📌 Paisley, Renfrewshire
★★★
Paisley Abbey is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of Paisley, in the middle of a peaceful green space set slightly apart from the town centre. The religious site was originally founded as a priory by Cluniac monks in 1163, who later established Crossraguel Abbey as a daughter house. A series of events in 1316 gave the abbey the nickname “Cradle of the Stewart Kings”. A pregnant Marjorie Bruce, daughter of Robert the Bruce, was killed in a horse-riding accident nearby and was laid to rest in the abbey; meanwhile her unborn son, Robert, survived and was delivered by Caesarian section. Robert went on to become King Robert II of Scotland, the first Stewart monarch, whose lineal descendants include Queen Elizabeth II. The interior of the abbey features a wonderfully long nave and choir (the latter rebuilt from ruins in the late 1800s), stained-glass windows and a fine organ. Back on the outside, look out for 12 gargoyles adorning the southwest side – one of which bears a striking resemblance to the alien from the 1979 film of the same name.
🌍 Location
📌 Abbey Close, 5-min walk east of Paisley town centre
O.S. Grid Reference: NS 486640
GPS coordinates: 55.844967,-4.420259
🚆 Paisley Gilmour Street (nearby) or Paisley Canal (0.5 mi) | 🚌 Bus to Paisley
🚗 Car parks & street parking (both charge)
📝 Key info
⌚ Tuesday to Saturday
🎫 Free
