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

Renfrewshire #74 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.64 based on 8.806 traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 0:42.

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Snow Factor (4.559 reviews)
- Snowboarding
Monday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Snow Factor, located at XSite Braehead is Scotland’s only year-round ski centre with real snow (and the longest indoor real snow slope in the UK). With guaranteed perfect teaching conditions and fresh snow every day, Snow Factor Glasgow is the perfect place to practice, train and learn to ski, snowboard, sledging or ice climb– whatever the weather – all year round. Apres Ski anyone? Enjoy Bar Varia - authentic Barvarian meals and a range of German beers. See more..
5.0 Ascent Aviation (555 reviews)
- Amazing Experience
Monday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Ascent Aviation is a unique and exciting flight experience which boasts the most immersive flight simulators in Scotland. We welcome any age and ability to experience our B737 and A320 flight decks. With our 220 degree wrap around visual generators and a choice of over 26,000 airports to depart from and land at, this experience will be sure to amaze even the most critic aviation enthusiasts. See more..
5.0 Thomas Coats Memorial Baptist Church (110 reviews)
- Absolutely Stunning
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

PLEASE NOTE: The building is temporarily closed for refurbishment as a multi purpose venue. Scheduled re-opening Spring 2020. Known as The Baptist Cathedral of Europe, designed by Hippolyte j. Blanc, Thomas Coats Memorial Baptist Church opened in 1894, it was built by the Coats family in memory of Thomas Coats who died in 1883. He was one of the founders of the world famous firm of thread manufacturers, J & P Coats Ltd. See more..
5.0 Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park (9 reviews)
- Beauty in your backdoor
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

Clyde Muirshiel is Scotland's Largest Regional Park covering 108 square miles of Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and North Ayrshire. Recently described as 'the green lungs of Glasgow' Clyde Muirshiel provides the best in Countryside Ranger events, facilities and leisure opportunities. It has 3 Visitor Centres located at Castle Semple Country Park Lochwinnoch, Greenock Cut Centre beside Loch Thom, near Inverkip and Muirshiel Country Park, near Lochwinnoch and a sandy beach at Lunderston Bay, near Gourock. We offer our visitors free parking and entry, charges apply for Outdoor Activity groups, public courses and BBQ hire. All of our Visitor Centres have toilets, cafes and gift shops as well as picnic sites, scenic walks, trails, cycles and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. Please make clear which of our locations your review refers to (site map available in our images). Park headquarters are located at Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire. See more..
5.0 Knockhill Park (7 reviews)
- Improved
Parks

Knockhill Park is good it is has great equipment a football pitch a basketball court. It used to be a dump just grassland and one metal pole. See more..
5.0 Lawfield Trout Fishery (4 reviews)
- Excellent
Bodies of Water

What an excellent place to go fishing, 6 acres of water to fly fish round. Brown trout, Rainbow trout and steel heads on offer. Billy has a nice little bothy and you can get tea, coffee and lovely pies made by a local butcher. Cup of coffee and a pie £2.00. Lawfield offers fly fishing and bait fishing in a separate pool, for £20 for four fish, See more..
5.0 Snow Factor (4.559 reviews)
- Snowboarding
Monday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Snow Factor, located at XSite Braehead is Scotland’s only year-round ski centre with real snow (and the longest indoor real snow slope in the UK). With guaranteed perfect teaching conditions and fresh snow every day, Snow Factor Glasgow is the perfect place to practice, train and learn to ski, snowboard, sledging or ice climb– whatever the weather – all year round. Apres Ski anyone? Enjoy Bar Varia - authentic Barvarian meals and a range of German beers. See more..
5.0 Ascent Aviation (555 reviews)
- Amazing Experience
Monday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Ascent Aviation is a unique and exciting flight experience which boasts the most immersive flight simulators in Scotland. We welcome any age and ability to experience our B737 and A320 flight decks. With our 220 degree wrap around visual generators and a choice of over 26,000 airports to depart from and land at, this experience will be sure to amaze even the most critic aviation enthusiasts. See more..
5.0 Thomas Coats Memorial Baptist Church (110 reviews)
- Absolutely Stunning
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

