The Cologne Chamber Philharmonia Vivaldi, Bach, Paganini et al Already down at heel, sadly recent economic events have left my birthplace looking more beleaguered than ever. I couldn't help thinking of Michigan A brief jaunt around the centre in search of parking did nothing to disabuse me of that grim notion. The Abbey, along with the imposing Town Hall, are testament to a once prosperous Paisley. Fortunately, the rain had stopped, replaced by warm, evening sunshine, and having parked a short distance from our destination, we had plenty of time to admire this 850 year old hidden gem, before the concert began. Well, I've been before - the last time we were treated to a guided tour by one of the elders, who was kind enough to escort us up the spiral staircase to the top of the tower. It might not look very tall from the ground, but I can assure you: It's a fair hike up those narrow stairs. Well worth the effort, though, as the the view from the top, of Paisley and beyond, is wonderful! Having already spent some time exploring the cloister, admiring the beautiful stained glass and the absolutely incredible ceiling, we were in need of some refreshment. Luckily, there's a wee tea room to the left of the entrance. Now, they don't do 'posh nosh' or flat whites, but you can expect a decent cup of tea or coffee at 1980 prices. And if I'm not mistaken, it's staffed entirely by volunteers. I've heard the organ - the acoustics of the Abbey are amazing - so I was really looking forward to the concert. Despite an almost full house, we were able to snaffle a couple of front row seats We were not disappointed. There were seven musicians in all and they were, without exception, very gifted performers. From the opening of Vivaldi's 'Winter', all the way to the encore of Paganini, Paisley's economic woes were temporarily forgotten. I won't try to explain how exhilarating I found the performance. It is music. Have a look at the links below and listen! http://www.kpk-info.de/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llwfOsv8qfY A simple visit to the Abbey itself is a wonderful treat. The beautiful music helped create a truly memorable evening! Makes me proud to be a Buddy! read more

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I doff my cap to the previous reviewer of this place, cheers Mary, the review was full, just not of grace!! Aye, so. Having grown up in the sunny climes of Paisley i can attest to the splendour that is Paisley Abbey. Now being of a non religious mind I've always felt a little like an interloper when stepping through these hallow gates, however once inside this is quickly forgotten as the wonder of the architecture and the feel of the place grabs you. A quick wander around the main churchy area and a good old nosey at the quite excellent stain glass windows etc works up just enough of a thirst to justify a trip to the wee tea room located in the "house" part of the grounds.....Its basically a gift shop with a couple of grannies in residence serving guilt free (fair trade) teas coffees and an assortment of biscuits...yum i say. All is priced very reasonably, as are the assortment of second hand books and gifty stuff. To be honest, Paisley as a place ain't got much going for it, sure the Uni is here, but in terms of purpose, all that left with the industries in the late eighties, nineties and noughties (i detest this term and will never use it again!). This however should not put you off a trip to this excellent piece of architecture and cool wee tea room......cheers Mary, i had almost forgot how much i liked being dragged to this place when i was a kid by my old maw when i'd much rather have been in Mc Donalds.....funny how things change!! read more

Paisley Abbey - Churches Near Me - Paisley, RFW

I am not a Christian myself, mostly because I am generally hungover on a Sunday and there is no way I could drag myself to a chruch, but I love the Paisley Abbey! It is a stunning building which was founded in 1163 and is definitely worth a visit if your ever in the area. I'm afraid, not being a religious person, that I can't tell you much about the Abbey from that perspective other than to say that it is parish church of The Church of Scotland but the Abbey does have a website if you are interested in knowing more about the services offered and such like. Its really difficult to describe how beautiful this Abbey is. There are grand, ornate doorways and stunning stained glass windows. The wood carving on the stalls is lovely and the huge organ really is something else! If you are at all interested in arcitecture or history then I highly recommend a visit to the Paisley Abbey as there is so much to see from so many different time periods. Rather bizarely there is also a gift shop where you can buy souviners should you wish! read more

