelchairs available to book which are suitable for use across the site. There are also indoor wheelchairs available for visitors to the house.

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 249 1895 or email us at traveltrade@nationaltrust.org.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.