newark castle

cjimcanning

It's small but interesting with lots of little "nooks and crannies" to explore. Definitely worth climbing the tight spiral staircase to the roof of the tower for the view. Good information displays giving the history of the castle and the area around it. Easily missed when travelling east as it's hidden by Ferguson's Shipyard - take the turn off for the Shipyard and turn right then 1st left to get to the spacious car park. You can also take a pleasant walk along the shore of the Clyde when you have finished visiting the castle.

keithrw_13

Though this is not a castle in the true sense of the word it is well worth a visit for anyone interested in historic buildings.Its tucked away and not easy to find, you will find your self on a roundabout that leads on to a duel carriageway and its a left turn while on the roundabout but its not sign posted.If you find your self on the duel carriageway dont worry just carry on to another roundabout and turn round.There is parking places and a charge to get in,there is also a very good gift shop with friendly staff,not sure if there are toilets but a visit to the web site will tell you.As for the castle its in very good condition and there are lots of places to explore, if you like tower houses you will have to go a long way to find one better.You can also walk round outside which has good views across the water to the highlands.We were a party of 5 adults and three children and everyone liked this castle if you are near by pay it a visit its well worth the cost.P.S= Buy a guide book it charts the history (with drawings) of the castle ,is very informative and interesting .

Cookiekips

Great little castle with an interesting history. 'Tagged on to the side of the local shipyard and hidden behind trees from the main road. Clear the trees away and I am sure the visitor numbers will increase considerably

Shaunthediver

This is probably one of the best small castles I've been to. Very well maintained, friendly staff, and plenty to see. Lots of little nooks and crannies and numerous routes to explore for such a small place. The only downside was the scaffold, and a couple of closed off areas, but I'm sure they'll be open when we head back next year!

IB722

Before our visit I didn't really know what to expect --- perhaps it would be a total ruin. It turned out to be an intact and impressive building in a fine position on the Clyde. The lady at reception gave us a short, informative introduction which helped us appreciate what we were seeing as we walked round. It is really two castles from different dates. Interesting!

dstormyt

Our nav horrible misguided us so we wasted 45 minutes trying to find this castle. All we could do is laugh and presume it would be an absolutely horrible castle, just to seal the deal on it being a total fiasco. When we arrived and saw it sitting next to an industrial port, with scaffolding all up the front, we assumed we had it right - what a crapshow. Still, we had spent all this time finding it so why not check it out.Ok. So. Wow. It's definitely not a super ancient castle, but it's very impressive. The labyrinth of rooms inside just keeps going, and it was a lot of fun exploring and figuring out which staircase connects which rooms (hint: there are A LOT of staircases).We arrived expecting the worst, and were absolutely delighted to see how wrong we were. Best part? Our hometown of Newark, California is named after Newark Castle. The Dumbarton bridge near us is also named after Dumbarton, Scotland. Weird coincidence we didn't know about until we were there and saw familiar names.

MsAttentiontodetail

Loved the views accross the water can be very cold by the clyde.There is not a lot to see in the castle,looks great from outside.would certainely visit again - seeing the old shipyards & boats on the clyde.

YoungLP

This castle is hidden in Port Glasgow. It is not well advertised and had an odd entrance through an industrial site. However, the castle and the grounds to the other side are glorious. The castle is under going work at the moment so we couldn't get to the battlements which was a pity but the rest of the castle was delightful. So many nooks and crannies to explore and play in. So many rooms and stairs. So well maintained. We'll be back.

Sycamore68

I recently visited Newark Castle and really enjoyed it. It is steeped in history and there are several information boards located throughout. The location on the banks of the River Clyde is superb. The public transport links are pretty good. It is only ten minutes walk from Port Glasgow railway station and five minutes from the bus stop with regular services from Glasgow.

998Giorgio

National Trust property so well looked after,having some rework ,easy parking,great position on banks of Clyde River.Often used as background in wedding pictures.Reputed to be haunted figure appeared in a wedding photo and she wasent an invited guest

weekendwanderers

My cousin visited from the USA with her two teenage sons and we went to Edinburgh and Stirling castles. Having a free afternoon and the sun actually shining we went along to Newark Castle. It was fabulous! The boys when asked what their favourite thing in their two weeks in Scotland had been didn't hesitate - the little castle!Lots of nooks and crannies to explore and original features - including some graffiti! Scenery outside is gorgeous.Well worth a visit!

maureenw966

This is a hidden gem in port Glasgow. Not a well signposted attraction but it is certainly worth a visit. The views alone from the surrounding area are outstanding. Sits right on the beautiful river Clyde. The castle itself is steeped in history. An enjoyable family day out.

SamJan

Lovely place for a picnic on a sunny day, nice for weddings too. Very picturesque right beside the Clyde , picnic benches available but plenty of room for blankets on the grass.

GelaScotland

Absolutely loved this 15th century castle. It is an undiscovered treasure easily missed from the road. It sits on the Firth of Clyde and offers stunning views across the water. Given its age it still has all its original beams within some of the rooms. It was the residence of Patrick Maxwell who had the reputation of being a murderer and wife beater. Very atmospheric and interesting castle. Definitely worth a visit.

hollyb211

I love castles and this one is true to form . Very ornate and quirky , not like many other castles, in the fact that it does not have tourist trap written all over it. Loved visiting this castle , beautiful looking inside and out and a wonderful part of Scotlands history!