Carberry Tower

Carberry Tower stands in East Lothian, two miles south-east of Musselburgh. The house sits off the A6124 road on land first recorded in the 11th century. Originally a plain square tower built for defence, it later became a grand residence. The estate passed through many families, each leaving its mark on the buildings and grounds. A Category B listed structure, it blends older stonework with later additions. The surrounding park contains formal gardens and specimen trees planted over centuries. A quiet road leads to the entrance, screened by mature woodland. The site is worth visiting for its layered history and surviving monuments. In 1567 Mary, Queen of Scots surrendered on Carberry Hill nearby. A small monument still marks the spot. The Elphinstone family redesigned the estate in the 19th century, creating an arboretum and formal gardens. In the 20th century the Church of Scotland used the tower as a conference centre. The Gartmore House trust restored it before AmaZing Venues turned it into a hotel and events venue. Christian arts festivals once drew hundreds of visitors to the tranquil setting. Inside, visitors find oak-panelled rooms and modern conference facilities. The chapel in the park hosts small concerts and recitals. Outside, paths wind through lawns planted with rare trees. The Queen’s Mount monument overlooks the hill where Mary surrendered. The estate’s lawns and woodland remain largely unchanged since the Elphinstones’ day. The house now hosts weddings and retreats in a calm, leafy landscape.