We have compiled a list of all of the fantastic things to do in Renfrew, so you don’t have to!
This historic town is only six miles from Glasgow. It has early links with Scotland’s former royal house, earning it the nickname of “Cradle of the Royal Stewarts”.
Shipbuilding and engineering are amongst Renfrew’s historic industries. Not surprising, considering its prime position on the River Clyde and River Cart.
The town is in a great central location. You’ll find no shortage of activities and places to visit here – so let’s get to the list!
Read on for our great list of things to do in Renfrew.
Top Things to Do in Renfrew
Renfrew is a fantastic place to bring the kids for a fun filled family holiday. Couples and groups of friends, too, will be delighted with all the great days out to be had here.
We’ve put together a great list of the top things to do in Renfrew down below!
Intu Braehead
This fabulous shopping centre has many, many top notch shops to satisfy your shopping cravings.
Over a hundred of your favourites, all in one place!
Braehead doesn’t only host a variety of great shops and restaurants. Just a stone’s throw away, separated by the car park, is a second complex.
It’s a social hub with lots of great activities all in one convenient location. We’ll cover them all as we go on!
Soar at Intu Braehead
This is the ultimate family entertainment destination.
All under the same roof you can experience adventure, hit the bars and restaurants, go bowling or visit the cinema.
If you’ve got the kids with you they’ll absolutely love the great family attractions and extreme activities.
Test your endurance on one of the UK’s biggest freestanding climbing walls. Go wild with the kids on the state of the art aerial adventure course.
Have some freefalling fun on The Drop – an adrenaline rush with a soft landing like you’ve never tried before.
Kids and kids at heart alike – don’t miss out on this day of adventure!
Snow Factor
The UK’s biggest indoor Snow Slope is a part of Soar at Braehead!
There are lots of great things to do in Renfrew that get the blood pumping, but winter sport lovers will enjoy this one the best.
They offer expert advice, ski and snowboarding lessons, sledging on real snow, plus a REAL ice wall for ice climbing.
Adults can sample from a range of German beers. After all that activity they’ll go down nicely alongside the authentic Bavarian meals on offer.
Ice Bar Glasgow
This one is just for the grown-ups – and makes for a very interesting date night.
Located inside of Snow Factor is the coolest bar in Scotland, the first of its kind. The ice bar serves a fabulous selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks which are all wonderfully chilled (as expected).
Everything, including your table and glasses, is made of crystal clear ice. So bundle up, because you won’t want to leave this winter wonderland in a hurry.
Braehead Arena
Another point of interest near the Braehead complex is the Braehead Arena.
This multi-purpose arena is home to the Glasgow Clan ice hockey team and the Paisley Pirates!
A variety of local sporting events and concerts have been hosted here over the years. Including the men and women’s world curling championships and WWE wresting.
Take a spin on the rink yourself when you visit! It’s a great way to tire out the kids and have fun. Or take a look on their website to find out what on during your visit and book tickets.
Clydebank Titan
Those of you not fond of heights might want to skip this one – it’s not for the fainthearted!
This industrial giant is a must see for visitors to Renfrew. Spectacular views await you if you travel up to the top, but its gets cold so dress warmly!
Even if you don’t end up going to the top, this iconic landmark if well worth a visit for its history. Learn about the history of John Brown’s shipbuilders.
It’s a slice of Scotland’s history that will entertain visitors of all ages.
The Experience
True to its name, this 5 star themed entertainment and events venue is quite the experience for you and the kids.
This great venue has a lot to offer. They house Scotland’s only electric Go-Karting Arena.
Plus laser experience, slot car racing, useful conference spaces and a bunch of crazy fun children’s party options!
Spend a day tiring the kids out here.
Knockhill Park
Just a simple park for a simply lovely day with the family.
This park bursts with colour in the summer but offers fun all year round. The playground facilities are excellent. There are toilets, a tea room and a tuck shop.
What else can I say? Sometimes nice and simple is just what you need.
Gleniffer Braes Country Park
Just a short 20 minute journey from the bustling urban town of Renfrew is this breath-taking natural oasis.
