Why go?

Greenock is the gateway to the west coast of Scotland and the call port for Glasgow with regular visits from the likes of Princess Cruises, Saga and Hebridean. Handling both turnarounds and, increasingly, day calls, it offers excursions for all interests — from nature and city culture to whisky tasting and golf.

Cruise port location

Ships berth alongside at the Greenock Ocean Terminal, located right in the town centre at the former shipbuilding harbour on the Clyde.

Can I walk to any places of interest?

It’s a short walk into town, taking in the riverside Esplanade and Town Hall. Or take a quick taxi hop to the Greenock Cut, a scenic, a three-hour walk along a historic trail with views of Loch Thom.

There’s free tourist information from Inverclyde Tourist Group volunteers in the terminal building.

Getting around

Cruise excursions and taxis depart quayside. Public buses stop outside the terminal’s main gate and Greenock Central station is a 10-minute walk, making this a handy port for independent passengers exploring Glasgow or Paisley.

An open-top bus tour leaves the port for a 45-minute tour of Greenock. 

Getting there…

The cruise terminal is just a couple of minutes drive from the M8-A8 into Greenock. It’s also walking distance to Greenock Central train station for the one-hour journey to Glasgow. From Glasgow Airport, it’s 17 miles via the M8 to the cruise terminal.

Hotels

There are three hotels near the port: The Tontine, Holiday Inn Express and Premier Inn, plus local B&Bs.

The best option to extend your stay is overnighting in Glasgow. A solid budget option located near to Glasgow Central Station (for Greenock connections) is Motel One. For something more stylish, the Principal Blythswood Square Hotel is a smart property close to the main shops of Buchanan Street. It’s family friendly and boasts an award-winning spa. Finally, 15 Glasgow is a boutique B&B in a tranquil setting near to Kelvingrove Park for some green space.

What can I do in four hours or less?

Glasgow makes for the obvious half-day excursion with independent visitors taking a taxi to speed up transfers. The big attraction is The Riverside Museum, the gleaming-glass centrepiece of the Clydeside regeneration. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, it explores the city’s industrial past.

Some of the city’s best historic buildings reveal the trademark hand of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the early 20th-century architect who remains the founding father of artistic Glasgow. The Glasgow Style gallery at the genteel Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, set in lush parkland, tells his story. More ideas are available here.

Alternatively, small groups of people could hire a taxi for four hours, visiting Loch Lomond (50-minute drive) and making a stop at one of the local whisky distilleries, Glengoyne, for a tasting of lowland malts.

What can I do in eight hours or less?

The cruise into port along the River Clyde is particularly picturesque with views across the mountains, the Isle of Bute and Isle of Arran. The most popular full-day excursions make the most of this natural splendour with the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park the west coast highlight.

Popular stops include the picturesque highland village of Luss for strolling on the banks of Loch Lomond before heading onto Stirling Castle, home to the Stuart Kings and one of Scotland’s most important castles.

An alternative route includes a visit to the whitewashed buildings of Inveraray, a fine example of Scottish Georgian architecture. Take a stroll around the shores of Loch Fyne or visit the Inveraray Courtroom and Jail. Fans of the TV series Downton Abbey will love Inveraray Castle, which took a starring role in the 2012 Christmas special as the mythical Duneagle Castle.

Finally, playing a round of golf remains a perennial favourite for visitors to Scotland. The legendary Loch Lomond Golf Club is members only but The Carrick, located in the grounds of Cameron House Hotel, is open for golf days. And, if you’re pushed for time, try the Wee Demon, a nine-hole course in the hotel grounds.

What can I do with a bit longer?

Arrive early to spend a couple of days visiting Edinburgh — trips combined with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo each August are a popular option.

Or take a train to Dundee, UK’s first Unesco City of Design, where the new V&A Museum opened this autumn with the first permanent gallery of Scottish design.

Eat and drink

Local pubs in Greenock serve a traditional haggis lunch, a taste of Scotland, washed down with a wee dram of single malt.

Glasgow’s dining scene, meanwhile, has moved on from deep-fried Mars bars and Irn-Bru with the Ubiquitous Chip a stalwart champion of local produce. The Oran Mor arts centre is home to the perennially popular lunchtime theatre show, A Pie, a Pint and a Play. For something more genteel, the Willow Tea Rooms, opened in 1903 and designed by Rennie Mackintosh, reopened this summer after major refurbishment.

• How Glasgow went from deep-fried Mars bars to gastronomic hot spot

Don’t leave Glasgow without…

Choosing designs based on a family tartan or having a kilt fitting are the quintessential experiences. Tartan Plus on Glasgow’s Buchanan Street is the place for clothes and Celtic jewellery.

For something more tongue in cheek, head to the Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art in Royal Exchange Square, where the shop has more offbeat ideas. 

Need to know

Safety

Most visits are trouble free with usual precautions.

Best time to visit 

Ships call March to November, although May to September generally offers better weather for visitors.

Please check the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before travelling, and be aware that government advice can change suddenly. Always check your operator's cancellation policy before booking.