Things to do & places to visit in Inverclyde, United Kingdom

Inverclyde #91 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.35 based on 1.628 traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 0:20.

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Bubble Soccer Scotland (5 reviews)
- Amazing
Spent 1-2 hours Sports Complexes

Kids all loved it had so much fun defo worth the money and all the adult commented on how they would love to do it See more..
5.0 Scottish Artist Kevin Hunter (3 reviews)
- Great picture
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Art Galleries
Excellent and inspiring - I commissioned a landscape (Lochindorb) from Kevin for my partner's special birthday. We communicated throughout and I felt involved and in control of the project in terms of general subject and view while Kevin as the artist gave the interpretation which brought it all together. The whole experience was great and inspired me to take up painting again after ten odd years off. Crucially, my partner was also delighted when she received it! See more..
4.5 Lyle Hill (315 reviews)
- Wow
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts

Can't believe this was the first time I've been here in all the years of coming through Greenock or visiting Greenock. The view from this vantage point is Incredible. We had the best day weather wise but it would be amazing in any weather. See more..
4.5 Newark Castle (138 reviews)
- Great little castle right on the Loch.
Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 31, 2023 Castles

This site is closed for now. Built by George Maxwell in the 15th century, this elegant and still virtually intact castle was enlarged by his descendent Patrick Maxwell in the 16th century. Patrick was infamous for murdering two of his neighbours and beating his wife of 44 years who bore him 16 children. The oldest part of the castle is a tower built soon after 1478, with a gatehouse. The connecting range was added in 1597-1599 by the wicked Patrick Maxwell, in a most elegant style. See more..
4.5 Gourock Outdoor Pool (134 reviews)
- Fantastic day out here!
Monday: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Sports Complexes

Enjoy open air swimming in our salt water pool, heated to 29ºC and then get a feel for the summer on our terraced area or the traditional patio all with spectacular views of the Clyde Estuary. Recently refurbished as part of a £1.8m renovation project consisting of modern and contemporary changing facilities, a new gym with truly stunning vistas and improved disabled access with street level parking, it offers customers a truly unique and first class leisure experience. Midnight Swims A fresh crisp summer evening, clear sky and glistening stars set the scene. The warmth of the pool creates the perfect atmosphere to marvel at the delights of this unique swimming experience. Swim under the stars from 10pm - Midnight on the following dates: Wednesday 1st July Wednesday 15th July Wednesday 29th July Wednesday 12th August See more..
4.5 Western Ferries (116 reviews)
- Lifeline
Ferries

WF is an absolute lifeline to us in Dunoon/Cowal. It is very rarely off or disrupted due to weather. To the person complaining about cost on board, yes it’s extravagant but WF do say on the Website to purchase tickets at one of the listed shops prior to boarding. My only criticism is lack of loo on either side! Regular users can purchase a book of 10 which works out just over £20 return for car, driver and passenger. See more..
4.5 Watt Institution (95 reviews)
- Pure Greenock Gold
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Libraries • History Museums

The Watt Institution comprises the McLean Museum and Art Gallery, the Watt Hall, the Watt Library and Inverclyde Archives. See more..
4.5 Lunderston Bay (85 reviews)
- Well worth visiting
Beaches

Found this bay by accident really as we were just going for a drive while on holiday. Very pleasantly surprised. Tucked away is a great little beach with a grassy area leading down to it. Free parking and toilets and an ice cream van. Nice little walk leading away from it. Great views ,wasn't too busy, so a nice little peaceful place to spend a day getting away from it. Would definitely recommend for couples , families or just on your own See more..
4.5 Greenock Cut Visitor Centre (82 reviews)
- Great Walk
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Visitor Centers

Part of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Greenock Cut Visitor Centre, Loch Thom, not far from Inverkip in Inverclyde, provides wonderful walks, scenic views and picnic sites. There is good access to the Greenock Cut (a 5.5 mile aqueduct, and designated ancient monument) for a great reasonably level circular-walking route with panoramic views of the Clyde. A shorter family friendly walk is the (1 hour) picturesque Nature Trail in Shielhill Glen where the trail goes alongside and criss-crosses the Kip burn. Download the Trail guide to find all the hidden wood spirits. Plus there's the Kelly Cut (2.5 hour) walk which allows views over Wemyss Bay and the more southern Clyde. The Centre is open weekends in summer Apr - Oct and closed in winter although toilets are open daily. Call in and warm up with a coffee and pick up some light refreshments. There's an interactive exhibition on the Greenock Cut and environmental activities such as touch table, word searches, animals and colouring in. See more..
4.5 Greenock Cemetery (69 reviews)
- Beautiful mature trees and rhododendrons
Monday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Cemeteries

