Gourock Castle, the seat of the barony of Finnart-Stewart, stood above the town of Gourock. It was pulled down about 1747. In 1856, the site was pointed out by Major Darroch who stated that a few stones, visible near the edge of the Gourock Burn, formed part of the original foundations. In the reign of James II (1437-60) it was forfeited by the Earl of Douglas and passed to the Stewarts of Castlemilk.

The stones from the castle were used to build a home for Major Darroch and his family. The grounds of which were laid out as formal lawns, walled gardens and an exotic display of flora and fauna collected and gifted to the family.

One of the jewels in the family gardens was the formal swan pond which was fed from the then crystal clear Gourock Burn a once popular trout fishing river. The family enjoyed picnics and walks within the extensive grounds.

In 1939 the house fell into a state of disrepair and was eventually demolished and, like the castle before, nothing now remains.

The family gifted the grounds of the house to the then Burgh of Gourock to be used for the enjoyment of the people.

Nowadays the park is still a source of great enjoyment to the young and elderly alike. The formal walled gardens contain a childrens pet area and seating for visitors to relax and enjoy the bright colours of the immaculate flowerbeds and neatly trimmed hedges which are maintained to a very high standard by the park staff. All of whom are employed by Inverclyde Council.

The park also boasts a Bowling Green, putting green and three tennis courts. In spring the walk through the mature wooded area is carpeted with Bluebells and as soon as they are dying back the Daffodills are pushing through to provide another show of spring colour.

The formal swan pond whilst not as grand as it once was still provides a small haven for ducks and in the summer, a family of yellow wagtails.