Paisley Escapes: Top 5 Day Trip Ideas You’ll Adore

Paisley, you know, it’s often seen just as that place with the airport nearby, yet it has way more charm up its sleeve than people might expect. But beyond its own appeal, that location actually makes it an ideal base for setting off to see a fair bit of Scotland. If you find yourself kicking about in Paisley and you’re after a wee day out, I’ve assembled a list of cracking day trip ideas that might just tempt you. So, from dramatic castles to serene lochs, allow me to run through a few accessible adventures which all start pretty much right from Paisley’s doorstep.

1. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park? I mean, honestly, it’s practically begging for a visit, it’s that picturesque! That massive, shimmering loch dotted with islands and surrounded by Munros offers up a proper taste of Scottish wilderness and so is less than an hour away by car from Paisley. The drive alone, apparently, is fairly scenic, but once you’re there, you’ve got yourself options galore.

You could potentially go for a cruise on the loch, giving you striking views of the shoreline and those impressive mountains. There’s also the chance of a wee hike; Ben Lomond is there for keen walkers, yet there are also tons of gentle trails perfect for a relaxed wander if that’s much more your speed. The village of Luss, actually on the loch’s edge, too it’s almost like something out of a postcard, complete with its beautiful stone cottages and views.

If you, like your history, then Inchmahome Priory – placed on an island in the Lake of Menteith – really is well worth a look, giving you a calm setting with just a good chunk of old stonework and historical significance thrown in, I mean, just what else are you wanting?! You could actually get lost for days in the Trossachs, and it’s actually easy to see why it’s actually one of Scotland’s most prized spots for getting away from it all. Oh, and don’t forget your camera!

2. Glasgow: A City Adventure

Wanting something very different? A big change of scenery? So, a very simple and speedy trip from Paisley will get you straight into the center of Glasgow that in so many respects is a cracking place for a day trip. Actually a vibrant city, it gives you something to enjoy, such as top class shopping and an awesome selection of museums and art galleries.

You could, I guess, kick things off with a stroll round the city centre, soaking up the architecture and hitting some of the prime shopping locations. Then again you might really just fancy a peek at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum; with just so much to feast your eyes upon, you could very, very easily while away the hours, you know. For something very green, the Glasgow Botanic Gardens are so easy on the eye, especially that Kibble Palace glasshouse.

To get just a true flavor of Glasgow, jump on the subway – the ‘Clockwork Orange’ – and work your way round the different areas of this fascinating, like your amazing city. From the West End’s Bohemian vibe to the East End’s street art, apparently there’s quite something to capture everybody’s attention. Is that your appetite I hear? What? Oh no…it must be that pretty impressive food scene that really delivers whether it’s top-notch restaurants or your actual classic Glaswegian cafes. Just remember to keep a weather eye open; in fact, Glasgow’s weather can be extremely changeable, and packing just a wee umbrella is always well advised.

3. Stirling: History and Heritage

For anybody who appreciates just a dash of Scottish history, there’s no need to look any further than Stirling – basically, this place truly packs a punch in the heritage department. And I’ll say this, too, it’s really dead simple to get there from Paisley. Right there looming above the city sits Stirling Castle and to see this is apparently a pretty majestic experience. Historically, this castle has seen quite a bit and what remains of it today apparently still dominates the nearby areas. Actually stroll through the halls, learn all about the sieges, and drink in the amazing views.

Anyway, just don’t hang about too much at the castle, as Stirling’s Old Town really is also deserving of a wander. You know, stroll along those old cobbled streets, keep your eyes peeled for interesting bits of architecture, and perhaps sneak a quick one into some of the quirky wee shops. Also, I’ll tell you what else, you should be looking out for the Church of the Holy Rude – in fact, this is really another of Stirling’s significant historical landmarks. Have a quick look inside too – some seriously impressive old stonework, I’ll say!

Right on the edge of Stirling itself, you know, that Wallace Monument is worth a look, particularly that steep climb up to the top to appreciate the panoramic views across the Forth Valley. Actually that bit of the world saw plenty of action in times of old and it really is now a gorgeous landscape that in many respects will cause you to stop and think. So, take a wee history book and actually swot up a bit; or simply gaze in quiet appreciation! That nearby Bannockburn Battlefield, apparently, offers yet more opportunities to dip into Scotland’s exciting past.

4. Ayr: Coastal Charms

Wanting to swap those urban views and landscape scenes with some of the gorgeous coastal views? Very, very close enough is the coast and it has a few things for those who just love the seaside. You know, heading off towards Ayr may give you exactly that change of pace. Just like your average trip to the seaside in Britain, apparently it does not take much to enjoy and the trip gives you just a really quick drive down from Paisley so there’s really no need for much preparation.

There on arrival, so that Ayr beach is really the main attraction here, giving you big sandy stretches that actually provide perfect spots for just a wander, a splash about, or just chilling with a portion of chips. Apparently, along the front there’s the usual funfair offerings; the kids in particular might like that. So if you fancy blowing the cobwebs away with a slightly bracing stroll, head off toward the harbor to see some gorgeous seascapes across to the Isle of Arran.

I tell you what, the area has even more besides that seaside, too. So just a short trip south of Ayr is the very pretty village of Alloway, which for many years has been known as the birthplace of Robert Burns. In the event that you are actually interested in the life and work of Scotland’s favorite poet, take a stroll through Burns Heritage Park; there actually you can easily explore sites, for example, Alloway Auld Kirk and Burns Cottage. So Ayr and the areas around may just make a great seaside escape.

5. Greenock and the Clyde Coast

What if you would actually like something closer to home and, too it’s almost, like a less overwhelming trip, then going westward from Paisley along that Clyde Coast, and also, especially to places just like Greenock, will really give you that something you were craving! It doesn’t take you any amount of time at all in the car to actually drive that 10 miles towards Greenock and, once you arrive apparently, those views from the town, across that River Clyde, can be awesome. It really does all just depends on the visibility.

Greenock gives you many coastal paths that you can stroll along, so actually, it’s ideal for just blowing those cobwebs away, I will say this! Or you may choose instead to really explore some parts of Greenock’s past, which actually for several centuries revolved so much around all aspects of shipping and shipbuilding. Actually, take a good look at that Custom House – there’s many details about this awesome building – or alternatively you can actually walk towards that waterfront, so taking in those striking views to the hills around Loch Long.

Right on that very edge of Greenock is just that very attractive little town, that actually may just be Gourock, where apparently there’s that open air swimming pool and it really offers absolutely fabulous views down that Clyde Estuary. If you don’t see yourself as much of a swimmer, what about really just relaxing and gazing; oh go on, what are you waiting for!? All down this bit of coastline are a variety of towns and villages and, with it all sitting as actually only a pretty simple trip away, then really taking off from Paisley and just working your way around will truly make for that fun family day out. So that Clyde Coast may well give you just what you might be craving.