I don’t live very far away and love to take my dog for a walk here ( obviously, cleaning up after it). It is a fascinating place, very large . There are some excellent history leaflets that you source online to explain who the graves belong to. The mature trees, rhododendrons and camellias make it a beautiful garden setting. Well worth a visit but with respect to those visiting the newer more recent area of the cemetery. See more..
4.5 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Museum and Heritage Centre (53 reviews)
- Great place
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums

Took my 3 children here today and we all loved it. Learned so much. The staff were so helpful and friendly. Great place. My daughter came out saying it was brilliant and of course my 3 year old adored it. See more..
4.5 Esplanade Cafe, Greenock, Scotland (43 reviews)
- An enjoyable pokeyhat
Monday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Other Food & Drink

After a wee saunter, popped along to find it quiet no queue. Ordered up a couple of pokeyhats and took them back to the esplanade to enjoy. We were lucky to go when it was quiet as after we finished our pokeyhats there was a lengthy queue. Recommended See more..
4.5 Caledonian MacBrayne (39 reviews)
- Educational experience
Ferries

Have never used the Wemyss Bay to Rothesay service before but internet advised that tickets cannot be purchased on line and to allow a 40 minute wait. On arrival tickets purchased from the ticket office and it wasn't long to wait for the next ferry. Just had time to nip into the Wemyss Bay Train station to see the architecture of this fine Edwardian train station - time well spent. Speedy crossing and the staff on the ferry couldn't be more courteous and helpful. Definitely recommend to travelers visiting Bute. See more..
4.5 The Esplanade (34 reviews)
- Another revisit after lockdown
Spent 1-2 hours Piers & Boardwalks

Enjoyed revisiting after the restrictions. Was a glorious day and quite busy with most people keeping their distance. Cafe was very busy at the town end. There was also workmen widening the cycle path so had to be a wee bit wary where they were working but a pleasant with superb scenery across the Clyde See more..
4.5 The Tower Hill (32 reviews)
- Nice walk. Decent view.
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

Had a walk from the rail station along the water and went up the Tower Hill from the South. A very nice view of the Clyde/Bay as well as (part of) the town. Went down the other way, which was a slightly longer walk, and then dropped by the Granny Kempock Stone. Quite a relaxed afternoon was it. See more..
4.5 St John's Episcopal Church (17 reviews)
- Greenock interesting town to visit
Monday: Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

St John the Evangelist is a member of the Scottish Episcopal Church and worldwide Anglican community. There is a weekly Sunday 11am Eucharist service to which everyone is welcome. There are also additional services for other religious occasions. All services are published on our Facebook page. The Church also opens when cruise ships are docked at Greenock. All visitors are welcome. See more..
4.5 Ginger the Horse (13 reviews)
- Interesting story
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Drove past this on many's an occasion, but stopped off to have a good gander close up. Interesting story of what the statue was there for. One of many statues in Inverclyde worth a wee visit See more..
4.5 Old West Kirk (13 reviews)
- Historic Church
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

The Old West Kirk is the first church built in Scotland after the reformation. While the kirk has been relocated to the current site, parts date back to 1591. We visited the kirk as part of the free tour put on by the Inverclyde Tourism Group. One of the guides provided a short commentary on the history of the kirk. Of interest is the Sailors' Loft first built in 1670. When completed there were no stairs. That was no problems for the sailors as they climbed ropes to the loft. Stairs were added later. There is a brochure of the kirk. The collection of 16 stained glass windows began in 1864 are worth the stop. See more..
4.5 Bobby Statue (4 reviews)
- Lovely statue
Monuments & Statues

This is a lovely little statue in the centre of the station, which fits in well with the surroundings of the old Victorian station. See more..
4.5 Lyle Hill (315 reviews)
- Wow
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts

Can't believe this was the first time I've been here in all the years of coming through Greenock or visiting Greenock. The view from this vantage point is Incredible. We had the best day weather wise but it would be amazing in any weather. See more..
4.5 Newark Castle (138 reviews)
- Great little castle right on the Loch.
Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 31, 2023 Castles

This site is closed for now. Built by George Maxwell in the 15th century, this elegant and still virtually intact castle was enlarged by his descendent Patrick Maxwell in the 16th century. Patrick was infamous for murdering two of his neighbours and beating his wife of 44 years who bore him 16 children. The oldest part of the castle is a tower built soon after 1478, with a gatehouse. The connecting range was added in 1597-1599 by the wicked Patrick Maxwell, in a most elegant style. See more..
4.5 Gourock Outdoor Pool (134 reviews)
- Fantastic day out here!
Monday: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Sports Complexes

