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There are few things better than packing a blanket, some sandwiches, drinks – maybe even a sweet treat or two – and heading out to enjoy a picnic in the sun.
Luckily, Renfrewshire is home to a host of great parks, green spaces and delightful hidden gems where you can unpack and unwind.
Take a closer look at these great places to spend a lunchtime or afternoon with friends and family.
Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park – Lochwinnoch
Looking for a chilled-out afternoon soaking up the sun and scenery or something more adventurous? Well, Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park offers the best of both.
You’ll find lots of beauty spots to enjoy a leisurely picnic, with benches and tables handily located around the park.
You can also book a BBQ site at the park by contacting one of the park rangers. Remember, if you’re bringing your own portable BBQ, make sure to place it on bricks or stones rather than directly onto the grass or picnic table. You don’t want to be damaging the beautiful landscape.
Located in the regional park is Castle Semple Country Park and Castle Semple Loch. Here, visitors can launch their own kayak, canoe, windsurf or join one of the boating clubs to learn skills on the water with fully qualified instructors. The park offers a variety of courses to suit all levels.
Explore the range of things to do at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park here.
Boden Boo & Erskine Beach
Enjoy a picnic on the edge of the River Clyde, under the impressive Erskine Bridge.
Boden Boo and Erskine Beach is a gem of a location, with sandy shores, grassy slopes and picnic benches for you to tuck into a tasty lunch.
The woodlands offer fantastic trails for a leisurely stroll or cycle. There’s also accessible paths ideal for buggies and walking your pet pup too.
Find out more about Boden Boo and Erskine Beach here.
Gleniffer Braes Country Park – Paisley
With outstanding views, Gleniffer Braes Country Park offers fantastic spaces for picnics surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Among the serene spots found within the park is the stunning Craigielinn Waterfall. It’s a particular favourite with locals, visitors to the area and photographers.
Birdwatchers are in for a treat with skylarks, meadow pipits, kestrels, sparrowhawks and many more often spotted at the park. You’re also likely to see some Highland cows grazing the fields during a visit. You might even be lucky enough to spot some deer.
Fancy taking in more sights after your picnic? Renfrewshire Council’s Ranger Service regularly lead guided walks to help you find out more.
Get everything you need to know about Gleniffer Braes here.
Finlaystone Country Estate – Langbank
With around 140 acres of woodlands, Finlaystone Country Estate offers fantastic BBQ and picnic areas.
The attraction is managed by the family of the Chief of the Clan MacMillan, who welcome visitors with open arms to the estate’s beautiful gardens and range of walking trails.
Handy maps can be found at the visitor centre to ensure you don’t get lost around the grounds.
Have a spot of lunch beside trees that are well over 400 years old or take one of the many Ranger-led activities.
There are also brilliant adventure playgrounds to entertain the kids for hours on end.
The estate is open every day of the year from 10am – 5pm, April to September and 10am – 4pm in winter months. It’s located at Langbank, just 10 minutes west of Glasgow Airport.
Find out more about the estate and admissions here.
RSPB Lochwinnoch
Pack a picnic and spend a great day outdoors at the RSPB!
This wetland reserve is another great spot to enjoy some amazing wildlife with the family.
It’s located just 30 minutes from Glasgow city centre by car or train – and close to the Castle Semple visitor centre at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.
The reserve is home to an outdoor natural play area, accessible trails, hides, and events suitable for families. Plus there’s daily drop-in kids’ activities from April to October.
While you’re there, see how many different kinds of birds and ducks you can spot around the wetlands.
Find out more about RSPB Lochwinnoch here.
Barshaw Park – Paisley
Located near Paisley town centre, Barshaw Park has lovely scenery and range of great facilities for a fun afternoon out.
Visitors can enjoy children’s play areas, a BMX park, crazy golf and putting (seasonal). There’s a pond used by model boat enthusiasts, outdoor gym, peaceful walled gardens, café and fantastic miniature railway (seasonal).
Barshaw park also has accessible paths and wheelchair accessible swings.
Find out more here.
Fountain Gardens – Paisley
Where can you enjoy a picnic with a view of a Category A-listed fountain containing statues of herons, dolphins and walruses? Paisley of course!
Originally laid out in 1797, Fountain Gardens is Paisley’s oldest public park. The current layout and name dates to the 1860s.
Lined with benches, picnic tables, grassy areas and broad walkways, the park is lots of fun.
All paths lead to the ornate cast-iron Grand Fountain at the centre of the park, which is a popular photo spot for visitors.
Find out more here.
Robertson Park – Renfrew
With a beautiful pond and rich grassy areas, Robertson Park in Renfrew is a pretty location to unpack a picnic.
The park was opened in 1912 as an open space for the children of Renfrew. It was gifted to the Royal Burgh of Renfrew by William Robertson, a successful local businessman.
Today, it continues to offer great amenities and activities for families to enjoy.
Find out more here.
Thomas Shanks Park – Johnstone
Enjoy a picnic in a park steeped in history. Thomas Shanks Park is named after a leading industrialist of the 19th century who owned a company of heavy machine toolmakers – Thomas Shanks and Company.
Thomas’s daughter, Mrs J Polson, gifted the park to the town in the name of her late father for the recreation of the local people of Johnstone.
The park contains play areas, a skateboard ramp and two grass football pitches for visitors to enjoy.
