See Paisley

Places to Visit

Paisley town centre is full of interest - from history and heritage to going out in the evening. This page gives you a flavour of what there is to discover. Find out more from the Visit Renfrewshire Website or drop into Paisley Tourist Information Centre in the town centre.

Paisley Abbey

Paisley AbbeyAbbey and Place (or Palace) of Paisley have a long and varied history at the heart of the town. In mediaeval times, the Abbey was a place of great wealth and power, closely connected with the throne - it is regarded by many as the cradle of the royal house of Stewarts.

Museums & Galleries

MuseumsMuseum and Art Gallery has collections of international importance. The Museum has a large wealth of treasures, from Ancient Egyptian artefacts to remainders of our industrial past and natural heritage. The Paisley Shawl Collection, part of the Museum's textile collection, is a recognised collection of national significance to Scotland.

As well as year-round temporary exhibitions, the Art Gallery has permanent collections of ceramics, sculpture and paintings - including work by artists from the Glasgow School, the Scottish Colourists and Paisley-born writer and artist John Byrne.

Sma'Shot Cottages offer an opportunity to see two distinct periods in Paisley's weaving history. The Weaver's Cottage transports visitors back in time to the late 1700's. Across the yard, the Artisans' Cottages show what life was like in the early to mid 1800's.

The Coats Observatory opened in 1883 and has been welcoming everyone with an interest in astronomy ever since. The Observatory also has a planetarium which gives visitors a tour of the night sky.

Architecture

ArchitecturePaisley's architecture dates back to mediaeval times. Victorian buildings and sculpture are particularly well represented, reflecting the town's wealth during the nineteenth century. A series of walks around the town centre can be found on Renfrewshire Council's website. Other information on the town's rich architectural heritage is available from Visit Renfrewshire or Paisley Tourist Information Centre.