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 bistro 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 Gregor Kazmierczak and his team.

Typical starters include wild boar and pheasant terrine, baby brioche loaf, served with spiced apple chutney and mixed salad; fried beef strips salad with roasted heritage carrot and beetroot; and the garlic mushrooms with creamy smoked cheese sauce and Parmesan croutons.

Highlights from the mains selection include slow-cooked chicken leg with barley and pancetta risotto, roasted honey vegetables and thyme jus; pan-fried cod with pancetta jus, creamed mashed potatoes, fine beans, artichokes and roasted vine tomatoes; and the vegetable tagine with mixed beans, apricot cous cous, dressed salad leaves and toasted ciabatta.

Desserts maintain the attention to delicious detail in creations such as white chocolate and pear cheesecake with toffee sauce and baby poached pears; warm chocolate and orange brownie with vanilla ice cream; and coffee espresso creme brûlée with shortbread biscuit.

Please note the menu is seasonal, with changes expected, and supplements may apply.

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.