Greenock is right outside of Glasgow, perched on the edge of the sea. It has some stunning views across the water to the islands on a clear day, and it is known for being the port that brought most of Glasgow’s trade to the city for the majority of the Industrial Revolution.
Elevated view of Gourock Bay From Greenock.
Image: TamaraMHUN/Shutterstock.com
In terms of tourism, Greenock tends to be one of those places that people come from, rather than that people go to. That being said, it is home to over 44,000 people (as at the 2011 census) has a hell of a lot of history to it, some great seaside activities, and a long-established reputation as the place city dwellers flocked to on warm summer days.
Greenock is in the Inverclyde council area. It is found west of the central lowlands, right on the end of the Firth of Clyde. Legend has it that the name Greenock actually evolved from Green Oak. This recorded town name is used in the fisherman’s records. Reportedly they tied their boats to the large oak on the bank for years.
Formally, the town was founded back in the twelfth century when the first Laird was named in the area. Later, the Laird Greenock would fall to clan Galbraith, who in turn left it with the Schaw family and the Craufords. The Old West Kirk in town was built in the 16th century and reportedly houses the body of Highland Mary – Rabbit Burns’ mistress.
So foregoing the history and the old legends for a moment; we wanted to put together this five minute tour of Greenock to help encourage Scottish tourism. If you were in Greenock for an afternoon, what would be the best sights to see? Read on, and find out!
Greenock At-a-Glance
Whether you live in Greenock or whether you are just passing through: there are a few sights you should definitely see. Here are some of our favourites.
Lyle Hill
This is one of those attractions that we love because it is totally free. Take a hike up Lyle hill and catch stunning views out over the whole town the shore, the islands across the water – and all of it for nothing! This is a great way to entertain the kids for an afternoon and get some stunning photographs while you are there. We would suggest that you try to get a clear day for the best possible views. We would also remind you that you need to dress warm, even in August, when you are at height in Scotland.
This is a local favourite. If relatives visit for a few days then it is customary to take them to Lyle Hill viewpoint. It might be busy on the best days. Lyle Hill is home to the Free French Memorial called the Cross of Lorraine. Some people consider it a bit of a pilgrimage.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Museum and Heritage Centre
So if you happen to be spending time in Greenock and you need to keep the kids amused; the Fire and Rescue Museum is one of the cooler things to do with them. They will love seeing the old fire engines and meeting the fire fighters, plus they have a gift shop on site for you to spend more money… but it is definitely up there among the best things to do in Greenock with kids.
The Esplanade
If walking, hiking, and sights seeing is your thing then spend some time on the esplanade. This is another free activity that is oodles of fun for the whole family. As we mentioned, Greenock is right at the head of the Firth of Clyde. Their port is filled with ferries, their harbour jam packed with boats coming and going all day long. There are cruise ships, great views, and a little café you can stop at that is really busy on hot days.
Greenock Cut and Visitor Centre
The Greenock Cut is an old aqueduct that became a scheduled monument over the years. Nowadays they added a visitor centre that does a lot for educating young minds in the area. There is a nature trail, plenty of hikes to choose from, free car parking and the obligatory café attached. It’s a good place to spend an afternoon but a word of warning: in wet weather we wouldn’t bother. Also, the centre is closed in the off-season, although you can still take the walks.
Waterfront Leisure Complex
If you really want to treat those kids with good things to do in Greenock for the day, then take them to the Waterfront. Here they have a swimming pool, a gym, a health suite – but the star attraction is the ice rink. Contrary to popular belief we don’t have many ice rinks left in Scotland. Additionally, our ponds don’t freeze thick enough for us to skate on without dying an icy death. Because of this we have ice rinks that teenagers will travel to from miles around… thus it is in Greenock. You have been warned.
Other Things to do in Greenock
If none of the main attractions tickle your fancy, then why not try a few of our other suggestions of things to do in Greenock? What about:
- Visiting the Wellpark. It is a park, with a well.
- Go shopping at the Oak Mall Centre.
- Visit the Lyle memorial Fountain.
- Stroll past the yellow house… somebody painted their house bright yellow back in 2015. It cost them 3 grand and there was an actual court battle about the colour choice. Now it’s a tourist attraction and serves as a reminder to us all to be more chill.
- Go and watch Greenock Morton FC play. They currently reside in the Scottish Championship (the Second Tier of Scottish Football), and although you have to go back to the 1920s for their only major honour (The 1922 Scottish Cup Final) they have produced a lot of players who have gone on to play for Scotland. They also played in Europe in the 1968-69 sesason.
Greenock Morton have even played in Europe back in the 1968-69 season
Of course, if you don’t want to see any sights then you will find plenty of pubs along the main road to keep you occupied!
Got Another Five Minutes?
We have plenty of guides for the adept traveller who wants to get out and about in the UK. Not into travelling? We can teach you a new skill, help with your education, or hit you with some entertainment. All it takes is five minutes and the right direction. We have both – do you?
