Your Ultimate Guide To Newark Castle, Port Glasgow, Scotland

For my birthday this year, my partner and I embarked on the ultimate castle-hopping adventure, and our very first stop on June 11th was the magnificent Newark Castle in Port Glasgow. If you, like us, are members of Historic Scotland, then it's free entry.

We had to wait a bit when we got there because the staff was on break. It gave us a chance to refuel; we had some snacks. The views over the River Clyde are just stunning, and there's this half-constructed, almost falling-apart bridge nearby with a barricade to keep folks safe—it added a bit of mysterious charm to the whole scene. And for all you birdwatchers out there, keep your eyes peeled—there were so many beautiful birds around. Plus, it's pretty cool to see the Ferguson Marine shipbuilding company nearby, a real piece of Scottish industry right next to ancient history.

Finally, the staff were back, we flashed our Historic Scotland memberships (always a win), and we were in.

Climbing High & Facing Fears (and the Best Views Ever)

You know me, I've got a bit of a thing with heights. But my partner, bless his encouraging heart, kept me going as we climbed higher and higher up those ancient stairs to the very top of the castle. I was literally shaking, but the encouragement paid off. The panoramic view looking out over the river area was just incredibly relaxing and beautiful. We took our time and enjoyed the stunning scenery but were super careful because, well, the castle is old, and you can feel its age in every stone. After taking it all in, we carefully made our way back down and explored all the different nooks and crannies of the castle.

Newark Castle: Fascinating History

Newark Castle has stood proudly at the entrance to Port Glasgow for almost 900 years, making it a truly ancient monument. This isn't just a pile of old stones; it's a living testament to centuries of Scottish history, much loved by locals and now, me.

Built in the mid-12th century by Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln, this place has a seriously rich and varied past. Originally an Anglo-Saxon settlement and cemetery, it was quickly replaced by a timber fortification after the Norman Conquest. But Bishop Alexander, often called 'the Magnificent,' wanted something grander, so he rebuilt it in stone, sparing no expense.

Over the centuries, this castle has worn many hats:

• A stately court of law.
• A bustling soldiers' garrison.
• Even a cattle market and a coal wharf.

In the 19th century, artists absolutely adored painting it as a romantic, ivy-covered ruin, and you can still feel that romantic charm today (at the top). The grounds were beautifully landscaped in the 1880s, creating the lovely public pleasure garden that visitors (like us) still enjoy today.

King John's Mysterious Demise & Civil War Scars

One of the most jaw-dropping moments in the castle's history is the death of  King John in 1216 . He died right here after a short illness. Was it too many peaches? Poison? Dysentery from fighting the Barons' War? The reports from the time were totally conflicting, adding to the mystery. You can even dive deeper into the story of King John on the Historic Scotland webpage—definitely worth a read. The underground section of this castle is truly terrifying. There is even a part where they kept wild animals.

During the  British Civil Wars  in the 1640s, Newark was besieged three times, but the town and castle bravely remained loyal to the Royalist cause. As you walk along the riverside, keep an eye out for the physical scars of those battles—you can still spot marks from hundreds of cannonballs that bombarded these very walls! To learn more about this turbulent period, you can even visit the  National Civil War Center nearby.

Sadly, after the Civil Wars, the castle was "slighted" (meaning deliberately dismantled) in 1648 and left derelict. But thankfully, it was restored in the 19th century by architect Anthony Salvin and the corporation of Newark. Today, Newark Castle stands as a testament to history, recognized as a Scheduled Monument and Grade I listed building.

Planning Your Visit to Newark Castle: Everything You Need to Know.

Ready to plan your own adventure to this incredible castle? Here's your comprehensive guide to making the most of your trip:

1. Location & Parking:

• Location: Newark Castle is located in Port Glasgow, Scotland, right on the banks of the River Clyde. It's super easy to find. Address: Castle Gate, Newark NG24 1BG.
• Parking: And here's the best part for us drivers—there is free parking available right on site. Always a bonus when planning a day out.

2. Admission & Entry (Don't Miss the Freebies):

• Historic Scotland Membership:  As I mentioned, if you have a Historic Scotland membership, your entry is  FREE .  This is definitely worth considering if you plan to visit a few historic sites in Scotland.
• Standard Admission Prices (as of June 2025 - always check the official Historic Scotland website for the latest info):
  • Adult (16-64yrs): Online £7.50 / Walk-up £8.50
  • Concession (65yrs+ and unemployed): Online £6.00 / Walk-up £6.80
  • Child (7-15yrs): Online £4.50 / Walk-up £5.00
  • Family (1 adult, 2 children): Online £15.00 / Walk-up £16.50
  • Hot Tip:  Buy your tickets online in advance to save a little cash!
• Special Free Entry Days:  Keep an eye out for special events. For example, Newark Castle offers  free admission for visitors on June 21st, tying in with the annual  Comet Festival .  This is a wonderful time to visit, as they often host family activities on site and have a presence at the festival. Check their official website for these dates—a great weekend to be in the area indeed.

3. What to Expect When You Arrive:

• Staff Breaks:  As we experienced, the staff sometimes take short breaks. Be prepared for a potential brief wait. It's a good idea to check opening hours on the Historic Scotland website before you go.
• Accessibility:  While you can explore the grounds, be aware that climbing to the top of the castle involves stairs, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues or a fear of heights (like me). But if you can make it, the views are so worth it.
• Exploring the Castle:  Take your time to wander through the different parts of the castle. Imagine the lives lived within these walls—from royalty to soldiers.
• The Grounds:  The landscaped grounds are perfect for a stroll, offering lovely views of the river and the castle itself. It's a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.

4. Getting There from Glasgow or Edinburgh:

Newark Castle is easily accessible, making it a perfect day trip from Scotland's major cities.

• From Glasgow:
  • By Car:  It's a quick and easy drive, usually around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. You'll head west on the M8, then take the A8 towards Greenock. Follow signs for Port Glasgow and then for Newark Castle.
  • By Train:  Trains run regularly from Glasgow Central station to Port Glasgow. The journey is about 30-40 minutes. From Port Glasgow station, it's a pleasant walk (around 15-20 minutes) to the castle.
• From Edinburgh:
• By Car:  This will be a longer drive, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Take the M8 west towards Glasgow, then follow the directions as above from Glasgow.
• By Train:  Take a train from Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket to Glasgow Central (approx. 50 mins to 1 hour). Then, transfer to a train service from Glasgow Central to Port Glasgow (as described above).

5. Nearby Attractions & Things to Do:

• Ferguson Marine:  See a modern shipbuilding company in action, a stark contrast to the ancient castle.
• National Civil War Centre:  If you're really into the history of the British Civil Wars, consider a visit to this center to complement your castle experience.
• River Clyde Walkways:  Enjoy further walks along the beautiful River Clyde.

Newark Castle is a truly special place, bursting with history, offering stunning views, and providing a fantastic day out, especially if you can snag that free entry! It was the perfect start to my birthday castle quest, and I can't recommend it enough for anyone visiting Scotland. Go check it out and let me know what you think.

We participated in an activity at the kids' section. I drew a crown, and my partner drew a picture of me. Did you recognize me? 🤣

We took these photos between 11:23 am and 1:56 pm on Wednesday, 11th June 2025.