Greenock Things to Do

The waterfront leisure complex is situated as you probably guest at the waterfront in Greenock. There is a small cafe here. The leisure complex has two pools one is a fun pool with children section and wave machines and lazy river. There is also a jacuzzi. The other pool is a training pool which has lanes in part of it for keen swimmers.

There is also an ice rink which is popular although I have never used it.

There is also a gym which seems well equipped and is spacious.

The museum hosts many different exhibit with a large number of them being about ship building as this was the main industry in Greenock at one time. There is also an upstairs part with animals and there are temporary exhibitions at various times of the year. There is also and art gallery joining onto the museum but I cant comment as I have never been into this part of the building

It may be worth pointing out that the museum was built a number of years ago and has disabled access to the whole of the lower floor and has a disable toilet the upstairs however does not have access as yet for those in wheelchairs

The museum is opened Monday - Saturday but is closed on Bank, Local and national Public Holidays. The museum has a small gift shop that sells a number of different items and best of all it is free. The Museum is also a bit on the small side with only two levels and probably wont take you an hour to see all the exhibits and infact it will probably take less time but it is worth a look.

The Battery Park is in Greenock (just) It is a large Park with Astro turf football pitches and Grass football pitches it has a rugby pitch as well. It has two small childrens play parks and large path with cycle track. It has a cafe, toilet and changing rooms. The park is very popular in the summer and is popular with people walking their dogs.

Also a word of warning The park also has the helipad for the local hospital so keep clear if you see a helicopter coming into land and make sure you hold on to your children tightly as a young child nearly got crushed by the helicopter about a year ago and would have if they hadnt been grabbed out the way by one of the emergancy crew on the ground. .

That aside the park is a great place to go and take a picnic and even when it is busy there is still plenty of room to play football or for the kids to have a run around without getting into other peoples way and best of all its free

Newark Castle stands majestically well preserved next to the waterside of the Clyde. These days it is next door to a working shipyard (it was once surrounded by them) - It was not always so...
The castle as a interesting history which was kindly explained to us by Deborah, the Historic Scotland steward.
George Maxwell built a stone castle here in 1478. In those days it would have been a towerehouse, surrounded by a boundary wall. The towerhouse has been incorporated into the castle we see today.
Most of what we see today was built by a desendant, Ptrick Maxwell, probably best described as a bit of a character. Sir Patrick murdered two members of a rival family, was a serial wife beater and general all round cad. He still managed to sire 16 children by his long suffering spouse.
The growing household population no doubt fired Sir Patricks desire to extend the property.
the castle went into decline after the last of the maxwell dynasty died in 1694. Fortunately it was aquired by the state in 1907.

It is now in the care of Historic Scotland.

Admission Charge - Adults - £2.50
(highly recommended is this one)

Greenock's growth in the 19th Century, provided lots of wealth and allowed the building of the fine Municipal Buildings in the town centre. The Victoria tower above stands some 80 m high, and must have provided a landmark for ships returning to the town's harbour

A campus of James Watt College can be found on the seafront at Greenock.
The College originally opened as James Watt Memorial College in 1907, which was built with funds donated by another famous Scot, Andrew Carnegie, and still stands in Greenock. Over the years, the changing demands of commerce and industry highlighted the need for a new, purpose built College. The existing Finnart Campus was opened in 1973 and named James Watt College of Further and Higher Education.

When we were in town the tall ship Prince William was moored up. Officially called a brig the ship was only built in 2001 at a cost of £5.5 million.
She is used as a training ship for youngsters and is based at Glasgow.

More than any other Greenock building, the town's classical customs house recalls past maritime wealth. Built in 1818, and designed by the renowned architect William Burn, it forms the centrepiece of current waterfront improvements and houses an interesting museum devoted to the work of HM Customs & Excise over the years.