Although for most the word Paisley will bring forth connotations of loud ties, or pretty shawls, the town itself is currently best known as the home town of the 10th Doctor David Tennant. However apart from producing the handsome actor the town does have a long and interesting history and is well worth a visit. For those with a genealogy sway, Paisley is the home to Clan Paisley, who are not a particularly well-known clan north of the border.
Your Five Minute Guide to Paisley
Anchor Mill – Part of Paisley’s Textiles heritage
Image Zoladkowski Bogdan/ Shutterstock.com
The town itself began in the 12th century and formed around a small kirk – like so many Scottish towns and in 1488 James IV granted the town Burgh of barony status. On a slightly blacker note, The town is also noted for being the location of one of the last major witch trials in Europe when in 1697, Seven people were convicted and five subsequently hanged on the Gallow Green. This was the last mass execution for witchcraft in western Europe.
Location Is Everything
One advantage Paisley has over other Scottish towns is its proximity to Glasgow. It’s almost right next door and in industrial times it became a textile town, world-famous for its Paisley Shawls. With access to the River White Cart, it could reach the River Clyde, connecting it to the second-largest city in Scotland and ensuring a steady supply of trade.
Nowadays, Paisley is quite metropolitan at first glance but still holds its town charm and at Christmas time they host a world market just off the train station that makes the whole town come to life. You can almost taste the snowflakes. Since Paisley is ten minutes by train from Glasgow Central Station there really is no reason not to go see it for yourself.
Paisley at a Glance
So if you were in Paisley and just passing through – what would be the main things you should see? Our local guides have the scoop on the top five attractions here in the heart of Renfrewshire.
Paisley Abbey
History buffs will find lots of exciting architecture around Paisley, but none as spectacular as the old Paisley Abbey. This is the tiny village kirk that Paisley grew up around! It has stood since 1163 and has undergone numerous renovations to become the spectacular building it is today. It is STILL in use to this very day and worshippers can attend Holy Communion any given Sunday. They welcome everyone. They also give talks, host formal city events, and work with the community.
The imposing Paisley Abbey – very much part of the community.
Image: artbyadec/Shutterstock
Sma’ Shot Cottages
These are found on Shuttle Street and are quite lovely. They have preserved some of the old textile worker’s cottages including a weaver’s cottage and a foreman’s house. There is a gift shop and a lovely little tearoom too, so you can make an afternoon of it. They hold a celebration on the first Saturday of July every year where they have costumed tours and other quirks. The kiddies love it. You can read a bit more about them here.
Gleniffer Braes Country Park
Paisley is a little metropolitan, so whenever local residents feel the need for some trees they head on over to the Gleniffer Braes. Bird watchers will be impressed by the variety of species inhabiting the area, including Meadow Pipits, Kestrels, Skylarks, Sparrow Hawks, Chaffinches. There are also Badgers, Foxes, Deer, and all the little creatures of the night that hide in meadows for the more patient or nocturnal amongst you. It is free to enter and offers a variety of gorgeous hikes… Hee’land Coos included!
One of Britain’s Most endearing songbirds the Meadow Pipet is often spotted in the park. Its high, piping call is a familiar sound.
Image bearacreative/Shutterstock.com
Paisley Museum and Art Galleries
Note that’s art galleries, plural. Paisley Museum has a couple attached to it that run a variety of exhibitions throughout the year. Scotland has a huge arts culture which the rest of the world either doesn’t see or doesn’t know about. A visit to the galleries will give you a glimpse into some of the better known Scots artists, as well as housing a few masterpieces from other places. Unfortunately, they are mid-refurb and won’t open again until 2022… but we are going crazy to see what they have produced. Coats Observatory, another favourite attraction in town, is also part of the same refurbishment.
Thomas Coats Memorial Baptist Church
Don’t be misled by the title… The Coats Venue is the new name for this refurbished building. It promises to be a hub of activity for local youth as well as running regular concerts throughout the year. If you are going to a gig in Paisley in the near future then be prepared to see your band in this stunning old church. When you see it lit up at night there is no mistaking its current use!
Where to Eat, Drink and Party in Paisley
If you are looking for somewhere to take the kids to eat then we suggest Kilty Kilty. It is a pub but it has a brilliant atmosphere and – let’s be honest about this – most of the best family restaurants in Scotland are actually just pubs with a menu. If you want something with a little more finesse for a date or a work thing, try Cadosi’s on Storie street. It does the very best in Italian food.
For the best cocktails try Gin 71, which is so popular at the moment people take a trip out from the city centre of Glasgow to try some mixes. Club 69 Paisley is the most popular nightclub but there are a few to choose from. If you stop by the SAUWS building you will need a student pass to get in, so don’t go unless you know someone!
Other Notable Attractions
There are a few other things to do in Paisley that we couldn’t cover in greater detail. We sorted them into ‘free’ and ‘not free’ for your ease.
Free things to do in Paisley:
- The Gleniffer Braes and the Museum are both free, although the museum and art galleries are run by a charity so please give what you can spare.
- Barshaw Park is technically free, but if you want to go on the model railway or the mini golf course then there is a charge.
- The Christmas Markets are free to browse but maybe bring cash anyway.
- The Fountain gardens – if they are working. Water tends to freeze here from December to March.
Things to do in Paisley that aren’t free:
- Paisley Town Hall tours are available. The building is pretty if you just walk around it at night though.
Well worth a wander around – and looks spectacular at night.
Image Zoladkowski Bogdan/Shutterstock.com
Football
- You can get a tour of Mirren Park home ground of (currently) Scottish Premier League side St Mirren.
Paisley’s professional Football Team St Mirren won the Scottish League Cup in 2013, having knocked Celtic out in the Semi-Final.
- The Piazza Shopping Centre is where you go to spend your wages.
Do you have Five Minutes Left?
We do hope you enjoyed our Pocket guide to Paisley; but if you still have a spare five minutes why not take a virtual tour of some other Scottish Towns, learn more about your dog, or get to know London? We have lots of options in how you can be productive with your five minutes… all it takes is a quick search.
