Paisley is one of Scotland’s biggest towns with a rich history, especially in textiles. It was one of five UK cities to have been shortlisted for the UK City of Culture 2021.
It is home to architectural treasures, hidden gems and a vibrant cultural scene. The easily-walkable historic centre has Scotland’s largest concentration of listed buildings, including the iconic 850-year-old Paisley Abbey and Scotland’s oldest public observatory.
The iconic Paisley Pattern design was favoured across the world and worn by figures from Queen Victoria to the Beatles. Paisley Museum is home to a Recognised Collection of National Significance including Paisley shawls, working looms and pattern books.
Make sure to check out Paisley Thread Mill Museum, founded in 2003 which tells the story of the Clarks and Coats Thread Mills of Paisley, They explain the story of Thread Making in Paisley from its origin in 1722 to the close of the last mill in 1993.
Travel
Most of the town centre can be done by foot, as the city centre is rather small, but if you wish to get around or visit Glasgow, frequent bus services run between Paisley and Glasgow Buchanan Street bus station.
Paisley Gilmour Street railway station is the largest of the four stations serving the town of Paisley. Paisley is on the Glasgow to Greenock and Glasgow to Ayrshire lines. The train from Glasgow Central Station takes approximately 15 minutes. The Paisley Canal line also connects Paisley with Glasgow Central Station.
Glasgow International Airport is within the town's boundaries. A large number of airlines fly here to many locations throughout the UK, Europe and beyond. The airport terminal is just 2km from Paisley town center. Frequent buses run between the town centre and the airport.
Glasgow Prestwick International Airport is about 30 miles from Paisley. There is a train link from Prestwick Airport to Paisley Gilmour Street station.