PLEASE NOTE: The building is temporarily closed for refurbishment as a multi purpose venue. Scheduled re-opening Spring 2020. Known as The Baptist Cathedral of Europe, designed by Hippolyte j. Blanc, Thomas Coats Memorial Baptist Church opened in 1894, it was built by the Coats family in memory of Thomas Coats who died in 1883. He was one of the founders of the world famous firm of thread manufacturers, J & P Coats Ltd. See more..
4.5 Soar Braehead (874 reviews)
- Snowboarding
Monday: 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Xscape Braehead is home to one of Europe's largest indoor 'real' snow slopes, featuring beginner ski and family tobogganing sessions. Appropriate clothing can be hired if necessary. Other attractions at Xscape Braehead include a climbing wall, cinema, tenpin bowling and Soccer Circus. Food and refreshments available at a selection of restaurants. See more..
4.5 Paisley Abbey (480 reviews)
- ABSOLUTE MUST FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN SCOTTISH HISTORY
Missions • Religious Sites

There are obviously many examples of pre-Reformation Churches in Scotland but without doubt, Paisley Abbey has to be up there with one of the best? The stained glass windows are stunning and the historical links well documented, particularly links with the early Stewart/Stuart kings and the current monarchy. The staff, mostly volunteers are very welcoming and our guide was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining as well as informative. Guided tours are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1pm and well worth the £5 charge. Definitely worth a return visit in my view. See more..
4.5 Gleniffer Braes Country Park (176 reviews)
- Waterfall, woodland and a wonderful view!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks

An easy walk from Milton Watermill Hotel and Paisley Abbey, this park is a gem! The woodland features a tremendous diversity of plants and mature trees. Perfect for foraging, picnicking, wandering, birding, wildlife tracking, exercise, etc. The waterfall is spectacular as it cascades off a steep cliff into a narrow ravine. On the exposed slopes, there are incredibile views of Paisley and the whole river valley. A convenient and gorgeous place to escape the noise and traffic of the city. I can't wait share with my wife and daughter! See more..
4.5 Climbzone (162 reviews)
- Kids' party - great experience
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Welcome to Climbzone at Xsite Braehead - a state of the art adventure for the whole family that will simply take your breath away. Scale the epic climbing wall, take the plunge on The Drop or brave the Skypark, are you brave enough to take on all three? Skypark- Presenting the Climbzone state of the art aerial adventure course, 60 meters long, 15 meters above the ground, including: zip slide, traverse wall, hanging logs, jigsaw, swinging rungs, swinging platforms, cargo net, Burma bridge, rope ladders. Rock climbing-Climbzone houses one of the largest freestanding climbing walls in the UK. 23 panels with over 70 climbing routes of varying difficulty, it will provide an adventure playground for all ages (7 ). The Drop -Take a deep breath, clip on and step off! Gravity will take care of the rest, accelerating your freefalling body towards the ground 15 metres below. All the activities are run by our friendly, professional Climbzone team. See more..
4.5 Castle Semple Country Park (93 reviews)
- A beautiful part of the world
Parks

Welcome to the Castle Semple Visitor Centre and County Park listing. Please note this site one of several within the larger Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. Castle Semple is located in Lochwinnoch Renfrewshire next to National Cycle Route 7 and just a short walk from Lochwinnoch Train Station. The Centre has a cafe and gift shop, provides free parking and entry as well as lots to do with great water, walks and wildlife. There is a Ranger Service who provide family friendly events and volunteer programmes throughout the year. There is also a highly qualified Outdoor Activity team with Instructors to guide you or your group through the techniques involved in sailing, kayaking, canoeing, powerboating, archery and loads more! The Centre is also fully equipped to be accessible to all, registered as Scotlands first Centre of Excellence for disability sailing in 2012. See more..
4.5 RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve (84 reviews)
- A delightful wee nature reserve for all the family
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

On the doorstep of Scotland's biggest city and on the Glasgow-Ayr train-line, RSPB Lochwinnoch is a real treat for nature lovers of all ages and abilities. Walk in the woodland, or sit for a while in our hide and watch the birds out on the water. For something more active, try a spot of pond dipping or try out the natural play area - very popular with kids! Alternatively, watch birds from the comfort of the visitor centre with, or even indulge in some retail therapy in the gift shop. See more..
4.5 Coats Observatory (66 reviews)
- Seeing the stars
Monday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Observatories & Planetariums

