- Port Glasgow
- Indoor and Outdoor
- Ages 4+
- Castles and Palaces, Tourist Attractions
Attraction Information
Newark Castle is in a geographical sense a rather rediscovered treasure - the giant cranes and sheds of the Clyde's great shipyards previously obscured it from the townscape, but now it is visible in all it's historical glory dominating the scene once more! The Lords of Maxwell House (no, not the coffee) built and / or arranged every element of the place up until 1694 from which time it's largely remained untouched, or at least very sympathetically renovated, so you've got a lovely traditional feel to the whole thing that's bound to get little imaginations going!
Less lovely is the history of Sir Patrick Maxwell himself who was frankly a murderous sort that may interest the more bloodthirsty munchkins! Not only did he do away with neighbours but also reportedly beat his own wife (Lady Margaret Crawford) with the flat of a sword and at one point locked her in her chamber for 6 months with only bread and water! Sir Patrick's own mother campaigned against him for his mistreatment of his wife to no avail, but over 44 years of marriage during which she sired 16 of his children she finally escaped him in secret across the Clyde to Dumbarton where she lived the rest of her life.
Highlights include the exquisite Jacobean exteriors, the intact Servants' Quarters below stairs which give you a sound (though perhaps unsettling) idea of the working life of the house's workers, and the Little Chamber: a 16th century boudoir with original fittings and fixtures including wall paneling, painted ceiling and a rather sneaky bed, for the era!
Opening hours
1st April - 30th September
Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 17:30
Last Entry
30 minutes before attraction closes
Pricing
General Admission
Adults: £5.00
Kids (5-15): £3.00
Under 5's: Free
Concessions: £4.00
Travel & Contact Information
Address
Newark Roundabout, Port Glasgow, Glasgow and Strathclyde, PA14 5NH, Scotland
Phone number
01475 741858
Map
Website
Click here to visit Newark Castle's website.FAQ & Additional Information
Yes, there is parking nearby.
Yes, there are toilets.
No, there are no baby changing facilities.
Newark Castle has not told us if you can bring a picnic.
Yes, there is an onsite restaurant.
No, Newark Castle is not wheelchair friendly.
No, Newark Castle have stated they are not pushchair friendly.
Newark Castle has not told us if they are dog friendly.
Additional Info
Anything else I should know?
There is an onsite shop