Outstanding picturesque views and a lovely serene atmosphere are awarded to all who venture into this country park.
It’s just you and unspoiled nature here. Perfect for walks, runs and cycles – ‘the Braes’ is truly a lovely place to visit.
The woodlands and moorlands are home to a variety of wildlife – so animal lovers and birdwatchers will not be disappointed. It’s also an ideal picnic spot.
Renfrewshire Council even give guided tours through the park. I highly recommend taking the time to visit here and soak it all in.
Clydebank Museum
Renfrew’s industrial heritage is a huge point of interest for visitors. If you count yourself amongst the history buffs, you’ll enjoy Clydebank Museum.
Here you can learn all about the area’s local history, which includes shipbuilding at John Brown & Company and the work of Scottish Colourists.
You might also be interested in the museums fascinating collection of Singer sewing machines. These date as far back as 1850 and up to the early 1980s.
Also on show for your viewing pleasure are exhibits by contemporary Scottish artists – which you can actually buy!
It is well worth a visit, so don’t miss it.
Robertson Park
Another lovely park to sit together or unleash the kids, but this one is a little different.
Take the little ones to feed the ducks and to play in the picturesque play area, or for a pleasant stroll along one of their lovely walks.
Older kids can go wild on the swings and climbing apparatus just for them.
The park also has cycle routes, a skate park and a little farm.
With all this to do, you could spend the whole day here!
City Central Mural Trail
With such a central location, there are tons of things to do in Renfrew.
Urban art – totally unique to this great city – are scattered around on otherwise unremarkable walls for you to find.
The variety is vast but the quality never wavers – they’re all beautiful.
To make it simpler for yourself, explore the Mural Trail organised by the Glasgow City Council.
It’s free, easily accessible and captures the creative soul of Glasgow.
Check out the Paisley Mural Trail and the Glasgow Mural Trail.
Fountain Gardens
This enchanting old Victorian style public park is wonderfully colourful and full of curious sights.
This is Paisley’s oldest public gardens, but more recent renovations have restored its former glory.
This includes the parks Grand Central Fountain, where the lavish colours and peculiar walruses in the water give a bit of an Alice in Wonderland feel.
If you’re looking for things to do in Renfrew that can double as an excellent Instagram picture opportunity, this park is perfect.
Renfrew Victory Baths
Modern leisure meets a splash of history.
This Edwardian 25 yard pool is steeped in history and tradition, whilst offering all the comforts of present day recreation.
The baths have an old fashioned 1920’s style and layout, with intricate arched doorways, memorabilia, and a viewing gallery.
The facilities themselves are fantastic. There’s the 5 lane pool we mentioned already, plus a beauty therapy room, dance studio, and spectating area.
Relaxation and a dip back in time to Renfrew’s historical past? One of the great things to do in Renfrew!
Renfrew Golf Club
This excellent course features 18 holes set onto lush green parkland.
Past visitors rave about the stunning views and the unique challenges present throughout which make the game that much more interesting.
Visitors are welcome all day on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Restrictions due to member’s activities may apply during the rest of the week.
The prices are very reasonable for such a wonderful course so don’t miss out – come and give it a go!
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Only a 20 minute drive from Renfrew to Glasgow’s utterly spectacular Botanic Gardens!
Located in Glasgow’s West End, the Botanic Gardens offer several glasshouses bursting with colour and plant life.
There is a lot to see here. All sorts of tropical flora thriving at a variety of different temperatures, as well as a stunning herb garden.
You can learn a bit about the history of these plants and their introduction to Scotland. The chronological bed – true to its name – is arranged to display it proudly.
The world rose garden is my personal favourite – and you always walk out smelling of roses.
More Things to do in Glasgow, Clyde & Ayrshire:
- Things to do in Ayr
- Things to Do in Clydebank
- Things to do in Girvan
- Things to do in Glasgow
- Things to do in Gourock
- Things to do in Greenock
- Things to do in Helensburgh
- Things to do in Kilmarnock
- Things to do in Largs
- Things to do in Maybole
- Things to do in Motherwell
- Things to do in Paisley
- Things to do in Troon