What a place to visit, lived in Paisley all my life, and never visited this building. Decided to go to there winter viewing nights, Tuesday and Thursday's. The night I went was a clear night, telescope was amazing seeing the moon, and then going outside to there gardens and seeing Jupiter, was amazing. The planatary show was great, John was a mind of knowledge. A great place to go, with the kids. Give a visit, on a clear night. See more..
4.5 Sma' Shot Cottages (54 reviews)
- Fantastic Halloween Experience
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Sma' Shot Cottages are a major attraction in the Renfrewshire area, providing visitors with an insight into two distinct periods of Paisley's weaving history. Come along and join us in our tea room, where we serve beverages and homemade goods and share stories of the past. We are open April-September, every Wednesday and Saturday 12pm-4pm and Fridays 1-5pm. Group/private tours can be arranged on request. Sma' Shot Cottages are owned and run by the Old Paisley Society, a registered charity. Admission is free, however, all donations towards the upkeep of the cottages are gratefully accepted. See more..
4.5 Braehead Arena (48 reviews)
- Phenomenal Arena
Spent More than 3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

A phenomenal venue with an amazing atmosphere. Braehead arena really is the best and I cannot wait to go back. If you’ve never been to see Glasgow Clan then make it happen, you’ll love it. See more..
4.5 Weaver's Cottage (38 reviews)
- Excellent experience
Points of Interest & Landmarks

For our shame it’s taken us 8 years of living in the area to visit this national trust property. It’s surprisingly bigger than it appears on the outside and is packed with artefacts that make its history come alive. The two ladies who were available to inform and answer inquiries were excellent. My 5 year old granddaughter learned much as she used a treasure hunt to scour the rooms. and loved working a loom and contributing to a rag rug. A short video set the scene (a little creaky but it does the job!) and info from the trust representatives allowed us to imagine the lives of those who had lived and worked there. Highly recommended. See more..
4.5 Muirshiel Visitor Centre & Country Park (31 reviews)
- Trip with nursery
Monday: Visitor Centers

Part of the larger Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Muirshiel Visitor Centre, only 4 miles from Lochwinnoch is located high in the hills of Renfrewshire. The wonderful scenery includes the high heather hills of Misty Law and Hill of Stake (522m) or moorland views and walks to the now disused, Barytes mine. The child friendly walk to the volcanic plug of Windy Hill (316m) has great views over the Clyde and towards Glasgow. Or, stay in the forest and woodlands on the sign posted 2km (1 hour) country, 1km (20 min) habitat or 500m (20 min) waterfall nature trail. The heather moors are home to one of Britain’s rarest Birds of Prey the Hen Harrier. Highlights of our Nest Camera Project, can be seen throughout the year. Contact Muirshiel on 01505 842 803 for details. All Visitor Centres in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park have FREE parking and entry, sign posted woodland walks and nature trails. Easy wildlife watching, indoor and outdoor attractions, cafe, gift shop and a Ranger Service. See more..
4.5 Fountain Gardens (21 reviews)
- Lovely park
Monday: 8:45 AM - 4:45 PM Fountains

Good park to take young kids. Nice to see the fountain up and running again after it was run down for years See more..
4.5 Paisley Town Hall (20 reviews)
- This building is worthy of standing in the Acropolis
Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings • Civic Centres

Beautiful Neoclassical building, especially the grand entrance facing Abbey Close. This side has an elevated hexastyle Corinthian portico. It's just a pity the pediment is unadorned to match the grand portico. This building is worthy of standing in the Acropolis. If you enjoy classical architecture, this building is worth a visit when in Paisley. See more..
4.5 The Paisley Cenotaph (8 reviews)
- An impressive monument
Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

The cenotaph is 25 feet high with a bronze group by Meredith Williams of a mounted crusader flanked by four infantrymen. The monument was designed by Sir Robert Lorimer, the builders Messrs. Neil McLeod & Sons Limited, and the carving work carried out by Messrs. Allen & Sons, both of Edinburgh. The 228 tons of granite employed was supplied by the Shap Fells Granite Company in Westmorland. See more..
4.5 Soar Braehead (874 reviews)
- Snowboarding
Monday: 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Xscape Braehead is home to one of Europe's largest indoor 'real' snow slopes, featuring beginner ski and family tobogganing sessions. Appropriate clothing can be hired if necessary. Other attractions at Xscape Braehead include a climbing wall, cinema, tenpin bowling and Soccer Circus. Food and refreshments available at a selection of restaurants. See more..
4.5 Paisley Abbey (480 reviews)
- ABSOLUTE MUST FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN SCOTTISH HISTORY
Missions • Religious Sites

