Newark Castle
Inverclyde, Scotland
Photo: Dave souza, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: The original uploader was Dave souza at English Wikipedia., CC BY 2.5 ยท Dave souza, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Port Glasgow, 0.5 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Well-preserved Clyde castle at Port Glasgow; seasonal
Pinpoint
Castle Rd, Port Glasgow PA14 5NH
Telephone 01475 741858
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 1 April - 30 September | Monday : Closed Tuesday : 10am to 4.30pm Wednesday : 10am to 4.30pm Thursday : 10am to 4.30pm Friday : 10am to 4.30pm Saturday : 10am to 4.30pm Sunday : Closed |
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing
- Closed
- 1 October to 31 March
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
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.
At a glance
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
Newark Castle reviews · 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.
“Nice plase, has a jetty to launch jetski or small boat.”- Evaldas Paunksnis, visitor review
Within reach of Glasgow (17 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Common questions about Newark Castle
Where is Newark Castle?
Newark Castle is in Inverclyde, Scotland, at Castle Rd, Port Glasgow PA14 5NH.
Do you need a ticket to visit Newark Castle?
Yes - Newark Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Historic Environment Scotland. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Newark Castle?
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.
Is Newark Castle a ruin or still intact?
Newark Castle is largely intact - Well-preserved Clyde castle at Port Glasgow; seasonal.