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Visited the Abbey during Renfrewshire's Doors Open Day. Took the 197 steps up a narrow spiral staircase to the top of the tower for excellent views across the city and of some of Paisley's other landmarks. It was a little bit terrifying coming back down those stairs though! The interior is grand and rich with detail, with beautiful stained glass windows and a high wooden ceiling. Make sure you spend time going round the outside of the building looking at the detail too - and see if you can spot the Alien gargoyle that was added after refurbishment in the 1990's! read more

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Paisley has a pretty bad reputation which is not entirely unjustified. Half the shops in the centre are boarded up. Even singer Paolo Nutini had a go at his home town in the press recently, saying it had "gone to s***" and the council "should be f****** ashamed." A real shame because the second biggest town in Scotland (after East Kilbride) has some beautiful old buildings, the most spectacular of which is Paisley Abbey. Dating back to 14th century, the abbey was built in honour of St Mirin, the local saint who brought Christianity to Scotland. The body of Marjory Bruce, daughter of Robert the Bruce, is buried there after she died at the spot following a horse riding accident. The baby she was carried at the time was rescued and became King Robert II. It is also believed William Wallace was educated by the monks of the abbey. Strange this overlooked masterpiece sits round the corner from pound shops and drug abusers. I would highly recommend a trip to the tourist attraction you have never thought of visiting. read more

One of not many gorgeous, sunny days on our trip to the area, we got out to explore Paisley. The beautiful Paisley Abbey features grand, ornate doorways and stunning stained glass windows, gorgeous wood carvings on the choir stalls, and some fascinating history. We were lucky enough while we were there to hear someone practicing on the magnificent pipe organ (reputedly one of the finest in Scotland). St. Mirrin established a community on the site in the 7th Century! The abbey is the burial place of all six High Stewards of Scotland. It's free, and a great place to wander around and explore. read more

It's a Saturday night and this trendy, wild (or so I like to think) 26 year old finds herself in Paisley Abbey.... This might seem a tad odd but I haven't found religion, I just happen to be a loyal daughter and went along to see my mum in the City of Glasgow Chorus singing Berlioz Te Deum. Now it has to be a really good reason to get me in Paisley on a Saturday night in the first place; having escaped the Buddie life at the age of 16 I only go back for family matters if I can help it, but the Abbey has always captured my heart and made me proud to be a born and bred Paisley girl. The building stands proud and beautiful next to the nearly as impressive Town Hall. A true piece of history in a town which is certainly lacking these days. The great arches and stained glass inside are simply breathtaking and even though classical isn't my thing, the music certainly was too. Combining the presence of the Abbey with the haunting soprano in Szymanowski's Stabat Mater made for a memorable Saturday night... I even got a cuppa with gran in the tea room. So if you're looking for an alternative evening activity check out choral week in Paisley next time and take in the Abbey with an astounding backing track. read more

The lack of sun, the slushy streets and a huge fuck off hangover led me to board a train from Glasgow Central and head to Paisley for a day out. I suppose their was a whole load of nostalgia stuff going on in the old heid what with the impending doom of Neerday and the morbid song at the bells,sorry Rabbie.So in this somewhat sorry state i headed for the Paisley Abbey,i love it.The building is a masterpiece of craftmanship,the stained windows are vibrant and bold,the pews are real wood,nae ikea shite in this here place of a worship.I could give you a history of the abbey but i aint got the time or the knowledge so check it out on their website.I am however qualified to speak of the tea room,yeah. It is in the main "granny run"the women are nice,kindly and well helpful.The tea and coffee are fair trade and the goodies come in packets,shortbread,flapjacks,biscuits,and the likes,there is also a wee shop within the tearoom that sell loads of bits and bobs,books,abbey stuff,"and so on,its a great wee place to find something when you came in for nothing!.Vist the Paisley Abbey wear a duffle coat and bunnet as its freezing,bring a penny to spend in the shop,have a cuppa and say hello to the friendly folk.The only reason i am knocking a point off this gaff is because i have no duffle coat. read more