National Trust - Mount Stewart
Sightseeing attraction | Newtownards | Northern Ireland | United Kingdom
Historical garden landscapes in Northern Ireland
The National Trust - Mount Stewart in Newtownards, Northern Ireland, is one of the most outstanding country houses and gardens in Britain, and a true gem in the possession of the National Trust. This estate, situated on the shores of Strangford Lough, about five miles outside Newtownards, was the Irish family seat of the Stewart family for centuries, later known as the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family, who hold the title of Marquesses of Londonderry. Mount Stewart combines a rich history with exceptional architecture and world-famous gardens, which represent a blend of artistic design and botanical diversity. It is a place that delights nature and history enthusiasts alike, offering a deep insight into the lives of British and Irish aristocracy.
Architecture and history at Mount Stewart
The history of Mount Stewart began in 1744, when Alexander Stewart acquired the original estate, then known as Mount Pleasant, along with adjacent lands. The family's wealth, built on linen trade, enabled the expansion of the estate. In the 19th century, the manor house, under Robert Stewart, the 2nd Marquess of Londonderry, better known as Viscount Castlereagh, became a significant location. Castlereagh, a prominent British Foreign Secretary, shaped European politics during the Congress of Vienna. Later, in the 20th century, Charles Vane-Tempest-Stewart, the 7th Marquess, gained attention through his controversial private diplomacy with Nazi Germany, including a visit by the German ambassador Joachim von Ribbentrop in 1936. These events are reflected in the house's collections, including an Allach porcelain figurine of an SS standard-bearer, a gift from Hermann Göring, which is still preserved today.
Family history of Vane-Tempest-Stewart
The manor house itself is an architectural masterpiece, with its oldest parts designed in the early 19th century by George Dance the Younger in the neoclassical style. The central octagonal main hall with its Ionic columns and restored black and white stone floor is an impressive reception room that highlights the grandeur of the house. Later renovations, especially under Edith, the 7th Marchioness of Londonderry, added a personal touch to the interior. In the 1920s and 1930s, Edith extensively redesigned the interiors, transforming rooms like the music room with a parquet floor of oak and mahogany or the dining room with family portraits and historical artifacts. The National Trust restored the house to its 1950s state in 2015 after a three-year restoration, preserving the atmosphere of a lived-in family home.
Cultural attractions in Newtownards
However, the gardens of Mount Stewart are the true centerpiece of the estate and are among the finest in the world. Edith, Lady Londonderry, began transforming the originally simple lawns into an extraordinary garden landscape after World War I. Thanks to the mild, subtropical climate at Strangford Lough, influenced by the North Atlantic Drift, she was able to establish exotic plants from around the world that thrive here magnificently. The gardens are divided into various "rooms," including the Shamrock Garden with Irish symbols, the Spanish Garden with a Mediterranean flair, the Italian Garden with geometric patterns, and the Dodo Terrace with quirky cement figures. A large lake, expanded by Edith, as well as pathways through Lily Wood and the surrounding woodland complement the estate. In 1957, Edith handed over the gardens to the National Trust, followed by the manor house in 1977 by her daughter Lady Mairi Bury, who lived there until her death in 2009 as the last resident.
Botanical diversity at the National Trust
For visitors, Mount Stewart offers a rich experience. The manor house can be partially toured, with rooms filled with an impressive collection of artworks, including portraits by Thomas Lawrence and works by George Stubbs, as well as family heirlooms. Volunteer guides narrate the history of the Londonderrys and explain details such as the significance of individual paintings or the private diplomacy of the 7th Marquess. The gardens invite for extensive walks, with over six kilometers of walking trails leading through the historic landscape. A special highlight is the Temple of the Winds, an octagonal banqueting house from the 18th century designed by James "Athenian" Stuart, perched above the Lough and offering breathtaking views.
The estate also includes practical facilities such as a café serving regional specialties and a shop offering local products and plants from the on-site nursery. For families, there is a natural play area, and the extensive pathways are mostly accessible, although some sections may be uneven for wheelchairs or strollers. The park is a hotspot for wildlife observation, with red deer, badgers, and a variety of birds populating the woods and shores. The proximity to Strangford Lough allows for the chance to spot seals with luck.
