The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.4 / 5 · 660 reviews TICKETED

Newark Castle

Inverclyde, Scotland


Newark Castle
Newark Castle, further view Newark Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
Historic Environment Scotland
Condition
Intact
Access
Staffed, ticketed

Pinpoint

Castle Rd, Port Glasgow PA14 5NH

Telephone 01475 741858

Possible Opening hours

Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
SundayClosed

A well-preserved castle on the Clyde at Port Glasgow, its great hall and turret staircases largely intact and unusually detailed - reviewers note arrow slits cut in the shapes of playing-card suits and a built-in bed and wardrobe still visible. It sits incongruously beside an industrial site, which some find takes the shine off an otherwise sharp visit.

Worth the trip

Access to the roof - reviewers are surprised and delighted that Historic Environment Scotland lets you climb all the way up, not just through the rooms below.

Before you go

It's often very quiet - one reviewer had it almost to themselves - but the walk from town can be treacherous underfoot, so factor that in if you're not driving.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.4 / 5 across 660 Google reviews

Visitors consistently highlight the castle's well-preserved original features - like the roof access and interior stonework - and its riverside setting, which several reviewers say adds real atmosphere. A few practical notes recur: one visitor felt the site is under-resourced by Historic Environment Scotland, and another points out that a nearby industrial site detracts from the view, while access on foot from town involves crossing a busy road without an obvious crossing point. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with reviewers describing an under-visited spot that's worth the entry fee.

Well-preserved Clyde castle at Port Glasgow; seasonal

“Nice plase, has a jetty to launch jetski or small boat.”— Evaldas Paunksnis, visitor review

Further reading

model-kit
UGears - Hogwarts Castle mechanical wooden model (340pc)

Currently-sold mechanical wooden 3D model kit, 340 parts.

Find it on Amazon
model-kit
CubicFun - Neuschwanstein Castle 3D Puzzle (121pc)

Architectural 3D puzzle model, stocked by UK and US retailers.

Find it on Amazon
book
See Inside Castles

Katie Daynes & David Hancock

Find it on Amazon