Sorry, no tours available due to Covid-19 pandemic (Port Glasgow and Newark Castle)

On this tour you will travel about 5 miles east along the riverside from the Terminal through an area once important worldwide for shipbuilding and sugar manufacture to neighbouring Port Glasgow. The highlight of the tour, and at its furthest point, is Newark Castle, an almost forgotten gem. On the way there you will get a picture of life in past times and of Inverclyde’s part in the history of sea-borne transport and the sugar trade. We will stop and look at the full-sized replica of the Comet. Although it is tiny to our eyes, this ship was the first successful paddle-steamer in Europe and a pioneer of the development from sail to steam-powered ships, many of which were built on Clydeside.

During your visit to Newark Castle you will see how it expanded over 150 years from its foundation in 1460 to meet the changing needs of its inhabitants – and how little it has been altered since 1600. You can explore its 12 stairs, 17 fireplaces and 7 toilets (excluding the modern ones). You’ll find spyholes and musket holes and a lookout tower with unusual features. There is even a tale of dastardly deeds. You will have time to explore this fascinating, typically Scottish, castle and to appreciate its riverside setting, and also to visit the gift shop.

The castle is owned by Historic Scotland: therefore there is a small entry charge, payable when you book the tour.

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