There are obviously many examples of pre-Reformation Churches in Scotland but without doubt, Paisley Abbey has to be up there with one of the best? The stained glass windows are stunning and the historical links well documented, particularly links with the early Stewart/Stuart kings and the current monarchy. The staff, mostly volunteers are very welcoming and our guide was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining as well as informative. Guided tours are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1pm and well worth the £5 charge. Definitely worth a return visit in my view. See more..
4.5 Gleniffer Braes Country Park (176 reviews)
- Waterfall, woodland and a wonderful view!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks

An easy walk from Milton Watermill Hotel and Paisley Abbey, this park is a gem! The woodland features a tremendous diversity of plants and mature trees. Perfect for foraging, picnicking, wandering, birding, wildlife tracking, exercise, etc. The waterfall is spectacular as it cascades off a steep cliff into a narrow ravine. On the exposed slopes, there are incredibile views of Paisley and the whole river valley. A convenient and gorgeous place to escape the noise and traffic of the city. I can't wait share with my wife and daughter! See more..
4.5 Climbzone (162 reviews)
- Kids' party - great experience
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Welcome to Climbzone at Xsite Braehead - a state of the art adventure for the whole family that will simply take your breath away. Scale the epic climbing wall, take the plunge on The Drop or brave the Skypark, are you brave enough to take on all three? Skypark- Presenting the Climbzone state of the art aerial adventure course, 60 meters long, 15 meters above the ground, including: zip slide, traverse wall, hanging logs, jigsaw, swinging rungs, swinging platforms, cargo net, Burma bridge, rope ladders. Rock climbing-Climbzone houses one of the largest freestanding climbing walls in the UK. 23 panels with over 70 climbing routes of varying difficulty, it will provide an adventure playground for all ages (7 ). The Drop -Take a deep breath, clip on and step off! Gravity will take care of the rest, accelerating your freefalling body towards the ground 15 metres below. All the activities are run by our friendly, professional Climbzone team. See more..
4.5 Castle Semple Country Park (93 reviews)
- A beautiful part of the world
Parks

Welcome to the Castle Semple Visitor Centre and County Park listing. Please note this site one of several within the larger Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. Castle Semple is located in Lochwinnoch Renfrewshire next to National Cycle Route 7 and just a short walk from Lochwinnoch Train Station. The Centre has a cafe and gift shop, provides free parking and entry as well as lots to do with great water, walks and wildlife. There is a Ranger Service who provide family friendly events and volunteer programmes throughout the year. There is also a highly qualified Outdoor Activity team with Instructors to guide you or your group through the techniques involved in sailing, kayaking, canoeing, powerboating, archery and loads more! The Centre is also fully equipped to be accessible to all, registered as Scotlands first Centre of Excellence for disability sailing in 2012. See more..
4.5 RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve (84 reviews)
- A delightful wee nature reserve for all the family
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

On the doorstep of Scotland's biggest city and on the Glasgow-Ayr train-line, RSPB Lochwinnoch is a real treat for nature lovers of all ages and abilities. Walk in the woodland, or sit for a while in our hide and watch the birds out on the water. For something more active, try a spot of pond dipping or try out the natural play area - very popular with kids! Alternatively, watch birds from the comfort of the visitor centre with, or even indulge in some retail therapy in the gift shop. See more..
4.5 Coats Observatory (66 reviews)
- Seeing the stars
Monday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Observatories & Planetariums

What a place to visit, lived in Paisley all my life, and never visited this building. Decided to go to there winter viewing nights, Tuesday and Thursday's. The night I went was a clear night, telescope was amazing seeing the moon, and then going outside to there gardens and seeing Jupiter, was amazing. The planatary show was great, John was a mind of knowledge. A great place to go, with the kids. Give a visit, on a clear night. See more..