What to see and do in Greenock and Port Glasgow, Scotland

Greenock is a town located on the River Clyde in the west central Lowlands of Scotland

It is about 25 miles west of Glasgow.  As seagoing ships could not go further up the River Clyde, the Glasgow merchants wanted harbor access but were in disputes with Greenock over harbor dues and warehouses. In 1668, the City of Glasgow got the lease of 13 acres of land upriver close to Newark Castle, and construction promptly started building Port Glasgow harbor.

 We visited Greenoch and Port Glasgow on 6/12/2022.  We drove through the two towns and saw Newark Castle and Dumbarton Castle on the River Clyde.

Greenock has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times. The town grew in importance during the industrial revolution, particularly as a hub for shipbuilding and maritime trade. At its peak, Greenock was one of the busiest ports in Scotland, with ships from all over the world calling at its docks.

Today, Greenock is still an important port, with regular ferry services to destinations such as Dunoon and Rothesay. It is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the McLean Museum and Art Gallery, which houses a collection of local artefacts and art, and the Custom House, a striking example of 18th-century architecture that now serves as a venue for events and exhibitions.

Greenock is known for its friendly locals and strong sense of community. It is also surrounded by beautiful countryside, with the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park just a short drive away, offering a range of outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.

Looking for things to do? Viator offers numerous tours in Greenock. Click here for details.

Port Glasgow was originally a fishing hamlet named Newark.  A 33 ft stainless steel statue of commemorates the shipbuilders of Port Glasgow in Coronation Park.

Newark Castle sits on the south shore of the estuary of the River Clyde.  The castle was built in 1478 by George Maxwell. All that remains of the outer defensive wall is from one of the original corner towers. 

Dumbarton Castle has the longest recorded history of any stronghold in Scotland. It sits on a volcanic plug of basalt known as Dumbarton Rock which is 240 feet high and overlooks the Scottish town of Dumbarton.