Enjoy open air swimming in our salt water pool, heated to 29ºC and then get a feel for the summer on our terraced area or the traditional patio all with spectacular views of the Clyde Estuary. Recently refurbished as part of a £1.8m renovation project consisting of modern and contemporary changing facilities, a new gym with truly stunning vistas and improved disabled access with street level parking, it offers customers a truly unique and first class leisure experience. Midnight Swims A fresh crisp summer evening, clear sky and glistening stars set the scene. The warmth of the pool creates the perfect atmosphere to marvel at the delights of this unique swimming experience. Swim under the stars from 10pm - Midnight on the following dates: Wednesday 1st July Wednesday 15th July Wednesday 29th July Wednesday 12th August See more..
4.5 Western Ferries (116 reviews)
- Lifeline
Ferries

WF is an absolute lifeline to us in Dunoon/Cowal. It is very rarely off or disrupted due to weather. To the person complaining about cost on board, yes it’s extravagant but WF do say on the Website to purchase tickets at one of the listed shops prior to boarding. My only criticism is lack of loo on either side! Regular users can purchase a book of 10 which works out just over £20 return for car, driver and passenger. See more..
4.5 Watt Institution (95 reviews)
- Pure Greenock Gold
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Libraries • History Museums

The Watt Institution comprises the McLean Museum and Art Gallery, the Watt Hall, the Watt Library and Inverclyde Archives. See more..
4.5 Lunderston Bay (85 reviews)
- Well worth visiting
Beaches

Found this bay by accident really as we were just going for a drive while on holiday. Very pleasantly surprised. Tucked away is a great little beach with a grassy area leading down to it. Free parking and toilets and an ice cream van. Nice little walk leading away from it. Great views ,wasn't too busy, so a nice little peaceful place to spend a day getting away from it. Would definitely recommend for couples , families or just on your own See more..
4.5 Greenock Cut Visitor Centre (82 reviews)
- Great Walk
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Visitor Centers

Part of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Greenock Cut Visitor Centre, Loch Thom, not far from Inverkip in Inverclyde, provides wonderful walks, scenic views and picnic sites. There is good access to the Greenock Cut (a 5.5 mile aqueduct, and designated ancient monument) for a great reasonably level circular-walking route with panoramic views of the Clyde. A shorter family friendly walk is the (1 hour) picturesque Nature Trail in Shielhill Glen where the trail goes alongside and criss-crosses the Kip burn. Download the Trail guide to find all the hidden wood spirits. Plus there's the Kelly Cut (2.5 hour) walk which allows views over Wemyss Bay and the more southern Clyde. The Centre is open weekends in summer Apr - Oct and closed in winter although toilets are open daily. Call in and warm up with a coffee and pick up some light refreshments. There's an interactive exhibition on the Greenock Cut and environmental activities such as touch table, word searches, animals and colouring in. See more..
4.5 Greenock Cemetery (69 reviews)
- Beautiful mature trees and rhododendrons
Monday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Cemeteries

I don’t live very far away and love to take my dog for a walk here ( obviously, cleaning up after it). It is a fascinating place, very large . There are some excellent history leaflets that you source online to explain who the graves belong to. The mature trees, rhododendrons and camellias make it a beautiful garden setting. Well worth a visit but with respect to those visiting the newer more recent area of the cemetery. See more..
4.5 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Museum and Heritage Centre (53 reviews)
- Great place
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums

Took my 3 children here today and we all loved it. Learned so much. The staff were so helpful and friendly. Great place. My daughter came out saying it was brilliant and of course my 3 year old adored it. See more..
4.5 Esplanade Cafe, Greenock, Scotland (43 reviews)
- An enjoyable pokeyhat
Monday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Other Food & Drink

After a wee saunter, popped along to find it quiet no queue. Ordered up a couple of pokeyhats and took them back to the esplanade to enjoy. We were lucky to go when it was quiet as after we finished our pokeyhats there was a lengthy queue. Recommended See more..
4.5 Caledonian MacBrayne (39 reviews)
- Educational experience
Ferries

Have never used the Wemyss Bay to Rothesay service before but internet advised that tickets cannot be purchased on line and to allow a 40 minute wait. On arrival tickets purchased from the ticket office and it wasn't long to wait for the next ferry. Just had time to nip into the Wemyss Bay Train station to see the architecture of this fine Edwardian train station - time well spent. Speedy crossing and the staff on the ferry couldn't be more courteous and helpful. Definitely recommend to travelers visiting Bute. See more..