Barshaw Park

Barshaw Park is a public park of about 55 acres in Paisley, in the Renfrewshire council area of Scotland, a short distance from Glasgow. It combines open recreational grassland with garden areas and is free for anyone to enter, which makes it one of the most practical green spaces in the town for a family outing or a quiet walk.

What is Barshaw Park and where is it?

The park lies in Paisley, the largest town in Renfrewshire, in the west of Scotland. Its address is on Glasgow Road, in the PA1 postcode area. Renfrewshire Council looks after it as one of its public parks, and its coordinates are roughly 55.848 N, 4.395 W.

When did the park open?

The land was bought from the Arthur family in December 1911. The park opened to the public on 15 June 1912, so it has served local residents for more than a century. A small number of reference works give 1911 as the opening year, but the purchase and the formal opening are best understood as two steps of the same project.

What is there to do?

Barshaw Park is popular with families because it offers many different activities in one place.

• Play areas. There are several playgrounds, including Laura's Playpark and Robinia Playpark, and some equipment is designed for children with special needs.
• Model traffic area. A free model traffic area lets children learn road basics in a safe setting.
• Model railway. A miniature railway runs during the summer season.
• Boating pond. The pond is the home of the Paisley Model Yacht Club, whose members have sailed radio-controlled and model boats there since 1895. The club is based at the boathouse.
• Golf. A municipal golf course on the grounds is open at seasonal hours.
• Walled garden. The walled garden is tended by volunteers from the Friends of Barshaw Park and is a calmer corner for a stroll.
• Other features. The park also has a BMX track, a swing park and a Nature Corner.

Is it free, and can I park?

Entry to the park is free, and so are most of the attractions mentioned above, such as the play areas, the model traffic area and the walled garden. Free parking is available. Some extras, such as golf, have their own charges and opening times.

Practical tips

• Check seasonal opening times before you go if you want to ride the model railway or play a round of golf, because both run on a seasonal schedule.
• The small animal enclosure that once stood in the park rehomed its last animals in 2020, so do not count on seeing animals; check the current status of the Nature Corner first.
• Bring a picnic, as the grounds are large enough to spread out on a fine day.
• The park is easy to combine with a visit to Paisley town centre and its heritage sites.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Barshaw Park? It covers about 55 acres of parkland and gardens.

Is Barshaw Park free? Yes, entry is free. Some activities, such as golf, are paid.

Is it suitable for children? Yes. There are playgrounds, a model traffic area, a BMX track, a swing park and a summer model railway.

Can I sail boats on the pond? The pond is used by the Paisley Model Yacht Club, which has sailed there since 1895. Check with the club or the council for public sailing opportunities.

When did Barshaw Park open? It opened on 15 June 1912 on land bought in December 1911.