Carberry Tower

A romantic break in the depths of the Scottish winter can be just what is needed as a respite from the dreich days in the city.

When the setting is as special as the Carberry Tower Mansion House and Estate in East Lothian, destination for today’s Big Deal break, we are looking at a very memorable stay.

The Queen stayed here as a child and played with her sister Margaret in the beautiful grounds. A Carberry Tower visit would be the perfect gift to surprise a loved one, looking to get mediaeval in the best possible way.

Landmark mansion

Dating from the late 15th century and witness to numerous turbulent events in Scottish history, the Carberry Tower Mansion is an elegant edifice, blending medieval and Victorian flourishes.

Its 35-acre estate offers tree-lined driveways, sweeping lawns, landscaped ponds and meandering walkways, along with parkland populated with deer, pheasants and other wonderful wildlife. The trees, planted over three centuries, include some of the most celebrated varieties within the United Kingdom.

Refreshing break

Available seven days a week, today’s Big Deal option one offers an overnight stay for two in an ensuite Executive double room, with full Scottish breakfast, and a bottle of house red or white wine on arrival.

Option two offers an overnight stay for two in a suite, with full Scottish breakfast and a three course dinner chosen from the set menu.

Executive rooms offer far-reaching views over the grounds and come with complimentary White Company toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities, mineral water, wall-mounted TVs and hairdryers.

Suites are individually styled rooms, among them the quarters where the Queen stayed in her childhood, now generously furnished and with luxury en-suites. Added extras include elegant four-posters, toiletries from Floris of London, and a selection of coffees and teas from Brodie’s of Edinburgh.

Romantic dining

Option two offers a three course dinner served in The Campaign Bistro. Menus make use of carefully-selected high quality produce, prepared by head chef Trevor Langton and his team.

Typical starters include Borders lamb served with pea, lettuce and Ayrshire smoked bacon and a garden mint lamb sauce; local hot smoked salmon served with fresh horseradish crème fraiche, pickled baby beetroot and toasted bruschette noire croutons; or cardamom, cinnamon and saffron infused poached haddock fillet served on Mascarpone and herb wild rice topped with a soft poached duck egg and crispy leek crumb.

Highlights from the mains selection include medallions of roe deer served pink, celeriac potato rosti, smoke garlic buttered kale and creamed celeriac with a red currant jus; slow-cooked Tweed valley beef shin, sage stuffing bon bons, duck fat roasted potato tower, smoked pancetta buttered kale, honey roasted baby vegetables and a pancetta sauce; and locally landed seafood of langoustine, scallop, mussels and red mullet served with a parsley mash potato and micro coriander.

Desserts maintain the attention to delicious detail in creations such as roasted pear, apple and plum crumble accompanied by an aromatic wine sorbet; white chocolate brownie trifle layered with Irish creme anglaise and vanilla sponge, topped with a honeycomb crumb; and a honey, lemon and whisky liquor jelly finished with a clove and cinnamon ice cream.

Out and about

East Lothian is the perfect destination for a short romantic break, with its glorious beaches, just made for windswept walks, and dramatic castles looming over the water.

Carberry Tower is located close to Musselburgh, within easy reach of the East Lothian coastline and its miles of golden beaches at Yellowcraig, Belhaven Bay and Gullane Bents.

Golf is another highlight of the region, with East Lothian blessed with a surfeit of superb, challenging courses.

Satisfied guests

The Carberry Tower is besieged by popular acclaim on TripAdvisor. These are recent reviews, edited for length:

‘Beautiful place and location, lovely well-kept grounds. We have been to a few country hotels like this one, but this is by far the best. A real historic hotel.’

‘The hotel is surrounded by beautiful grounds. The building is stunning, the bedroom was very comfortable, the staff were excellent.’

‘Amazing building, 500 years in the brickwork, but modernised where things need to be. Fantastic hotel with friendly and helpful staff.’

Winter luxury

Today’s Big Deal at the Carberry Tower offers you a chance to soak up some Scottish history with a memorable stay in one of the most impressive mansions in this part of Scotland. The elegant rooms, glorious grounds and three course dinner option add up to a brilliant time away.