Paisley Car Hire

Guide to Paisley

History

There’s over 1000 years of fascinating history in Paisley, just waiting for your discovery. King Robert II (first King of the Stewart royal dynasty and grandson of Robert the Bruce) was born in the Abbey in 1316 and hero of the Scottish Wars of Independence William Wallace was born a stone’s throw away in Elderslie. Skip forward a few centuries to the Industrial Revolution of the late 18th and mid-19th centuries and the town had become an economic behemoth thanks to globally significant thread and weaving mills like Anchor Mills and J&P Coats. This industry spawned the Paisley Pattern design, which became famous the world over and found favour over the generations everywhere from the court of Queen Victoria to the hip boutiques and discotheques of Swinging Sixties London.

Culture

There’s lots to recommend Paisley for culture fans. For starters, Paisley Arts Institute was founded in 1876 for the promotion of art in the town and holds an eagerly-anticipated annual art show that showcases terrific talent, as well as conferring the prestigious PAI diplomas to outstanding artists – an accolade only held by 40 living creatives. Meanwhile, Made in Paisley was opened in 2018 on the town’s high street with the mission of bringing art into the community – it runs a number of classes for adults and children. There’s always been a buzzing live music scene and bands like The Jam, The Fall and The Buzzcocks played here in the 80s at the Bungalow Bar, while other cool venues include Callum’s Cavern and The Old Swan.

Sport

Whether you like watching sport or taking part, there are lots of opportunities to get active in Paisley. The town’s professional football team is St Mirren, who play at the Simple Digital Arena and were founded in 1877. They’ve won the Scottish Cup three times and the League Cup once over the years – if there’s a home game on while you’re in town, take the chance to soak up the atmosphere. Alternatively, you can sharpen your golf game at cracking courses at Erskine, Renfrew, Ralston and Gleddoch House, and Renfrewshire is also excellent territory for cyclists, with scenic runs like the Lochwinnoch Loop Line and the Paisley and Clyde Coast route.

Things to do in Paisley

Whether you’re staying in Paisley for a couple of days or a whole week, there are plenty of things to see and do – we’ve gathered together a few of the best options.

Enjoy Park Life at Gleniffer Braes

Fancy a family day out in natural surroundings? Gleniffer Braes Country Park is a pretty good pick. There are relaxing walks through woods and moorlands, burbling streams and scenic waterfalls, and plenty of places to stop for a picnic or fly a kite. It’s a great place to sledge in the snow in midwinter and there’s a small children’s play area in the Robertson car park. Open year round, this gorgeous green space is free to use.

See the heavens at Coats observatory

One of Paisley’s hidden gems, the Thomas Coats Observatory is a beautiful building set to reopen soon to the public as part of a £100 million investment in prominent buildings in the town centre. Solar viewings are typically available from June to September, but it really comes into its own during winter nights, when (provided the sky is clear) you can see amazing views of the moon, stars and planets. Sessions are free and there’s no need to book ahead. An attraction that’s out of this world and doesn’t cost a penny? Leisure doesn’t get much better.

Enjoy the craic at Paisley pubs

Yearning for a refreshing night out with plenty of good craic (friendly conversation)? Paisley’s pub scene doesn’t disappoint and there are plenty of awesome alehouses to sample. The Craig Dhu is a traditional pub that serves tasty bar meals to accompany its selection of beers, wines and spirits, the Afton Bar is a friendly local with a lively weekend vibe, Jam Jar is the place to go for perfect cocktails, and The Bull Inn is Paisley’s oldest pub – as well as the traditional décor, you’ll enjoy the excellent selection of real ales.

Eating out in Paisley

Indian inspiration

Indian cuisine is as popular in Scotland as anywhere else in the UK and the subcontinent’s delicious fare is represented nowhere better than the west coast. When you’re dining in Paisley and partial to a bit of spice, don’t miss Shimla House on Moss Street. Nestled in the historic town centre, it specialises in hot tandooris, mild but rich kormas, and gorgeous grilled kebabs. Throw in excellent customer service and friendly regulars and you’ve got a first-class culinary evening on your hands.

Spanish romance

If tapas tickles your fancy, the romantic atmosphere and tasty treats on offer at La Rambla on Renfrew Road will really set your pulse racing. With contemporary décor and plush dining booths, this is a great space for an intimate meal with your better half or a night out with a select group of friends – remember to book in advance for a weekend meal as it tends to get busy.

Italian heritage

Fancy pasta and pizza like mama used to make? The Cardosi family have been feeding buddies (St Mirren residents) their lovingly prepared Italian favourites since the 1920s and the tradition continues in their Storie Street restaurant. Expect all of your Italian favourites, with a memorable modern twist.

Transport in Paisley

Airports

Paisley is very close to Glasgow Airport (GLA), which is Scotland’s second-busiest and has great domestic, European and international connections. If you’re flying into Glasgow, it’s simple to pick up your hire car there, hop behind the wheel and drive to Paisley in just 10 minutes.

Public transport

The public transport network in Paisley is supported by buses and trains. Buses are operated by Stagecoach and McGill’s and take you throughout the town and beyond. Meanwhile, Paisley Gilmour Street Station is the town’s busiest, and it’s complemented by Paisley St James, Paisley Canal and Hawkhead. If you need to park up your car for a couple of days and traverse Paisley and elsewhere in Scotland, the extensive public transit system means it’s no problem.

Driving

Provided that you observe the usual UK speed limits, avoid drinking and driving and observe the signage carefully, you won’t struggle to navigate Paisley’s road system. As well as being close to Glasgow, it’s within striking distance of Edinburgh and Fife. Easy road trips in the surrounding area include Castle Semple Country Park, Finlaystone Country Estate, Lamont City Farm and Lunderston Bay.