Frequently Asked Questions: Your Guide to Staying at Fenton Tower
Welcome to Fenton Tower: your very own private castle in East Lothian.
From the second you step through our doors, we want you to feel like royalty. Whether you’re here for a holiday, a wedding, or a corporate event, our team is on hand to make your time with us unforgettable.
To make booking your stay as easy as possible, we have collated a list of frequently asked questions to answer any queries you may have about Fenton Tower.
General
What is the history of Fenton Tower?
There has been a fortified tower on the site since the 11th century, but in its current form, Fenton Tower was constructed in 1550 by Patrick Whytelaw, son of Lord Ruthven.
Since then, the Tower has been steeped in Scottish history, providing refuge for James VI of Scotland in 1591. In 1650, it was sacked by Oliver Cromwell when he invaded Scotland.
The castle lay in ruin until 1998, when Ian Simpson and John Macaskill restored Fenton Tower to its former glory.
Is Fenton Tower a self-catered property?
The tower itself is booked on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Additional on-site catering can be added to your booking for an extra fee.
Our two cottages – Fenton Lodge and Hillside Cottage – can be hired on a self-catering basis.
Is EV charging available at Fenton Tower?
There is an EV charging point on the front drive of Fenton Tower.
If you are staying at one of our self-catered cottages and require the use of an EV charger, please get in touch to arrange this ahead of time.
What facilities are available at Fenton Tower?
Fenton Tower can sleep up to 13 guests across seven luxury bedrooms, with space for an additional 8 guests in our two guest cottages.
While we’re known for our historical charm, each room has state-of-the-art facilities to ensure your comfort while you stay with us.
Guests can also enjoy our cosy Great Hall and Library, alongside our stunning candlelit dining room which seats up to 32 guests.
What activities are available at Fenton Tower?
You can enjoy the full Scottish experience when you stay at Fenton Tower.
Spend the day at our sister property, Fenton Brunt Club, for an exhilarating shooting experience amidst the breathtaking East Lothian landscapes. If that’s not your cup of tea, you can try clay pigeon shooting and archery on-site.
We’re in a prime location for golf fanatics, with 25 courses at your disposal in East Lothian, and can arrange local fishing trips for enthusiasts of the sport.
East Lothian is also home to some of Scotland’s most stunning beaches – perfect for a long leisurely stroll – or a cold water dip, if you’re brave enough!
If you fancy a day of city sightseeing, we are just 20 miles east of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city.
Got something else in mind? Just talk to our staff who are on hand to create a one-of-a-kind experience for your group.
Can Fenton Tower accommodate special requests?
The Fenton Tower team strives to make your stay unforgettable.
Whether you’re interested in a private whisky tasting, a murder mystery evening, a falconry display, or a particular cuisine for a celebration meal, we can make it happen.
Please get in touch to discuss how we can make your stay perfectly “you”.
What is the minimum length of stay at Fenton Tower?
The minimum length of stay at Fenton Tower varies depending on the time of year. Exclusive hire requires a minimum of 10 guests. Our minimum length of stay policy depends on the time of year:
January – March, November: One-night minimum
April – December: Two-night minimum
Christmas & New Year: Four-night minimum
Our self-catering cottages are available for a minimum of 3 nights.
I have to rearrange my stay. What is Fenton Tower’s cancellation policy?
A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is paid upon booking. If your booking is cancelled more than 60 days before the start of the stay, you won’t accrue any additional costs.
If your booking is cancelled less than 60 days before your stay, you are liable for the full amount specified on the invoice.
Accommodation
What room types are available at Fenton Tower?
We have a range of room types available for guests at Fenton Tower, including single rooms, twin rooms, and suites. Each room is equipped with an en-suite and combines the deep-rooted history of the Tower with modern amenities (and a cosy dressing gown!).
Our cottages are each equipped with two super-king-sized en-suite bedrooms.
How many people can stay at Fenton Tower?
A maximum of 21 guests can stay on the estate at one time; 13 in Fenton Tower and a further eight across our two self-catering cottages.
Is Fenton Tower an accessible property?
The tower itself is not accessible. However, our cottages are suitable for guests with mobility issues.
Fenton Lodge is accessed via a gently sloping ramp and Hillside Cottage has a level access from the car park.
Location
Where is Fenton Tower located?
Fenton Tower is located in East Lothian between the towns of Gullane and North Berwick.
Although our historic setting makes guests feel like they’ve abandoned the hustle and bustle of the modern world, we’re only 20 miles east of Edinburgh, making Fenton Tower easy to reach for visitors.
Is Fenton Tower accessible by public transport?
Just 20 miles from Edinburgh City Centre and minutes from the A1 main Edinburgh – London road, Fenton Tower is easily accessible by public transport.
Our nearest train station is 2 miles away in North Berwick, and our staff would be happy to arrange transport connections from the station to the castle.
For our visitors from further afield, Fenton Tower is just 45 minutes away from Edinburgh Airport by car.
Events
What kind of event can I host at Fenton Tower?
Fenton Tower is a popular location for weddings, business meetings, or small corporate events. The Tower has also previously been used for film and television shoots.
If you have another event in mind that you would like to host at Fenton Tower, please get in touch to find out how we can accommodate your request.
What size of wedding can be held at Fenton Tower?
Fenton Tower can accommodate both small and large weddings. Weddings held in the Tower can hold up to 32 guests, with a maximum of 50 guests for the evening celebration.
For bigger events, purpose-built marquees can be erected on our grounds to accommodate up to 300 guests.
Does Fenton Tower provide catering?
The Edinburgh Catering Company is the exclusive caterer for all events at Fenton Tower.
For weddings, we can provide a full wedding breakfast, rehearsal dinner, picnics, champagne brunches, and much more. Just let us know how we can make your special day unforgettable!
For smaller events, we can provide an incredible multi-course menu for up to 32 people. All of our bespoke dining options are tailored to your tastes.
What corporate event facilities are available at Fenton Tower?
We can host meetings for up to 22 guests and theatre-style conferences for up to 50 attendees. We also have space for buffets, afternoon tea, and other dining options.
When you host a corporate event at Fenton Tower, you and your team have exclusive use of the property, which means no disruptions.
Looking for some unique team-building exercises? We can organise activities like clay pigeon shooting and archery on the grounds of Fenton Tower – plus off-site fishing, golf, or equestrian outings.
At Fenton Tower, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail.
If you have any ideas for your stay at the castle which aren’t mentioned in the answers above, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to find out how we can make your dreams a reality.