Mount Stewart

Mount Stewart lies on the east shore of Strangford Lough near Greyabbey, County Down. The Stewart family acquired the estate in 1744; the present house was built between 1820 and 1839 for the Marquesses of Londonderry. It is famous for the gardens laid out by Edith, Lady Londonderry, in the early 20th century, including the Italian and Spanish gardens, the Sunken Garden and the Dodo Terrace with its cement animals. The Temple of the Winds, overlooking the lough, was designed by James “Athenian” Stuart (1782–83). The gardens passed to the National Trust in 1957 and the house in 1977.

One guidebook gives the garden as about 80 acres (roughly 32 hectares), with woodland and lakeside areas such as Lily Wood and Jubilee Walk in addition; it recommends a full day, and the RHS highlights the autumn colour. In January 2025 Storm Éowyn brought down more than 10,000 trees on the estate, so ask the National Trust about the current state of the paths. There is a car park, café and restaurant, and the house can be visited.