📌 Port Glasgow, Inverclyde
★★★
If you ever happen to be in the incredibly small minority who arrive in Glasgow by ship, you’ll pass two castles standing guard over the estuary. Atop a craggy outcrop of rock on the northern bank, Dumbarton Castle. But before that, you’d pass Newark Castle on the southern shore – today with a rather unusual setting for a Scottish castle. Hemmed in to the south by the A8 dual carriageway, and to the west by a shipyard (possibly in the process of being demolished), it’s fortunate that the presence of the Clyde immediately to the north has kept one of its aspects open. The tower and gatehouse date back to 1478, before the town of Port Glasgow even existed. Ambitious extensions in 1597 filled in the gaps and created the substantial building that remains. Several staircases create a bit of a maze inside – once you reach the top floors, the views are stunning. Don’t miss the doocot in the grounds which once formed part of an outer defensive wall.
🌍 Location
📌 Off the A8 0.5 mi east of Port Glasgow town centre
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NS 328745
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.934561,-4.677941
🚌 Greenock Road (A8) | 🚆 Port Glasgow (0.5 mi)
🚗 Car park
📝 Key info
⌚ Tuesday to Saturday, 29 March to September 2024
🎫 £7.50 adult / £4.50 child / free for Historic Environment Scotland members
